Everything you need to know for your Texas wedding
As your wedding officiant, I can marry any couple who has a valid marriage license obtained by any county clerk in the State of Texas or another state that allows for out-of-state marriages. You'll need to bring your valid marriage license to your ceremony for me to sign off on and return to your county clerk.
Important: Marriage licenses must be obtained Monday-Friday at your county clerk office, in person, with the fee amount in CASH ONLY. County Clerk offices are closed on all National Holidays. Always check your specific county clerk's office for current business hours.
The first step in getting your marriage license is locating your county clerk's office. Texas has multiple county clerks across the state, each handling marriage licenses for their specific county.
Use the Texas Secretary of State's directory to find your county clerk's office location, phone number, and hours.
Find County Clerk Directory →Opens the official Texas Secretary of State county directory in a new window
Understanding the timeline helps you plan your wedding day with confidence. Here's the journey from applying for your marriage license to saying "I do."
Visit your county clerk office
Required buffer time
Get married!
Visit your county clerk office
Required buffer time
Get married!
If your partner is a member of the military and cannot be present at the county clerk to obtain the license, Texas allows the military applicant to submit a notarized absentee affidavit. Affidavits can be notarized on base and then returned to the county clerk without the person being present.
Use this interactive checklist to keep track of everything you need to gather before visiting your county clerk's office. You can check off items as you prepare and print this list for easy reference.
Use this checklist to ensure you have everything needed for your marriage license application. Check off items as you gather them.
Print Tip: Click "Print Checklist" above to save or print this list. You can check items as you prepare!
Marriage License Preparation Checklist • Love Knows No Limits • 2026
Visit your county clerk's office during business hours to apply for the marriage license.
Provide a driver's license, state-issued birth certificate, passport, or military ID. You'll also need to provide your Social Security number.
You must sign the application in front of the county clerk. If this isn't possible, any adult or the other applicant may apply on behalf of the absent applicant.
Pay the license fee in cash. There must be at least 72 hours between the date and time of issuance and when your ceremony occurs (unless one applicant is on active military duty or a waiver is granted). Your marriage license is valid for 90 days.
You'll need one valid form of identification such as a driver's license, certified copy of your birth certificate, U.S. passport, military ID card, and your Social Security number.
Neither of you needs to be a resident of Texas. Texas is a wonderful destination for couples planning their perfect wedding ceremony!
If divorced within the last thirty days, you'll need to provide a certified copy of your divorce decree showing the 30-day waiting period is waived.
The standard 72-hour waiting period in Texas is waived automatically for active duty military personnel.
Fees range from $72–$88 and must be paid in cash. Fees vary by Texas county. Blood tests and medical examinations are not required.
Your ceremony doesn't have to occur in Texas. You can marry anywhere in another state, another country, or in international waters.
Divorce Waiting Period: When applying for a marriage license, each applicant must indicate that they have not been divorced within the last 30 days (unless the applicants were divorced from each other).
Ceremony Location: Your marriage ceremony does not have to occur in Texas. The ceremony may occur in another state, another country, or in international waters. However, you should realize that if questions arise, the validity of the marriage may be subject to the jurisdiction of the area where the marriage occurred. We recommend researching the laws and seeking independent legal advice before your ceremony if necessary.
No Blood Tests Required: Blood tests are not required in Texas.
No Witnesses Required: Witnesses are not required in Texas.
Variable Requirements: Requirements may vary, as each county in Texas could have their own specific requirements. We recommend contacting your county clerk's office directly to confirm all requirements.
Have questions about Texas marriage requirements? We've compiled answers to the most common questions from couples planning their wedding.
Every couple's situation is unique. If you don't see your question answered here, I'm happy to help.
Schedule a ConsultationOnce you have your marriage license in hand, let's discuss your perfect ceremony. I'm here to help make your special day unforgettable.
Reach out directly with any questions or concerns.