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TCA 36-3-302

Formula not required

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What does this charge mean?

A marriage ceremony in Tennessee doesn't need to follow any special words or rituals—the only requirement is that both people must clearly state in front of the official performing the ceremony that they accept each other as husband and/or wife. This statute also allows military members stationed overseas to appear by video conference at their own wedding ceremony if a commissioned officer confirms their identity and the other requirements are met.

Penalty Details

ClassificationUnknown
Penalty SummaryClassification not specified
(a) No formula need be observed in such solemnization, except that the parties shall respectively declare, in the presence of the minister or officer, that they accept each other as husband and/or wife. Ask a legal question, get an answer ASAP!(b) For the purposes of satisfying the requirement in subsection (a) that each party must make a declaration in the presence of a minister or officer, a member of the armed forces of the United States may appear at the marriage ceremony via video conferencing if: (1) The member of the armed forces is stationed in another country in support of combat or another military operation; (2) A commissioned officer is present with, and confirms the identity of, the member of the armed forces; (3) A person authorized to solemnize marriages pursuant to § 36-3-301 is present with, and confirms the identity of, the person who is marrying the member of the armed forces; and (4) The person who is marrying the member of the armed forces is present in this state.
View on official sourceLast verified: Feb 25, 2026

Quick Facts

PENDING
TCA Section36-3-302