Elopement Laws in Tennessee: Your Ultimate Legal Elopement Checklist

Legally Eloping in Tennessee

Hey there, thrill-seekers and love enthusiasts! If you've got "Tennessee elopement" written in your stars, you're about to embark on a legal adventure that's as wild as the Great Smoky Mountains themselves. Buckle up, because we're diving into the epic world of planning a kickass elopement that's not only breathtaking but also totally official in the eyes of the law.

Eloping in Tennessee is pretty easy and straight forward. All you need to do is apply for your marriage license and find an officiant to help seal the deal. Witnesses are not required in Tennessee. This blog post will go over all of the legal logistics you need to know to get hitched - without a hitch.

Step 1: Lock in that License

Let's start with the basics: both you and your partner need to be at least 18 years old to get married. Now, about the marriage license – this is the important paper that makes your elopement official. You'll need to visit the County Clerk's office together in Tennessee, and bring IDs like your driver's license, passport, or birth certificate. If either of you was married before, bring the divorce papers too. The cost of the license varies by county, so it's a good idea to check your local County Clerk's website for details.

Now, let's talk wait times. There is no waiting period in Tennessee, which means as soon as you apply and pay the fees, you usually get your license right away. But here's the thing – the license is only valid for 30 days. That means you need to have your elopement within that time frame, or you'll need to go through the process again, which includes paying the filing fee again!

Step Two: Hire an Officiant

Now that you've got your marriage license in hand, the next step to getting legally married in Tennessee is to find someone who can solemnize your marriage. Back in the day, when people thought of an elopement, they imagined two people rushing off to the nearest courthouse and walking out Mr. and Mrs. an hour later. In Tennessee, that's nearly a long gone thing of the past. Most courthouses do not hold civil ceremonies anymore, therefore it is up to you to find someone who holds the power to solemnize a marriage.

That said, Tennessee recognizes many different people as having the power to solemnize a marriage with any religious leader of any religion and notary publics being the most accessible to most people. This means that any priest, minister, preacher, pastor, rabbi or any other religious leader of any religious affiliation having the care of souls may marry you, or a notary public, and you can rest easy knowing your marriage is legally binding with no hiccups.

Hiring an officiant is a critical step in getting legally married in Tennessee, so be sure you don't skip this step for your elopement!

Looking to learn more on how to hire the best Officiant for your elopement? Check out my blog post here: The Ultimate Guide to Choosing the Perfect Officiant for your Tennessee Elopement

Step Three: Plan your Elopement Ceremony

Now that you understand the legal requirements, it's time to plan the ceremony itself. You will want to make sure you are checking off three very important steps off your list:

1. Find an Officiant: For your marriage to be legally recognized, you'll need an officiant to perform the ceremony. Tennessee law allows ordained ministers, religious leaders, judges, and certain public officials to solemnize marriages. Ensure that your chosen officiant is legally authorized to marry couples in Tennessee.
2. Pick a Location: Tennessee boasts stunning landscapes, including the Great Smoky Mountains, charming waterfalls, and rolling hills. Research different locations and decide whether you want an outdoor ceremony in nature or an indoor venue like a chapel or a historic building. For more ideas, check out this blog post: 30 Location Ideas for your Tennessee Elopement
3. Hire Vendors: While the only vendor you absolutely need and cannot do without for your elopement is an officiant, consider hiring a florist to create a beautiful bouquet for your special day, or a caterer to prepare a special meal just for the two of you! I would also highly suggest hiring a photographer to capture every second. Everyone you hire will go above and beyond for you for your day, but photos of the day will live on with you forever.

For a more in depth guide to planning your perfect Tennessee elopement, check out this blog post here: 7 Step Checklist for the Ultimate Tennessee Elopement