How to make it official in Rutherford County

It may not be the first thing you think of when planning a wedding, but it is still pretty important to get the boring paperwork side of marriage done a week or so before the wedding. Avoid wedding day stress by applying for your marriage certificate ahead of time.

Marriage certificates are valid for 30 days after they are issued. The wedding officiant must turn in completed marriage paperwork within three days of the ceremony.

Where to Go

In Rutherford County, a couple can apply for a marriage license at the County Clerk’s office (319 North Maple Street) during their regular hours of operation, Monday–Thursday from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. and Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.

What to Bring

The bride and groom must both appear at the County Clerk’s office to apply for the marriage license, with official photo IDs (driver’s license, military ID, passport or other state issued ID) and their social security numbers.

A marriage certificate costs $100; however, couples can get a reduced rate of $40 if they have completed a premarital preparation course, and have the official completion document signed by the course’s counselor or minister.

Get a Spare

Extra copies of marriage certificates cost $5 in person or $6 by mail. Marriage certificates are necessary when changing legal names and can be useful while couples wait for new IDs to arrive.

Additional information about marriage certificates and making it legal in Rutherford County is available on the Rutherford County Clerk’s website.