Marriage records in Knox County, Tennessee, are available through several channels. KnoxCourt.us allows you to find publicly available information about the county's marriage records. Additionally, records are maintained by the Knox County Clerk, who issues marriage licenses and maintains the corresponding archive. You can also visit the clerk's office in person, send a request by mail, or use the Tennessee public records portal to order online.
Knox Marriage Records Search
In Knox County, marriage records are maintained and stored by the County Clerk's office. According to Tennessee law, the county clerk issues marriage licenses and accepts returned certificates after the ceremony. The collection includes issued marriage licenses, registered marriage certificates, and historical records dating back decades. Once the officiant returns the signed license, the clerk registers it as an official record. At the state level, copies of marriage certificates starting from July 1945 are also maintained by the Tennessee Office of Vital Records.
Knox County Clerk
To search for public records in the county, you can also use the Knox County public records portal.
Certified Marriage Record Copies and Fees in Knox County
The cost of services depends on where you order the copy — at the county or state level. Below are the estimated fees:
| Service | Cost | Note |
|---|---|---|
| Certified copy — through Knox County Clerk | Check with the clerk's office | The fee is set according to T.C.A. § 8-21-1001 and the local fee schedule |
| Certified copy — through Tennessee Vital Records | $15.00 | Standard fee for search and one copy |
| Additional copy (same order, Vital Records) | $5.00 | Each additional copy within the same request |
| Expedited processing (through VitalChek) | Additional fee | Includes processing fee by a third-party company |
Check the exact fee at the Knox County Clerk's office directly by phone or on the official clerk's website, as local fees may periodically change. The processing time for state-level requests typically ranges from two to four weeks for mail orders.
Order Marriage Certificates Online or In Person in Knox County
There are several ways to obtain a copy of a marriage certificate.
Online
The Tennessee Department of Health allows you to order certified copies of marriage certificates (starting from July 1945) through the VitalChek portal — the state's official partner. Note: online orders incur an additional processing fee.
In Person
Visit the Knox County Clerk's office at:
When visiting in person, bring a valid photo ID. Copies are usually available the same day if the record is in the office's database.
By Mail
To order by mail through Tennessee Vital Records, send:
- A completed application for a marriage certificate copy (the form can be downloaded from the Tennessee Department of Health website).
- A copy of a valid photo ID.
- A check or money order for the appropriate amount, made payable to Tennessee Vital Records.
- A self-addressed stamped envelope (optional, for expedited delivery).
Mailing address for state-level requests:
If you need a record issued specifically in Knox County, you can also send a written request directly to the County Clerk's office. Include the full names of the couple, the approximate date of marriage, and contact information for a response. Add a check for the appropriate fee. The processing time for county-level mail requests may vary — call ahead to confirm current timelines.
For general inquiries about public records, the Knox County government also offers an online request submission portal. Additional information about the county court system and related forms can be found on the Knox County Courts page.