You’ve got the dress. The suit fits. The flowers are on the way. Mom’s crying already—and you haven’t even walked down the aisle. But before you cue the music, ask yourself one very important question: Did we bring the marriage license? I know, I know—there are so many moving parts to a wedding. It’s like…
Author: Ralph Griggs
Wedding minister officiant serving the Nashville and middle Tennessee area for 20 plus years. Non-denominational and personalized ceremonies. At-Home marriage prep course author.
🎯 Guest List Gauntlet: Who Makes the Cut?
Nothing turns wedding planning into emotional gladiator games faster than the guest list. One minute you’re sipping champagne and picking napkin colors, the next you’re in a family group text war because you didn’t invite your cousin’s new boyfriend (who, by the way, she met last Tuesday). Welcome to the Guest List Gauntlet—where emotions run…
Don’t Trust AI for Your Tennessee Marriage License Questions
Intelligence is changing the world—no doubt about it. It’s great for things like writing help, wedding ideas, even drafting your vows. But when it comes to Tennessee marriage license laws, AI doesn’t cut it. I’ve tested the most popular tools myself—ChatGPT, Google’s Gemini, and others. They sound confident, but the truth is, they often give…
Battling the Budget Blunders: Your First Wedding Planning Hurdle (or, “How Not to End Up Eating Ramen on Your Honeymoon”)
Ah, wedding planning! It’s a magical time filled with Pinterest boards, cake tastings, and… oh right, the budget. It turns out that before you can say “I do” to your soulmate, you’ll probably say “I do not” to a surprising number of financial discussions. And guess what’s the number one source of pre-marital squabbles? You…
Legacy Farms Wedding Venue: A Wedding Officiant’s Perspective on This Tennessee Gem
Why I Recommend Legacy Farms for Your Tennessee Wedding If you’re looking for a venue that perfectly blends rustic charm with refined elegance, Legacy Farms in Wilson County, Tennessee should absolutely be on your list. As a wedding officiant who’s worked with couples all over Middle Tennessee, I can tell you—this place has something special….
Eloping at Centennial Park in Nashville: Best Locations for a Beautiful Elopement Ceremony
If you’re planning a Nashville elopement, Centennial Park is one of the most romantic and accessible places to say your vows. As a local wedding officiant, I’ve helped countless couples tie the knot in this iconic city park—and I never get tired of the beauty and variety this location offers. From elegant steps to quiet…
Graystone Quarry – Tennessee Showing Off
I have officiated a lot of weddings over the years, and Graystone Quarry is one of those places that just makes people stop and soak it all in. Tucked just outside of Nashville, it’s peaceful, private, and absolutely stunning—like Tennessee showing off a little. The ceremony space is bright and open, with huge windows that…
🎯 Where Do You Get a Tennessee Marriage License?
(Hint: It’s Not the Courthouse) One of the most common things I hear from couples is: “We’re going to the courthouse to get our marriage license.” 🚫 Not exactly. In Tennessee, you don’t go to the courthouse.You go to the county clerk’s office — and there’s one in every county. 🗺️ So… Which County Clerk’s…
Why You Don’t Sign Your Marriage License at the Ceremony in Tennessee
If you’re getting married in Tennessee, here’s something that might surprise you:You don’t sign your marriage license at the ceremony. Most states have that classic moment—right after the kiss—where the couple signs the license with a fancy pen and a few tears of joy. But in Tennessee? Nope. So when do you sign it? You…
Tennessee Marriage License Myth Busted
🎯 Think you have 30 days after your wedding to turn in your Tennessee marriage license? You’re not alone — I hear it all the time. If you don’t know the rules, you could be making a second trip to the clerk’s office. ❌ The Myth “We’ve got 30 days after the wedding to return…