Find Davidson County Marriage and Divorce Records

Searching Marriage and Divorce Records in Davidson County

The two record types follow different paths. A marriage license is issued and recorded by the Davidson County Clerk. A divorce is a court case filed with the Circuit Court, searchable through CaseSearch by party name. The state Office of Vital Records keeps the original certificates of marriages and divorces that happen in Tennessee.

Knowing which office holds the record saves a wasted call. For a license copy, you go to the County Clerk. For a divorce decree, you go to the Circuit Court Clerk. For a state certificate, you go to Vital Records.

Where to Get a Davidson County Marriage License

Marriage licenses are issued at only one place. The County Clerk's main office in the Howard Office Building is the sole location that issues them. Branch offices handle vehicle work only and do not issue licenses. Both people must appear in person to apply.

The County Clerk marriage license page lists the requirements, fees, and office details.

Marriage License Requirements

The County Clerk sets clear requirements for a license. Both parties must be present, and the online application should be completed before the visit. You need a valid government photo ID and proof of a Social Security number if one was issued. The office does not perform civil ceremonies, so the wedding happens elsewhere.

• Both parties present at the main office.
• Online marriage license application completed first.
• Valid driver's license, photo ID, or passport.
• Proof of Social Security number if issued.
• Payment by cash or card; no checks accepted.

How to Apply for a Marriage License

The process moves fast once both people are ready. The online application comes first, then the in-person visit. The steps below follow the County Clerk's stated process.

1. Complete the online marriage license application.
2. Gather photo ID and Social Security proof.
3. If you took a premarital course, bring the notarized certificate.
4. Both parties appear at the Howard Office Building.
5. Pay the fee by cash or card.
6. Hold the wedding and solemnize within 30 days.
7. Return the completed license for recording.

If You Cannot Appear in Person

The County Clerk allows a narrow exception when one applicant cannot come to the office. A person with a physical disability needs a notarized affidavit plus a notarized consent letter from the attending physician on facility letterhead, stating the applicant is alert, oriented, and aware of seeking the license. An incarcerated applicant needs a notarized affidavit plus a notarized consent letter from the warden or chaplain on facility letterhead.

Only original documents are accepted in these situations. Photocopies will not be taken in place of the notarized originals.

Davidson County Marriage License Fees

The fee depends on how you pay and whether you took a premarital course. The County Clerk lists a cash price and a slightly higher card price. A premarital counseling certificate brings a real discount. The amounts below were listed on the official page at research time, so confirm before you go.

The state also sets a marriage license tax that feeds into the total fee.

The premarital course savings is the easiest way to lower the cost.

30-Day License Validity

A Tennessee marriage license is valid for 30 days from issuance. The County Clerk cites a state time-computation rule for counting the period. The count excludes the first day and includes the last day, unless the last day is a Saturday, Sunday, or legal holiday, in which case that day is excluded too. If the wedding does not happen within the window, the couple must return to the office and get a brand new license.

Who Can Solemnize a Marriage

Tennessee allows a wide list of officiants. The County Clerk does not perform ceremonies, but many officials and clergy can. The list of who can solemnize a marriage is broad and surprises people, since it includes notaries.

• Ministers, preachers, priests, rabbis, and other religious leaders over 18.
• Current and former county legislative members.
• County mayors and executives.
• Judges and chancellors, including federal and general sessions judges.
• Tennessee notaries public.

Requesting a Copy of a Marriage License

A copy request is not the same as applying. The copy form is for getting a copy of a license already issued in Davidson County. You can mail it to the Clerk's Office, Attention Marriage Department, with the details below. The fields come from the official copy request form.

Note: Mail copy requests to the Clerk's Office, Attention Marriage Department, P.O. Box 196333, Nashville, TN 37219-6333.

Divorce Records in Davidson County

Divorce and domestic relations cases are handled through Davidson County Circuit Court. The Circuit Court Clerk lists domestic relations among its case types. You can search CaseSearch by party name for basic case information. For copies or a certified copy of the decree, you contact the Circuit Court Clerk. A divorce file can include the complaint, a marital dissolution agreement, a parenting plan, a child support worksheet, and the final decree.

Sensitive details involving children, financial accounts, and protected addresses may be redacted or sealed. For the full search process, see the court records page.

Certified Divorce Certificates vs Court Decrees

These two documents are not interchangeable. A certified copy of the final decree comes from the court clerk that entered it and contains the actual terms. A Tennessee certificate of divorce from Vital Records verifies that the event happened but may not include all the decree terms. The state Vital Records form for a certified divorce or annulment carries a record search fee.

Related Davidson County Searches

For estates and name changes, see probate records. For the full court file process, see court records, and for the office that records licenses, see the Circuit Court Clerk page.