How to Find Tennessee Marriage Records

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How To Find U.S. Marriage Records How To Find Tennessee Marriage Records

Finding Tennessee Marriage Records

 * Most counties began recording marriages at the time of the county's creation
 * Marriage records are kept by the county clerk for each county.
 * About 20 Tennessee counties did not begin officially recording marriages in registers until a state law passed mandating the practice in 1838. Those counties include: Anderson, Benton, Campbell, Cannon, Carroll, Claiborne, Fayette, Franklin, Henry, Johnson, Lauderdale, Lincoln, Madison, McMinn, Meigs, Monroe, Smith, Stewart, Tipton, and Weakley. Before 1838, use other records for these counties.

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Next Step: When did the marriage occur?

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 * Marriage Records
 * Choose a time period:
 * Before 1780
 * 1780 to 2002
 * After 2002 to Present
 * Marriage year unknown


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Learn more about U.S. Marriage Records

Marriages Before 1780

 * Marriage records were recorded when the county was created
 * Before that time, you may find marriage information in other records.

Return to the Top: Choose another marriage year

Obtain the Record
If the image of the marriage record was not found in the above databases, use the following:

For marriages after 1865, ask for the marriage license or the marriage register not the marriage certificate. The license or register usually contains more information.

PART A: You know the exact county and approximate/exact date of marriage

PART B: You don't know the exact date or place of marriage


 * For marriages that occurred within the last 50 years, you can request a search for a fee from the Tennessee Department of Health
 * You can also try searching for marriage information in other records.

Return to the Top: Choose another marriage year

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