How to get married at the courthouse in Texas is a common question for couples looking for an easy, affordable, and legally binding way to marry without the complications or costs of a traditional wedding. Texas offers one of the most straightforward courthouse marriage processes in the country, welcoming residents and visitors alike to legally wed at the county clerk’s office or courthouse. Whether you live in Houston, Dallas, Austin, San Antonio, or smaller cities like Plano or Amarillo, courthouse weddings provide a fast and convenient way to make your marriage official. This option is especially attractive to couples who want to avoid the hassle of big wedding planning and expensive venues. In this detailed article, you’ll learn everything you need to know about getting married at the court in Texas, including the requirements, step-by-step process, and important considerations to ensure your courthouse wedding goes smoothly and legally.
Requirements to Get Married at the Courthouse in Texas
Before you can get married at a Texas courthouse, you need to meet several legal requirements:
1. Age Requirements: Both parties must be at least 18 years old to marry without parental consent. Minors aged 16 or 17 may marry with parental consent and approval from a judge or county clerk, though these cases are reviewed carefully. Individuals under 16 generally cannot marry in Texas, except in very rare, court-approved circumstances.
2. Residency: You do not need to be a Texas resident to get married in Texas. Couples from other states or countries can apply for a marriage license and get married in any Texas county.
3. Marriage License Application: Both parties must apply together in person at the County Clerk’s Office in any Texas county. You will complete an application with personal details such as full names, dates of birth, places of birth, and social security numbers (if applicable).
4. Valid Identification: Each applicant must present a valid government-issued photo ID, like a driver’s license, passport, or military ID, to verify identity and age.
5. Marriage License Fee: The fee for a marriage license varies by county but usually ranges from \$70 to \$85. This fee is payable at the time of application and can often be paid by cash, check, or credit card.
6. No Blood Tests or Medical Exams: Texas does not require blood tests, medical exams, or health certificates before issuing a marriage license.
7. Waiting Period: Texas has a 72-hour waiting period between obtaining the marriage license and the ceremony, unless waived for active military personnel or by a judge’s order.
8. License Validity Period: The marriage license is valid for 90 days from the date it is issued. Your wedding ceremony must occur within this period or the license will expire.
9. Previous Marriages: You must disclose if you have been previously married and provide the date your prior marriage ended. This information ensures compliance with Texas marriage laws.
All Steps to Get Married at the Courthouse in Texas
1. Apply for Your Marriage License at the County Clerk’s Office
To begin getting married at the courthouse in Texas, visit the County Clerk’s Office in the county where you wish to marry. For example, if you plan to marry in Travis County (Austin), you would go to the Travis County Clerk’s Office. Both parties must appear together in person and present valid photo identification, such as driver’s licenses or passports. During the application, you’ll provide personal information, including your names, birth dates, social security numbers (if you have one), and details about any previous marriages. The clerk will collect the marriage license fee, generally between \$70 and \$85. After payment, you will receive your marriage license; however, Texas enforces a 72-hour waiting period before you can legally marry unless an exception applies.
2. Schedule Your Courthouse Wedding Ceremony
After the waiting period, or immediately if you qualify for a waiver (such as military personnel on active duty), you can schedule your courthouse wedding. Many Texas counties offer wedding ceremonies conducted by judges, justices of the peace, or authorized officials, often at the County Clerk’s Office or courthouse. Some counties require appointments, so call ahead to confirm availability and any ceremony fees. Courthouse weddings in Texas tend to be brief—usually 10 to 20 minutes—and focus on the legal formalities, including exchanging vows and signing the marriage license.
3. Prepare for Your Wedding Day at the Courthouse
On your wedding day, bring your issued marriage license and valid photo ID for both parties. Texas law also requires at least one witness, who must be at least 18 years old, to be present and sign the marriage license during the ceremony. Ensure your witness also has valid identification. The officiant will guide you through the ceremony and help you and your witness sign the marriage license to complete the process.
4. Return the Signed Marriage License for Official Recording
Following your ceremony, the officiant is responsible for returning the signed marriage license to the County Clerk’s Office where it was issued. This step is critical to making your marriage legally binding and recorded in Texas state records. It’s advisable to verify with the clerk’s office that the license has been properly filed.
5. Obtain Certified Copies of Your Marriage Certificate
Once the marriage license is recorded, you can request certified copies of your marriage certificate from the County Clerk’s Office or the Texas Department of State Health Services. Certified copies are essential for legal name changes, insurance updates, tax purposes, and other official needs. The fee for a certified copy is typically around \$5 to \$15 per copy. It’s smart to order several certified copies to avoid future fees and hassle.
Things to Consider When Deciding to Get Married at the Courthouse in Texas
1. The 72-Hour Waiting Period Can Affect Your Timeline
One of the most important factors to keep in mind when planning a courthouse wedding in Texas is the mandatory 72-hour waiting period that starts once you obtain your marriage license. This means you cannot have your ceremony immediately after getting your license and must wait three full days before the marriage can be legally performed. This waiting period is designed to give couples time to reflect on their decision before legally binding themselves in marriage. If you are planning a wedding on a tight schedule, such as due to upcoming military deployment, travel restrictions, or other urgent personal circumstances, this waiting period may require adjustments to your timeline. Fortunately, Texas law does provide exceptions to waive the waiting period for active-duty military members and in some other special cases, but these require proper documentation and approval from a judge or the county clerk. It’s critical to communicate clearly with the County Clerk’s Office about your situation to see if a waiver is possible and to plan accordingly. Failure to account for this waiting period may result in rescheduling delays and added stress.
