Shelby County Marriage License

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Shelby County issues marriage licenses through the County Clerk’s office, with locations in Memphis and at branch offices countywide.

License fee	$97.50 standard. Reduced to $37.50 if either applicant completes a state-approved 4-hour premarital preparation course within 1 year before applying and files the notarized certificate of completion.
Waiting period	None (Tennessee statewide rule) — you can marry the same day the license is issued.
Documents / ID required	Valid photo ID and Social Security numbers for both applicants.
License validity	30 days from the date of issuance (Tennessee statewide rule).
Where & how to apply	Both applicants must appear together in person at a Shelby County Clerk office to receive the license; an online pre-application can be started first but does not replace the in-person visit.
Office hours	150 Washington Ave, Memphis and 4836 Navy Rd: Monday–Friday, 8:00 a.m.–4:15 p.m. 1075 Mullins Station Rd: Monday–Friday, 9:00 a.m.–5:15 p.m.

Special notes

A certified copy of the marriage certificate costs an additional $10. Bring the notarized premarital-course certificate with you if you’re claiming the reduced $37.50 fee.

Frequently asked questions

How can we lower the Shelby County marriage license fee?

Complete a state-approved 4-hour premarital preparation course within 1 year of applying and bring the notarized certificate of completion — this reduces the fee from $97.50 to $37.50.

Is there a waiting period in Tennessee?

No. Tennessee has no waiting period, so you can marry the same day your license is issued.

Official source: Shelby County Clerk — https://www.shelbycountytn.gov/574/Marriage-Licenses
Last verified: September 2026

Read our general step-by-step guide →

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