{"id":10410,"name":"Knoxville","state_id":54,"county_id":2602,"created_at":"2019-08-20T10:34:50.737-07:00","updated_at":"2023-11-08T06:17:19.009-08:00","meta_description":"Learn how to officiate and plan wedding ceremonies in Knoxville, including info about marriage applications, officiant duties, and wedding venues.","head_tag":"A Wedding Planning Guide for Ministers and Couples","tagline":"The Heart of the Valley","intro_section":"\u003cp\u003eSo, you\u0026rsquo;re getting hitched in Knoxville! Or, perhaps you\u0026rsquo;ve been asked to officiate a wedding for some of your friends. Either way, \u0026nbsp;you\u0026rsquo;ve come to the right place. Here in our guide, we have everything you need to know about how to get legally married in the Heart of the Valley, as well as how to get ordained so that the couple can be united in holy matrimony by their officiant-of-choice.\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003eDon\u0026rsquo;t be intimidated -- the process is easier than you might think! We\u0026rsquo;ll break it all down for you in our short guide, so that you can focus on the fun stuff, like what kind of venue you want to host your shindig at. (More on that, later!)\u003c/p\u003e\r\n","officiant_section":"\u003ch3\u003eStep 1: Get Ordained with American Marriage Ministries\u003c/h3\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003eLet\u0026rsquo;s start with the ordainment process. Despite any misinformation you might read online, Internet ministers can legally perform marriages in Tennessee (see our FAQ section for more information on this.)\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003eYou can \u003ca href=\"/ordination-application\" target=\"_blank\"\u003eget ordained with AMM\u003c/a\u003e to fall within the minister category. The process is free and takes just a few minutes! Once you\u0026rsquo;re registered with us, you\u0026rsquo;re all set to start officiating weddings in Tennessee.\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003ch3\u003e\u003cbr /\u003e\r\nStep\u0026nbsp;2: Prepare for the Ceremony in Knox County\u003c/h3\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003eNow that the easy part is out of the way, we can help you prepare for the wedding ceremony itself. Being asked to officiate a ceremony is an honor, but can feel like a lot of pressure. You will appreciate our wedding training pages, which are a library of information to help you prepare for your first ceremony and ensure that it goes smoothly.\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003eHere you can find everything from sample wedding ceremony scripts, to \u0026nbsp;brainstorming prompts, tips for preparation, and more.\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003ch3\u003e\u003cbr /\u003e\r\nStep\u0026nbsp;3: Officiate the Wedding and Complete the Marriage License\u003c/h3\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003eWhen it comes time to completing the marriage license, it\u0026rsquo;s the couple\u0026rsquo;s responsibility to obtain it from one of the county clerk\u0026rsquo;s offices, but just be sure to double check that they have it with them before the you perform the ceremony. After the \u0026ldquo;I do\u0026rsquo;s,\u0026rdquo; you should help them complete and notarize it correctly.\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003eOnce you have performed the ceremony and notarized the marriage license, either the couple or the officiant may return the completed marriage license to the Old Courthouse, or whichever clerk\u0026rsquo;s office they retrieved it from. This must be done within seven business days of the ceremony. If you want to be a star officiant, offer to take care of this for the couple so that they can enjoy their honeymoon.\u003c/p\u003e\r\n","couple_section":"\u003ch3\u003eFile for the Marriage License from the Knox County Clerk\u0026#39;s Office\u003c/h3\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003eNow, let\u0026rsquo;s turn our attention to the couple\u0026rsquo;s responsibilities! First things first: complete the online marriage license application online \u003ca href=\"https://secure.tncountyclerk.com/marriageform/marriageform.php?countylist=47\" target=\"_blank\"\u003ehere\u003c/a\u003e. Your and your partner\u0026rsquo;s info will be saved into the county\u0026rsquo;s database and you can go to any one of its \u003ca href=\"https://www.knoxcounty.org/clerk/map.php\" target=\"_blank\"\u003elocations\u003c/a\u003e to retrieve your actual marriage license. (The clerk\u0026rsquo;s office in Knoxville is the Old Courthouse, located at 300 Main Avenue, downtown.)\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cbr /\u003e\r\n\u003cstrong\u003eWhen you go, just remember to bring:\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cul style=\"margin-left: 40px;\"\u003e\r\n\t\u003cli\u003eProof of date of birth (government-issued photo ID or passport are acceptable)\u003c/li\u003e\r\n\t\u003cli\u003eSocial security number (card is not required)\u003c/li\u003e\r\n\t\u003cli\u003e$97.50 (cash, check, or credit card are all acceptable)\u003c/li\u003e\r\n\u003c/ul\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003eApplicants who have completed a premarital preparation course within a year prior to the date of applying for the license will have the fee reduced to $37.50.\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003eOnce you have been issued your marriage license, you can get married anytime within the next 30 days, but remember: once the ceremony has been performed, the deadline to turn it back over to the county clerk\u0026rsquo;s office for recording is seven business days.\u003c/p\u003e\r\n","wedding_tips":"\u003ch3\u003eThe Basics\u003c/h3\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003eWhen it comes to choosing your wedding date, it\u0026rsquo;s a good idea to check some local events calendars before committing to a venue. Watch out for the Knox Shamrock Fest, the Dollywood Festivals, the Rossini Festival, and the various other music festivals that occur throughout the year -- especially if you\u0026rsquo;re choosing a venue in the downtown area, where most of the events take place.\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003eSpeaking of venues, you\u0026rsquo;ll find that Knoxville has no shortage of country-style spots for you to have a cowboy style soiree. But if you\u0026rsquo;re looking for something a little bit outside of the norm, you might want to check out the \u003ca href=\"https://lighthouseknoxville.com/\" target=\"_blank\"\u003eLighthouse\u003c/a\u003e, the \u003ca href=\"https://www.knoxpressroom.com/\" target=\"_blank\"\u003ePress Room\u003c/a\u003e, or if you want to get married on the water, the \u003ca href=\"https://tnriverboat.com/\" target=\"_blank\"\u003eTennessee Riverboat Company\u003c/a\u003e. If you want to get really wild, you can even get married at the historic \u003ca href=\"https://blueslipwinery.com\" target=\"_blank\"\u003eSouthern Railway Station\u003c/a\u003e!