Marriage records in Sumner County, Tennessee, are available through several channels. SumnerCourt.us allows for quick access to public information about marriage records in the county. Additionally, the County Clerk's office maintains the official register of marriage licenses and certificates. You can contact the clerk in person, send a request by mail, or use the state's online tools. According to the Tennessee Public Records Act, marriage records are generally open to the public.
Sumner Marriage Records Search
In Sumner County, marriage records are maintained by the Sumner County Clerk. This office issues marriage licenses, registers returned certificates, and keeps archival records. The collection includes marriage licenses issued in the county, completed marriage certificates (returned after the ceremony by the officiant), and historical records dating back decades. For searching older records, you may need to contact the office directly, as not all archival documents are digitized.
At the state level, the Tennessee Department of Health maintains a centralized database of marriage certificates starting from July 1945. If you need a record prior to this date, contact the County Clerk.
Certified Marriage Record Copies and Fees in Sumner
The cost depends on where you order the copy — from the County Clerk or through the Tennessee Department of Health. Below are the typical fees.
| Service | Cost | Note |
|---|---|---|
| Certified Copy (County Clerk) | Check with the office | The fee is set according to T.C.A. § 8-21-1001 and the local schedule |
| Certified Copy (TN Dept. of Health) | $15.00 | Records from July 1945 |
| Additional Copy (same order, Dept. of Health) | $5.00 | Each subsequent copy in the same request |
| Search Fee (Dept. of Health) | Included in the cost | Covers one search; if the record is not found, the fee is non-refundable |
The County Clerk may charge a different fee set by the local schedule. Before visiting, call (615) 452-4063 to confirm the exact amount and acceptable forms of payment. State-level processing usually takes several weeks by mail.
Order Marriage Certificates Online or In Person in Sumner
There are three main ways to obtain a certified copy of a marriage certificate.
Online
The Tennessee Department of Health offers ordering through its vital records portal. On the Tennessee Vital Records website, you can apply for a certified copy for marriages registered after July 1945. You need to provide:
- the full names of both spouses
- the date of marriage (or approximate year)
- the county where the license was issued
Payment is made by credit or debit card. Processing time is usually 2 to 4 weeks.
In Person
Visit the Sumner County Clerk's office in Gallatin. Bring a valid photo ID. The clerk may issue a copy the same day if the record is in the local register.
By Mail
To request through the Tennessee Department of Health, send:
- A completed application (the form can be downloaded from the Vital Records website).
- A copy of a photo ID.
- A check or money order for $15.00 (payable to Tennessee Department of Health).
- A self-addressed stamped envelope.
Mailing address for requests:
If you wish to obtain a copy directly from the County Clerk by mail, call the office in advance — requirements for mail requests may vary. You can also check public information on SumnerCourt.us before submitting an official request.