2. Costs Vary by County, So Check Local Fees
When considering a courthouse wedding in Texas, it’s important to note that marriage license fees are not standardized statewide and can vary from county to county. Generally, you can expect to pay between \$70 and \$85 for your license, but some counties might charge a little more or less depending on their administrative policies. Additionally, while the marriage license fee is mandatory, some counties charge a separate fee if you request the courthouse officiant to perform the ceremony. This ceremony fee is usually modest but should be confirmed ahead of time to avoid surprises. Payment methods can also differ — some counties accept credit cards, while others may require cash or checks. It’s wise to call your local County Clerk’s Office or visit their website to verify exact fees, accepted payment options, and hours of operation. Budgeting these costs in advance helps you manage expenses and ensures you have all required funds on hand when you apply.
3. Courthouse Weddings Are Quick and Efficient
One of the biggest appeals of courthouse weddings in Texas is their simplicity and speed. Most courthouse ceremonies are designed to be brief and efficient, often lasting between 10 to 30 minutes, which is ideal for couples who prefer a no-fuss, straightforward marriage process. This efficiency makes courthouse weddings perfect for people with busy schedules or those who want to avoid the stress and costs of traditional wedding planning. However, because of the brief nature of these ceremonies, couples should temper expectations around the amount of personalization and festivities that can be included. Unlike traditional weddings with extended vows, music, and elaborate rituals, courthouse ceremonies tend to focus on the legal formalities such as the exchange of vows, signing the license, and a simple pronouncement of marriage. If you want to include special readings, personal vows, or symbolic acts, be sure to check with the officiant in advance whether this is allowed or feasible within the courthouse setting.
4. Witness Requirements Are Easy but Important
Texas law requires at least one adult witness, age 18 or older, to be present during the courthouse wedding ceremony. This witness must be physically present to observe the ceremony and must sign the marriage license to validate the marriage legally. While this may seem like a minor detail, forgetting to bring a witness or ensuring your witness has proper photo identification can cause your ceremony to be postponed or canceled, leading to frustration and extra trips to the courthouse. Many couples bring a close friend or family member as their witness, but if you are having a very small or intimate ceremony, make sure to plan accordingly. It’s a good idea to confirm with the County Clerk’s Office whether they provide witnesses or if you must bring your own, as this can vary by county. Preparing ahead by confirming witness availability and ID requirements will help your courthouse wedding proceed smoothly without unexpected issues.
5. Personalization Is Possible but Limited
Although courthouse weddings in Texas are generally formal and concise, many officiants do allow some degree of personalization during the ceremony. This could include reciting brief personal vows, reading a favorite poem or passage, or including a short statement about your relationship. However, these opportunities are usually limited by courthouse rules, time constraints, and the officiant’s preferences. Because the focus of a courthouse wedding is the legal ceremony itself, couples should manage their expectations regarding how much creative or elaborate personalization can be incorporated. To avoid disappointment, reach out to the officiant or County Clerk’s Office ahead of time to ask about their policies on customization. Some counties and officials are more flexible and willing to accommodate special requests, while others may keep the ceremony strictly traditional and brief. Understanding these boundaries in advance will help you plan a meaningful ceremony that fits within courthouse guidelines.
6. Certified Copies Are Crucial for Post-Wedding Tasks
After your courthouse wedding in Texas, one of the most important next steps is obtaining certified copies of your marriage certificate. These official documents serve as legal proof of your marriage and are required for numerous administrative purposes such as changing your name on your Social Security card, driver’s license, passport, updating insurance policies, and filing joint tax returns. The process for ordering certified copies is usually done through the County Clerk’s Office where your marriage license was issued or through the Texas Department of State Health Services. The cost per certified copy is typically between \$5 and \$15, and it’s wise to order multiple copies at once to save time and avoid repeated fees in the future. Once you receive your certified copies, store them in a secure location and consider making digital backups for easy access. Being proactive about obtaining and safeguarding your marriage certificates ensures a smoother transition into married life with fewer bureaucratic hurdles.
Conclusion
Knowing how to get married at the courthouse in Texas empowers couples to have a legal, stress-free, and affordable wedding experience. Whether you live in Houston, Dallas, Austin, San Antonio, or elsewhere in the state, Texas makes it easy for you to apply for a marriage license, wait out the 72-hour waiting period, and hold a simple but official courthouse wedding. By understanding the requirements, carefully following the steps, and considering key details like waiting periods and witness needs, you can enjoy a smooth, meaningful, and legally recognized start to your married life. For couples looking for a no-frills, budget-friendly, and quick wedding, getting married at the court in Texas is an excellent choice that meets all legal standards while keeping the focus on your commitment to each other.
.jpg)
