What Are Tennessee Marriage Records?

Tennessee marriage records, maintained by various authorities, document official details of marriage events across the state. They help establish marital status, trace family history and confirm legal relationships. The state government began maintaining these records in 1861 to preserve information about lawful unions.

Marriage records include essential details such as the full names of both spouses, parents' names, the marriage date and location, and the officiating minister's name. These records also note the bride's full name before marriage and often list witnesses present during the ceremony.

Marriage records in Tennessee generally come in two primary forms: marriage licenses and marriage certificates.

As defined in Tennessee Code Annotated Section 36-3-104, a marriage license is issued before the wedding if the applicants meet the requirements, and it authorizes the couple to marry. After the ceremony, a marriage certificate is issued as proof of the marriage. Both documents are vital for legal purposes, such as name changes and spousal benefits.

Are Marriage Certificates Public Records?

Per the Tennessee Code Annotated Title 10 Chapter 7, marriage records, including marriage certificates, are generally open to the public. However, records created within the last 50 years are not open to public access.

Only eligible persons with a direct interest may request copies of these records. Such individuals include the registrants, their immediate family members, and those with legal authorization. Requests for marriage records must be submitted along with documents proving eligibility.

While recent marriage certificates are restricted, older records are open for genealogical research and verifying family connections. However, access to some details, such as Social Security numbers, exact addresses, and phone numbers, may still be restricted.

How To Look Up Marriage Records in Tennessee?

In Tennessee, marriage records are maintained by different government agencies depending on the period when they were created.

The Department of Health Office of Vital Records maintains marriage records registered in the last 50 years. Records over 50 years are kept by the local county clerks of courts and the Tennessee State Library & Archives.

To look up or obtain copies of marriage records, requesters need specific details:

• Full names of the married parties
• Date of marriage
• County where the license was issued
• Parents' names of the married couples

The officiant's name may help narrow the search. Moreover, proof of eligibility is required when requesting confidential records created in the last 50 years.

Requesters may submit their applications online, by mail, or in person. Processing times and fees vary by agency, and applicants should confirm requirements with the specific office handling the records.

How To Search Marriage Certificates?

Marriage certificates in Tennessee can be issued as a certified copy or an informational copy.

A certified copy bears the official state seal and is acceptable for legal or official purposes. On the other hand, an informational copy contains the same details and verifies a marriage but cannot be used as a legal document.

Individuals can request or search for copies of marriage certificates in Tennessee through the following methods:

In-Person

Requesters or registrants must visit the Tennessee Office of Vital Records, located in Nashville. Marriage certificates are also available through local county clerks of courts.

Individuals can follow these steps when requesting through Vital Records:

• Fill out the Application for a Certified Copy of a Certificate of Marriage (PH-1670) available at the customer service counter upon entry.
• Use Application for Verification of Marriage Facts (PH-3331) if requesting an informational copy.
• Present proper identification (e.g., driver's license, passport).
• Provide entitlement documents such as custody orders or insurance policies if an individual is not eligible to request a certified copy.
• Pay the $15 fee via cash, check, credit/debit card, or money order.

Requesting through local county clerks is identical to the above steps. However, the application form and fee schedule may vary by county.

By Mail

Individuals can also send a request for a marriage certificate by mail. They must include:

• Completed Form PH-1670
• Photocopy of a valid government ID
• Payment of $15 for one copy in check or money order
• Supporting entitlement documents if an applicant is not eligible

Once all requirements are complete, requesters can send their application to this address:

For requests from local county clerks, the process and requirements are the same, but applicable fees differ from county to county. For the mailing address of a county clerk, individuals can check the Tennessee county clerk location directory.

Online Orders

Online requests for certified copies of Tennessee marriage certificates can be made through VitalChek, the state's official third-party provider.

When ordering through the provider, individuals have two options for getting the certificate. They can request that a marriage certificate be shipped to their address or pick it up in Nashville.

Search fees are $15 for every record requested and $15 for every additional copy. Additional service fees may apply if requested through VitalCheck. Regardless of the outcome, all fees are non-refundable.

How To Search Marriage Licenses?

A marriage license is a prerequisite to marrying someone and is given to the couple before the ceremony. These records are kept at the county where the marriage was registered or the state archives for marriages that occurred more than 50 years ago.

Local County Clerks

Local county clerks have kept records of marriage licenses since 1780, and some counties, such as Knox County and Hamilton County, have online lookup or service.

If no lookup is available, individuals may need to visit the local county clerk in person or send a request through the mail. The process for requesting a copy of a marriage license is the same as that for requesting a marriage certificate.

However, fees and forms can vary between counties. Thus, individuals should verify the specific fee schedule and prescribed form with the local county clerk's office before making a request.

For convenience, the state offers an online index for all counties, which individuals can use to search for a marriage license. To use this index, individuals should do these steps:

• Choose the county where the marriage was registered.
• Find the marriage lookup tool from the online services listed.
• Provide the last name and first name of the married parties.
• Select whether to search both applicants or perform an exact match.
• Hit the search marriage license button.

