Texas Officiants

Marriage Laws United States Texas

Marriage license Laws in the state of Texas, here is what you need to bring with you, and what you need to know about the Texas marriage laws before filling out the Texas marriage license form.

In order to get married, you need to apply and receive a marriage license. This is the document in your state that allows you to officially tie the knot under the law. The rules for acquiring your marriage license varies from state to state, so you should check with your city's marriage bureau at your clerk of court's office to find out what your local rules are.

You'll typically need to apply for your marriage license at least one month before your wedding ceremony. You'll traditionally need to send in your birth certificates, tax information, and other official documents. You don't, however, want to apply for your marriage license too early. In some states, the licenses do expire, if you don't get married within a few months.

When you apply for your license, you'll not only need a proof of identification and age, but you'll need to apply for the certificate together, will need to provide any information about previous marriages, and will need to pay a nominal fee. You will also need to have a witness when you sign the application, so plan on bringing your maid of honor or best man with you. The bride will need to know what her married name will be before she signs the marriage certificate. You'll have to write that name on the application.

And, believe it or not, just because you have your marriage license sent to you in the mail does not mean you are officially married. You need to have a justice of the peace or a religious clergyman sign the document. On your wedding day, you'll give your chaplain your marriage license, then after the ceremony, he'll sign it and send it to the proper government agency for validation.

ID Requirement: Certified copy of birth certificate; or valid driver's license or other acceptable I.D. issued by the state, another state, the United States, or a foreign government.

•  Either bring your Social Security card or know your Social Security number.

•  If you want to use your maiden name on the license bring a certified copy of your birth certificate or a certified copy of your divorce decree that states name is to be changed to maiden name.

Residency Requirement: Do not have to be a resident of Texas.

If previously married: If your divorce was finalized within 30 days, bring certified copy of the divorce decree stating the 30 day waiting period is waived.

Application Requirement: Both parties must appear, together or separately, to apply. (Portions of the application process may be completed by absentee application if one party is unable to appear in person).

Fees: $36+ - Cash Only.

Waiting Period: Marriage licenses have a 72 hour waiting period -- unless waived due to active duty military status.

Blood Tests: No blood test requirement.

Under 18: If either party is under the age of 18, they must be accompanied by parents.

•  If under the age of 16, Tennessee law requires that the couple receives a court order before being allowed to marry.

Proxy Marriages: Yes.

Common Law Marriage: No.

Cousin Marriage: No.

Same Sex Marriage: No.

Officiants: All regular ministers of the gospel of every denomination, and Jewish rabbis, more than 18 years of age, having the care of souls may perform marriages. Ministers must endorse the marriage license and return it to the clerk of the county court within three days after the marriage.

Valid: License is valid for 30 days.
The license can only be used within the State of Texas.

Please Note: As of September 1995 Texas Law requires that a notorized statement pertaining to child support be submitted by all marriage license applicants. This form may be obtained at the same time you apply for your marriage license. It must be signed and completed in the presence of two witnesses and a notary public. No applications can be processed without the proper submission of this statement.

Miscellaneous: State and county marriage license requirements often change. The above information is for guidance only and should not be regarded as legal advice.

It is important that you verify all information with your local marriage license office or county clerk before making any wedding or travel plans.

