On Monday, July 15, 2002, a new bill on marriage licenses went into effect. The senate increased the price of a marriage license in Tennessee by $62.50. However, if couples complete and affidavit of non-residency or participate in premarital preparation courses, they are exempt from the fee.
The major change with the license is the recommendation of a premarital class that will decrease the cost.
Missi McMurray, supervisor of the marriage license department said that the counseling has to take place within one year prior to the planned wedding date.
Several area churches already require a premarital counseling class prior to allowing a couple to marry in their church. “It can be your pastor, youth director, or an elder,” McMurray said.

The additional fees will be allocated to different departments. According to the bill, fees will be allocated as follows:
$7 will go to fund parenting plan requirements, the divorcing parent and education mediation fund.

$15 goes to the Department of Children’s Services for child abuse prevention

$7.50 will be given to the Office of Criminal Justice for domestic violence services

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