Marriage records in Rutherford County, Tennessee, are available through several channels. The RutherfordCourt.us website provides public information about the county's marriage records. Additionally, records are maintained at the County Clerk's office, which issues marriage licenses and registers the relevant documents. Information can be obtained in person at the courthouse, by mail, or through online tools on the official county website.
Rutherford Marriage Records Search
In Rutherford County, marriage records are maintained by the County Clerk's office. According to Tennessee law, the County Clerk issues marriage licenses and retains the originals of returned certificates. The collection includes issued marriage licenses, registered marriage certificates, and historical records dating back to the 19th century.
The office is located in the county courthouse in Murfreesboro. Here you can request a search for a specific record, obtain a copy, or verify the registration of a marriage.
To search for older records that have not been digitized, it is advisable to call the office in advance — the clerk will advise if additional time is needed to process the request. Marriage records in Tennessee are generally public documents according to the Tennessee Public Records Act (T.C.A. § 10-7-503).
Certified Marriage Record Copies and Fees in Rutherford
The cost of services is determined by Tennessee state law and the internal policy of the County Clerk's office. Below are the main fees:
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Certified copy of a marriage certificate | $7.00 |
| Additional certified copy (in the same order) | $5.00 |
| Record search fee | Included in the cost of the copy |
These fees are established in accordance with T.C.A. § 8-21-1001 and the County Clerk's fee schedule. Payment is usually accepted in cash, money order, or check payable to the Rutherford County Clerk. Confirm acceptable forms of payment directly with the office, as rules may change.
The processing time for a request made in person is typically the same day. Mail requests take from 5 to 10 business days.
Order Marriage Certificates Online or In Person in Rutherford
There are several ways to order a copy of a marriage certificate.
Online
The state of Tennessee offers ordering certified copies of vital records through the Tennessee Department of Health portal — Office of Vital Records. Note: this portal processes records at the state level, and for records registered at the county level, it is better to contact the County Clerk directly. The official Rutherford County website has a "Marriage Licenses" section with current forms and instructions.
In Person
Visit the County Clerk's office at the address listed above. No appointment is necessary — they accept walk-ins during business hours. Bring a valid photo ID.
By Mail
Send a written request to the office address:
What to include in the letter:
- Full names of both spouses
- Approximate date of marriage
- Purpose of the request
- A copy of your photo ID
- Money order or check for the appropriate amount
- A self-addressed stamped envelope
If you are unsure of the exact date, the clerk will search based on the available data — provide as many details as possible. For genealogical research or records dating before 1945, you may need to contact the Tennessee State Library and Archives.