Texas County Clerk's Office

Anderson County Clerk Palestine, TX 903. 723. 7432	Andrews County Clerk Andrews, TX 915. 524. 1426	Angelina County Clerk Lufkin, TX 409. 634. 8339
Aransas County Rockport, TX 512. 790. 0122	Armstrong Deputy Clerk Claude, TX 806. 226. 2081	Atascosa County Clerk Jourdanton, TX 830. 769. 3011
Austin County Clerk Belville, TX 409. 865. 5911	Bailey County Clerk Muleshoe, TX 806. 272. 3044	Bastrop County Bastron, TX 512. 321. 4444
Beeville County Clerk Beeville, TX 512. 362. 3245	Bell County Clerk Belton, TX 254. 939. 3521	Bexar County Clerks San Antonio, TX 210. 220. 2581
Blanco County Clerk Johnson City, TX 830. 868. 7357	Bosque County Clerk Meridian, TX 254. 435. 2201	Bowie County Clerk Boston, TX 903. 628. 6744
Brazoria County Clerk Angleton, TX 409. 849. 5711	Brazos County Clerk Bryan, TX 409. 361. 4130	Brewster County Clerk Alpine, TX 915. 837. 3366
Brooks County Clerk Falfurnas, TX 512. 325. 3053	Brown County Clerk Brownwood, TX 915. 643. 2594	Burleson County Clerk Caldwell, TX 409. 567. 4326
Burnet County Recorder Burnet, TX 512. 756. 5420	Caldwell County Clerk Lockhart, TX 512. 398. 1804	Calhoun County Clerk Port La Vaca, TX 512. 553. 4411
Callahan County Clerk Barid, TX 915. 854. 1217	Cameron County Clerk Brownsville, TX 956. 544. 0815	Camp County Clerk Pittsburgh, TX 903. 856. 2731
Carson County Clerk Panhandle, TX 806. 537. 3873	Cass County Clerk Linden, TX 903. 756. 5071	Chambers County Clerk Anahuac, TX 806. 647. 3338
Cherokee County Clerk Rusk, TX 903. 683. 2350	Childress County Clerk Childress, TX 940. 937. 6143	Clay County Clerk Henrietta, TX 940. 538. 4631
Cochran County Clerk Morton, TX 806. 266. 5450	Coleman County Clerk Coleman, TX 972. 625. 2889	Collin County Recorder Mc Kinney, TX 972. 548. 4185
Colorado County Clerk Columbus, TX 409. 732. 2155	Comal County Clerk New Braunfels, TX 512. 620. 5513	Comanche County Clerk Comanche, TX 915. 356. 2655
Cooke County Clerk Gainsville, TX 817. 668. 5421	Coryell County Clerk Gatesville, TX 817. 865. 5016	Cottle County Clerk Paducan, TX 806. 492. 3823
Crane County Clerk Crane, TX 915. 558. 3581	Crockett County Ozona, TX 915. 392. 2022	Dallam County Clerk Dalhart, TX 806. 249. 4751
Dallas County Clerk Dallas, TX 214. 653. 7478	Dawson County Clerk La Mesa, TX 806. 872. 3778	De Witt County Clerk Cuero, TX 512. 275. 3724
Deaf Smith County Clerk Hereford, TX 806. 363. 7077	Delta County Clerk Cooper, TX 903. 395. 4110	Denton County Clerk Denton, TX 940. 565. 8501
Dimmit County Clerk Carrizo Springs, TX 830. 876. 3569	Donley County Recorder Clarendon, TX 806. 874. 3436	Duval County Clerk San Diego, TX 512. 279. 3322
Eastland County Recorder Eastland, TX 254. 629. 1583	Ector County Clerk Odessa, TX 432. 498. 4130	El Paso County Clerk El Paso, TX 915. 546. 2071
Ellis County Clerk Waxahachie, TX 972. 923. 5070	Erath County Clerk Stephenville, TX 254. 965. 1482	Falls County Clerk Marlin, TX 254. 883. 1408
Fannin County Clerk Bonham, TX 903. 583. 7486	Fayette County Clerk La Grange, TX 409. 968. 3251	Fisher County Clerk Roby, TX 915. 776. 2401
Floyd McGinnese County Crosbyton, TX 806. 675. 2334	Fort Bend County Richmond, TX 281. 341. 8685	Franklin County Clerk Mount Bernan, TX 903. 537. 4252
Freestone County Recorder Fairfield, TX 903. 389. 2635	Frio County Clerk Pearsall, TX 830. 334. 2214	Gaines County Clerk Shallowater, TX 806. 832. 4521
Galveston County Clerk Galveston, TX 409. 766. 2200	Garza County Clerk Post, TX 806. 495. 3535	Gillespie County Fredericksburg, TX 830. 997. 6515
Glasscock County Clerk Garden City, TX 915. 354. 2612	Goliad County Clerk Goliad, TX 512. 645. 3294	Gonzales County Clerk Gonzales, TX 512. 672. 2435
