Tishomingo County Courthouse was once known as the Marriage Capital

Before Mississippi imposed a three-day waiting period like other states, an estimated 45,000 marriage licenses were issued in the old courthouse.

Grand Ole Opry star Red Foley, father-in-law of Pat Boone, counts among the famous people married at the courthouse.

We hear some interesting stories: One woman, putting together a scrapbook for her parents, told the museum staff that her father proposed on the first date and the couple was married the next morning.

Some returnees recall waiting for a J.P. to finish a hair cut or oil change to walk over to the courthouse to perform the ceremony. Others in a hurry, would walk over to the service station and wait their turn there. Grand Ole Opry star Red Foley, father-in-law of Pat Boone, was one of the more famous people married at the courthouse.

The couples bought their $2.00 marriage licenses in the Circuit Clerk’s office and often got married in the Tax Assessor’s office, as well as in numerous other areas throughout the historic courthouse.

Museum staff performs a renewal ceremony for previously wed couples returning to the Courthouse for a visit. Additionally, the facility is available for future weddings; contact us for additional information.