\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003ch3\u003eTransportation\u003c/h3\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003eKnoxville isn\u0026rsquo;t known for having great public transit. There is a bus system, which is convenient for commuters, but if you\u0026rsquo;re coming in from out of town for a wedding, you\u0026rsquo;re better off to either rent a car or have Lyft and/or Uber downloaded so that you can get around town quickly. Of course, if you want to ride in style on your wedding day, there are plenty of highly-rated limo services available in the city. If there\u0026rsquo;s ever a time to go all out, it\u0026rsquo;s your wedding day!\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003ch3\u003eWeather\u003c/h3\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003eIn general, you\u0026rsquo;ll find that Knoxville has four moderate seasons, but because it is located in a valley, the weather can be a little fickle. Some days are sunny and warm, other days are rainy and chilly. The spring is especially unpredictable; sometimes the temperatures rise into the 80s, while the next day, they may have dipped down into the 40s. In the summer, most days are in the mid-80s, but it\u0026rsquo;s not uncommon to have days all the way up in the 90s -- and almost all summer, there is heavy humidity. The best time for a wedding in Knoxville is late April through June and September through October, when the weather is mild and pleasant.\u003c/p\u003e\r\n","faq":"\u003ch4\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAre internet ministers legal in Tennessee?\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/h4\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003eThe short answer is yes. Unfortunately, there are a few clerks that are giving bad information on the state of marriage laws in TN. Currently, all online ordained ministers are still authorized to solemnize marriages. The new law, which is being challenged in court, is not in effect by order of U.S. District Judge Crenshaw. The Order further states that the new law will not go into effect if not struck down until conclusion of the trial which has yet to be scheduled. While there have been some who raise the issue of a marriage being later invalidated due to the fact that an online ordained minister solemnized the ceremony, there is no legal basis for that to occur in light of the new law not being in effect.\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003ch4\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eDo ministers have to register with the government?\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/h4\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003eNo. The Tennessee Government does not license, register, or certify ministers or wedding officiants, so officiant registration is not required in Tennessee.\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003ch4\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eHow long is the premarital education course?\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/h4\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003eThe premarital education course is not a requirement for couples, but it will save you $60 if you choose to do it. You can take from a variety of providers, \u003ca href=\"https://www.drdarienzo.com/tennessee-premarital-preparation-course/\" target=\"_blank\"\u003elike this one\u003c/a\u003e. If you\u0026rsquo;re not sure if the course is legitimate, call the county clerk\u0026rsquo;s office and double check with them. After completing the course, make sure you print off this \u003ca href=\"https://www.knoxcounty.org/clerk/pdfs/certificate_completion.pdf\" target=\"_blank\"\u003ecertificate of completion\u003c/a\u003e, have the instructor sign it, and bring it with you when you go to the county clerk\u0026rsquo;s office to apply for and purchase your marriage license.\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003ch4\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCan we still get married at the County Clerk\u0026rsquo;s office?\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/h4\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003eYes, the County Clerk\u0026rsquo;s staff can perform marriage ceremonies. However, the Old Courthouse is the only location where a ceremony may be performed and they are by appointment only.\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003ch4\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCan we get married the same day that we apply for our marriage license?\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/h4\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003eYes, once you have gone to the clerk\u0026rsquo;s office and obtained your marriage license, you can get married on the same day, or anytime in the next 30 days. After one month, the marriage license expires and you will have to purchase a new one.\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003ch4\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWhat do we do with the marriage license after the ceremony?\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/h4\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003eEither member of the couple or the officiant can return the marriage license to the county clerk\u0026rsquo;s office in which it was obtained after the wedding. But make sure to do so within seven business days of the ceremony.\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003ch4\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eHow do I get a copy of my marriage license after the wedding?\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/h4\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003eYou may request a copy \u003ca href=\"https://secure.tncountyclerk.com/marriagelookup/index.php?countylist=47\" target=\"_blank\"\u003eonline\u003c/a\u003e with a credit card for $9.02 or drop by the county clerk\u0026rsquo;s office in person and pick it up for $5.50.\u003c/p\u003e\r\n","content_live":true,"marriage_licensing_info":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eIssuance Office:\u003c/strong\u003e 300 Main Avenue, Knoxville\u003cbr /\u003e\r\n\u003cstrong\u003eFee:\u003c/strong\u003e $97.50\u0026nbsp;\u003cbr /\u003e\r\n\u003cstrong\u003eWaiting Period: \u003c/strong\u003eNone\u003cbr /\u003e\r\n\u003cstrong\u003eExpiration:\u003c/strong\u003e 30 days\u003cbr /\u003e\r\n\u003cstrong\u003eReturn: \u003c/strong\u003eWithin 7 days of the ceremony\u003c/p\u003e\r\n","meta_description_esp":null,"head_tag_esp":null,"tagline_esp":null,"intro_section_esp":"","officiant_section_esp":"","couple_section_esp":"","wedding_tips_esp":"","faq_esp":"","content_live_esp":false,"marriage_licensing_info_esp":""}