Gray County Clerk Pampa, TX 806. 669. 8004	Grayson County Clerk Sherman, TX 903. 813. 4243	Gregg County Clerk Longview, TX 903. 236. 8430
Grimes County Clerk Anderson, TX 409. 873. 2662	Guadalupe County Clerk Seguin, TX 830. 303. 4188	Hale County Clerk Plainview, TX 806. 291. 5261
Hall County Clerk Memphis, TX 806. 259. 2627	Hansford County Clerk Spearman, TX 806. 659. 4110	Hardeman County Clerk Quanah, TX 817. 663. 2901
Hardin County Clerk Kountze, TX 409. 246. 5185	Harris County Clerk Houston, TX 713. 755. 6405	Harrison County Clerk Marshall, TX 903. 935. 4858
Hartley County Clerk Channing, TX 806. 235. 3582	Hays County Clerk San Marcos, TX 512. 396. 2601	Hemphill County Clerk Canadian, TX 806. 323. 6212
Henderson County Clerk Athens, TX 903. 675. 6140	Hidalgo County Clerk Edinburg, TX 956. 318. 2141	Hill County Clerk Hillsborough, TX 254. 582. 2161
Hockley County Clerk Levelland, TX 806. 894. 3185	Hood County Clerk Granbury, TX 817. 579. 3222	Hopkins County Clerk Sulphur Springs, TX 903. 885. 3929
Houston County Clerk Crockett, TX 409. 544. 3255	Howard County Clerk Big Springs, TX 915. 264. 2213	Hunt County Clerk Greenville, TX 903. 408. 4130
Hutchinson County Clerk Stinnett, TX 806. 878.4002	Irion County Clerk Mertzon, TX 915. 835. 2421	Jack County Clerk Jackboro, TX 940. 567. 2111
Jackson County Clerk Edna, TX 512. 782. 3563	Jasper County Clerk Jasper, TX 409. 384. 2632	Jefferson County Clerk Beaumont, TX 409. 835. 8475
Jim Hogg County Recorder Hebbronville, TX 512. 527. 4031	Jim Wells County Clerk Alice, TX 512. 668. 5702	Johnson City Clerk Cleburne, TX 817. 556. 6323
Jones County Clerk Anson, TX 915. 823. 3762	Joy Jones County Clerk Dimmitt, TX 806. 647. 3338	Karnes County Clerk Karnes, TX 512. 780. 3938
Kaufman County Clerk Kaufman, TX 972. 932. 4331	Kendall County Clerk Boernie, TX 830. 249. 9343	Kerr County Clerks Kerrville, TX 830. 792. 2255
Kimble County Recorder Junction, TX 915. 446. 3353	Kinney County Clerks Brackett Ville, TX 830. 563. 2521	Kleberg County Clerk Kingsville, TX 512. 595. 8548
Knox County Clerk Benjamin, TX 940. 454. 2441	La Salle County Clerk Cotulla, TX 830. 879. 2117	Lamar County Clerk Paris, TX 903. 737. 2420
Lamb County Clerk Littlefield, TX 806. 385. 4222	Lampasas County Clerk Lampasas, TX 512. 556. 8271	Lavaca County Clerk Hallattsalle, TX 512. 798. 3612
Lee County Clerk Giddings, TX 409. 542. 3684	Leon County Clerk Centerville, TX 903. 536. 2352	Liberty County Clerk Liberty, TX 409. 336. 4670
Limestone County Clerk Groesbeck, TX 254. 729. 5504	Llano County Clerk Llano, TX 915. 247. 4455	Lynn County Clerk Tahoka, TX 806. 998. 4750
Madison County Clerk Madisonville, TX 409. 348. 2638	Marion County Clerk Jefferson, TX 903. 665. 3971	Martin County Clerk Stanton, TX 915. 756. 3412
Matagorda County Clerk Bay City, TX 409. 244. 7680	Maverick County Clerk Eagle Pass, TX 830. 773. 2829	Mc Culloch County Clerk Brady, TX 915. 597. 0733
Mc Lennan County Clerk Waco, TX 254. 757. 5078	Medina County Clerk Hondo, TX 830. 741. 6041	Menard County Clerk Menard, TX 915. 396. 4682
Midland County Clerk Midland, TX 915. 688. 1070	Milam County Clerk Cameron, TX 254. 697. 6596	Mitchell County Clerk Colorado City, TX 915. 728. 3481
Montague County Clerk Montague, TX 940. 894. 2461	Montgomery County Recorder Conroe, TX 409. 539. 7885	Moore County Clerk Dumas, TX 806. 935. 2009
Morris County Clerk Daingerfield, TX 903. 645. 3911	Motley County Clerk Matador, TX 806. 347. 2621	Nacogdoches County Clerk Nacogdoches, TX 409. 560. 7733