Tennessee State Library & Archives

The Tennessee State Library & Archives provides access to marriage licenses from different periods through its Databases and Digital Resources:

• July 1, 1945 - December 31, 1973: A statewide microfilm index is available, organized by the groom's name. For a fee, the library conducts searches within a 5-year range.
• 1861 - June 30, 1945: Searches require the names of the married parties and a specific date or a 3-year span for metropolitan counties, such as Hamilton, Knox, and Shelby.
• 1780 - 1861: Marriage records from this period can be searched by contacting the Library and Archives directly via their Ask Us a Question or chat assistant on their website.

How To Search Marriage Records Online?

In addition to the Tennessee official government sites and accredited provider VitalCheck, individuals can search for marriage records online using genealogical society and commercial services.

Organizations like the Tennessee Genealogical Society and commercial services such as RecordsFinder allow users to search for marriage records. These platforms may provide details like the names of the bride and groom, marriage dates, and locations. While these sources do not offer certified copies, they can verify if a marriage occurred.

When Can You Access Confidential Marriage Records?

In most states, a confidential marriage is solemnized without witnesses. It is not recorded in public records and is only accessible to couples and court-authorized persons.

However, Tennessee doesn't allow confidential marriages. All marriages must be registered and are generally public, subject to certain restrictions.

While confidential marriage is not allowed, married parties can still request the sealing of certain information on their marriage records through legal procedures. When a request is approved, the public can not view sealed records without going through another legal process or obtaining a court order.

How Do You Apply for a Marriage License?

Before getting married in Tennessee, couples must meet eligibility requirements and submit the necessary documents to obtain a marriage license. Below are the guidelines for applying for a marriage license in Tennessee:

Application Eligibility

Generally, all applicants must be 18 years old. However, some counties have specific provisions regarding the age gap between couples. For instance, Shelby County only allows marriages for 17 to 18-year-olds, where one applicant is not more than 4 years older than the other applicant.

Couples under 16 years old are not allowed to obtain a marriage license, as defined in Tennessee Code Annotated (TCA) Section 36-3-105. Court orders to allow the issuance of marriage licenses for these minor applicants are no longer accepted.

Unlike other states, blood tests and residency are not required to obtain a marriage license in Tennessee.

Documents Requirement

Applicants must present valid identification during the application process. Acceptable forms of ID include driver's licenses, state-issued ID cards, passports, or military IDs. For applicants under 21, a certified birth certificate may also be required. If any of the applicants is 17 years old, parental consent is necessary to obtain a marriage license.

In addition to a valid identification, individuals must fill out a marriage license application form and supply these details:

• Full names (including original surnames, if applicable)
• Current address
• Birthplace, date of birth, and marital history
• Parent names and birthplaces
• Educational qualifications

Application Process

Applications are processed at the county clerk's office, and both parties must appear in person. Depending on the county, appointments may be required.

The cost of a marriage license starts at $98, with reduced fees for couples who have completed a premarital course within the past year. The course must be completed at the county where the marriage will take place.

A marriage license is valid for 30 days, and the marriage ceremony must take place within this period. Otherwise, applicants will need to repeat the process.

How Do I Correct a Mistake on My Marriage Certificate?

Mistakes on marriage licenses or certificates issued in Tennessee can occur due to some reasons, which include:

• Typographical or clerical mistakes entered during the processing of the document
• Misreading handwritten forms during transcription
• Information entered in the wrong fields
• Incorrect information the couple or officiant provides, such as misspelled names, wrong dates, or incorrect addresses

When errors are discovered, individuals must do the following immediately to correct or amend:

• Gather the required documents to validate correction. These documents may include:

• • A notarized affidavit that details the incorrect information and specifies the correct data
  • Supporting documents such as a birth certificate, marriage certificate, or other legal records that confirm the correct information

• Obtain a court order from the county court if the correction involves an entirely new name, modifications after a previous amendment, or any substantial changes.
• Submit the required documentation to the Office of Vital Records and pay the fee of $15 or no fee for an amendment or correction made to a marriage record within 6 months of registration.

Processing times typically range from 5 to 7 business days.

For assistance, email the Vital Records office at vrcustomerservice@tdhs.zendesk.com or call 615-685-4700.

Are Marriage Records Under the Tennessee Address Confidentiality Program (ACP) Accessible?

Address Confidentiality Program (ACP) in Tennessee is when a victim of abuse, domestic violence, or sexual assault is afforded a substitute mailing address, which protects their mailing address from disclosure to the public. The Tennessee Secretary of State (SOS) administers this program.

However, the state's ACP only applies to mailing addresses reflected on motor vehicle records and public utilities. It does not specifically protect marriage records. Thus, once county clerks record marriages, these marriage records become accessible to the public.

Still, individuals can request to conceal their addresses through a legal process. If they want to participate in ACP for their marriage records, they may need to visit the SOS Safe at Home desk for more information. Alternatively, they can send a message via their standard contact form or call (615) 253-3043.

Tennessee Marriage Statistics and Trends

According to a U.S. national survey dated 2013 to 2017, the marriage rate averaged 50%, which has declined by 10% since 2002. Moreover, this rate has been decreasing since 1995. Note that this data pertains only to opposite-sex relationships.

Marriage rates also vary significantly across racial and ethnic groups. Among adults, 57% of white individuals and 63% of Asian individuals are married, compared to 48% of Hispanic adults and 33% of Black adults.

In the context of Tennessee, marriage statistics/trends are as follows:

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