If you're getting married in the state of Texas you must first apply for a wedding license at any in-state county clerk office. These offices, some of which are referred to as the "marriage license bureau," are usually located in the county probate court or circuit court. This document outlines the requirements you must adhere to in order to get a valid marriage license that can be used statewide. Let's begin…
Cost of Your License
How much does a marriage license cost?
The marriage license fee is roughly $67.00 dollars, although fees may vary from county to county.
Accepted forms of payment are cash.
Residency Requirement
Are there any special residency conditions for in-state or out-of-state residents?
There are none. You do not have to be a previous or current resident of Texas to obtain a marriage license that will be valid statewide.
Waiting Period
After I submit my application how long do I have to wait before I receive my marriage license?
There is no waiting period. You will receive your marriage license immediately after you submit your application.
Is there a waiting period from the moment the license is given to me to the date I'm allowed to actually marry?
Yes, after you receive your license, there is still a mandatory 3 day waiting period before you can actually get married.
The waiting period can be waived due to active military status.
License Expiration
How long will my marriage license remain valid once it's been issued?
Your license will expire 30 days from the date it is issued. Once it expires, it can no longer be used to get married.
What happens if my marriage license expires before I get a chance to use it?
Unfortunately, you'll just have to get a brand new one as your expired one will no longer be recognized as valid by the state nor by the person who will be responsible for officiating your marriage.
Age Requirement
How old must I be to get married?
You must be at least 18 years of age or older to marry without parental consent. A birth certificate may be necessary to show proof of age.
What if one or both of us is younger than 18?
If either partner is under 18, parents or legal guardians must be present. If a parent can not be present, due to death, separation, divorce or other circumstances, proper evidence must be presented for verification. You will need a certified copy of your birth certificate.
If you are under 16 you can not marry without a court order.
Blood Test
Are blood tests and physical exams required?
No blood test or physical exam is required.
Divorced or Widowed Applicants
What if one or both partners have been divorced or have had a spouse die?
If you were previously married, the date of your divorce or the date of your spouse's death must be provided. If the divorce or spouse's death had taken place within the last 30 days, bring a certified copy of the divorce decree or death certificate. If necessary, a copy of your divorce records or spouse's death certificate can be ordered from your local vital records office and mailed to you.
Marriage Name Change
How do I legally change my name before or after I get married?
When you are married, you will receive a marriage certificate, which is a piece of paper proving that you are legally married. This document will serve as evidence of your marriage, which you'll need to complete the process of notifying several government agencies about your name change, as well as any non-government institutions that you do business with (ie, banks, employers, credit cards, memberships, etc).
There is an online marriage name change kit that you can use and complete before or after your marriage takes place. It's applicable for Texas or any other state in the union. Completing all the necessary name change documentation prior to your wedding is recommended in order to expedite the name change process.
Proxy Marriage
What is a proxy marriage?
A proxy marriage, also known as a "proxy wedding," is when one or both partners to be married are unable to physically attend the ceremony. The missing person, or persons, will have someone "stand in" for them and serve as their "proxy."
Can I get married by proxy if I'm unable to to be present for the ceremony?
Yes. Texas is one of only five states that does allow marriage by proxy to be legally performed.
Common Law Marriage
What is a common law marriage?
The term "common law marriage" refers to an informal marriage, based upon cohabitation and a mutual understanding by both partners, rather than getting married through a civil or religious ceremony. The latter, more common approach, would require an actual Texas marriage license.
Is a common law marriage a legal option for me instead of undergoing a conventional marriage?
Yes, common-law marriages are allowed in Texas. The fact that it is a viable option in this state is notable considering common law marriage is not available in four-fifths of the country.
Cousin Marriage
Can I get married to my cousin?
No, cousin marriages are not allowed.
As of September 1, 2005, first cousin marriages were no longer allowed.
Same Sex Marriage
Are same sex marriages legal?
Yes, same-sex marriages are allowed and legally recognized in Texas.
Where to Go
Where do I physically need to go to get my marriage license?
Texas has 222 offices where a marriage license can be acquired. Simply choose a location below to visit. Phone numbers as well as map and accompanying driving direction links are provided for every address.