Navarro County Clerk Corsicana, TX 903. 654. 3035	Nolan County Clerk Sweetwater, TX 915. 235. 2462	Nueces County Clerk Corpus Christi, TX 512. 888. 0580
Oak County Clerk George West, TX 512. 449. 2733	Ochiltree County Clerk Perryton, TX 806. 435. 8039	Oldham County Clerk Vega, TX 806. 267. 2667
Orange County Clerk Orange, TX 409. 883. 7740	Palo Pinto County Palo Pinto, TX 940. 659. 1277	Panola County Clerk Carthage, TX 903. 693. 0302
Parker County Clerk Weatherford, TX 817. 599. 6591	Parmer County Clerk Farwell, TX 806. 481. 3691	Pecos County Clerk Fort Stockton, TX 915. 336. 7555
Polk County Clerk Livigston, TX 409. 327. 6804	Potter County Clerk Amarillo, TX 806. 379. 2275	Rains County Clerk Emory, TX 903. 473. 2461
Randall County Clerk Canyon, TX 806. 655. 6330	Reagan County Clerk Big Lake, TX 915. 884. 2442	Real County Clerk Leakey, TX 830. 232. 5202
Red River Clarksville, TX 903. 427. 2401	Reeves County Clerk Pecos, TX 915. 445. 5467	Refugio County Clerk Refugio, TX 512. 526. 2233
Robertson County Clerk Franklin, TX 409. 828. 4130	Rockwall County Clerk Rockwall, TX 972. 771. 3382	Runnels County Recorder Ballinger, TX 915. 365. 2720
Rusk County Clerk Henderson, TX 903. 657. 0330	Sabine County Clerk Hemphill, TX 409. 787. 3786	San Agustine County Clerk San Augustine, TX 409. 275. 2452
San Jacinto County Clerk Cold Spring, TX 409. 653. 2324	San Patricio County Sinton, TX 512. 364. 6290	San Saba County Clerk San Saba, TX 915. 372. 3614
Schleicher County Eldorado, TX 915. 853. 2833	Scurry County Clerk Snyder, TX 915. 573. 5332	Shackelford County Clerk Albany, TX 915. 762. 2232
Shelby County Clerk Center, TX 409. 598. 6361	Sherman County Clerk Stratford, TX 806. 396. 2371	Smith County Clerk Tyler, TX 903. 535. 0630
Somervell County Clerk Glen Rose, TX 254. 897. 4427	Stephens County Clerk Breckenridge, TX 254. 559. 3700	Stonewall County Clerk Aspermont, TX 940. 989. 2272
Sutton County Clerk Sonora, TX 915. 387. 3815	Swisher County Clerk Tulia, TX 806. 995. 3294	Tarrant County Clerk Fort Worth, TX 817. 884. 1064
Taylor County Recorder Abilenne, TX 915. 674. 1202	Terry County Clerk Brownfield, TX 806. 637. 8551	Throckmorton County Clerk Throckmorton, TX 940. 849. 2501
Titus County Clerk Mt Pleasant, TX 903. 577. 6796	Tom Green County Clerk San Angelo, TX 915. 659. 6556	Travis County Clerk Austin, TX 512. 473. 9188
Trinity County Clerk Groveton, TX 409. 642. 1208	Tyler County Clerk Woodville, TX 409. 283. 2281	Upshur County Clerk Gilmer, TX 903. 843. 4015
Upton County Recorder Rankin, TX 915. 693. 2861	Uvalde County Clerk Uvalde, TX 830. 278. 6614	Val Verde County Clerk Del Rio, TX 830. 774. 7564
Van Zandt County Clerk Canton, TX 903. 567. 6503	Victoria County Clerk Victoria, TX 512. 575. 1478	Walker County Clerk Huntsville, TX 409. 436. 4922
Waller County Clerk Hempstead, TX 409. 826. 7711	Ward County Clerk Monahans, TX 915. 943. 3294	Washington County Clerk Brenham, TX 409. 836. 4300
Webb County Clerk Laredo, TX 956. 721. 2645	Wharton County Clerk Wharton, TX 409. 532. 2381	Wheeler County Clerk Wheeler, TX 806. 826. 5544
Wichita County Clerk Wichita, TX 940. 766. 8144	Wilbarger County Clerk Vernon, TX 940. 552. 5486	Willacy County Clerks Raymondville, TX 956. 689. 2710
Williamson County Clerk Georgetown, TX 512. 930. 4315	Wilson County Clerk Floresville, TX 830. 393. 7308	Winkler County Clerk Kermit, TX 915. 586. 3401
Wise County Clerk Decatur, TX 940. 627. 3351	Wood County Clerk Quitman, TX 903. 763. 2711	Yoakum County Clerk Plains, TX 806. 456. 2721
Young County Clerk Graham, TX 940. 549. 8432	Zapata County Clerk Zapata, TX 956. 765. 9915	Zavala County Clerk Crystal City, TX 830. 374. 2331