How to Get Married at a Texas Courthouse

Understanding Texas Courthouse Marriage Requirements

A courthouse marriage in Texas is a legal way to get married without a large ceremony or religious officiant. The process involves obtaining a marriage license, meeting state requirements, and having a judge or authorized official perform the ceremony. Texas law sets out specific rules about who can marry, what documents are needed, and how the process works.

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Texas does not require a waiting period between getting your marriage license and the ceremony, which is different from many other states. This means you can obtain your license and get married on the same day if you choose. The state also does not require blood tests or a medical examination before marriage. However, certain basic requirements must be met by both people getting married.

The earliest you can get married in Texas is when you turn 18 years old. If you are 16 or 17, you can marry with parental consent and court approval, though this process is more complex. Texas law recognizes marriages between two people regardless of gender. The state does not have a residency requirement, meaning you do not need to live in Texas to marry there, though you will need to obtain your license in a Texas county.

Both people getting married must be of sound mind and not already married to someone else. If either person was previously married, they must have a final divorce decree or death certificate showing the previous marriage ended. Texas law prohibits marriage between certain relatives, including parents and children, grandparents and grandchildren, and siblings.

Takeaway: Before heading to the courthouse, confirm you meet Texas's basic marriage requirements: you are at least 18 years old, not currently married, and not marrying a prohibited relative.

Getting Your Marriage License at the County Clerk's Office

The marriage license is the official government document that allows you to marry in Texas. Every Texas county has a County Clerk's office where you can obtain this license. You do not need to be a resident of the county to get a license there, so you can choose any county in Texas that is convenient for you. However, the license is only valid in Texas and must be used within 90 days of issuance.

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Both people getting married must appear in person at the County Clerk's office. You cannot send someone else to get the license for you, and you cannot obtain it online or by mail. The office is typically located in the county courthouse building or a nearby government building. Hours vary by county, but most offices are open Monday through Friday during regular business hours. Some larger counties may have extended hours or Saturday appointments available.

When you visit the County Clerk's office, bring valid government-issued identification for both people. Acceptable forms include a driver's license, passport, military ID, or state ID card. You will also need to provide your Social Security number. If either person has been previously married, bring the original or certified copy of the final divorce decree or death certificate. The clerk will verify this information before issuing the license.

The cost of a marriage license in Texas varies slightly by county but typically ranges from $60 to $75. Most counties accept cash, check, and credit or debit card. Some offices may have different payment methods, so you may want to call ahead. The County Clerk will provide you with the original license and may provide additional certified copies. Some couples order extra copies at this time because they may be needed later for name changes or other legal matters.

The application process at the County Clerk's office is straightforward. The clerk will ask questions about both people's full names, dates of birth, Social Security numbers, and whether either has been previously married. You will sign the application under oath. The clerk will then issue the license, which is a formal document with an official seal. This license is what allows you to have the marriage ceremony performed.

Takeaway: Plan to visit your chosen county's County Clerk's office during business hours with valid ID and any divorce or death paperwork. Budget about 30 to 60 minutes for the visit and bring payment in your preferred method.

Finding an Authorized Official to Perform the Ceremony

In Texas, a marriage ceremony must be performed by an authorized official. This official signs the marriage license and makes the marriage legal. Many people think only clergy members can perform marriages, but Texas law recognizes several types of officials. Understanding your options helps you plan the ceremony that works best for you.

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A judge or justice of the peace is the most common choice for courthouse marriages. Judges include district judges, county judges, and judges of courts of record. Justices of the peace are elected officials in each precinct of a county. Most couples use a justice of the peace because they are readily available and perform many courthouse marriages. You do not need to know the justice of the peace personally; you can call the Justice of the Peace office in your county and ask if they perform marriage ceremonies. Many do this as part of their regular duties.

Religious clergy members, including ministers, priests, rabbis, and imams, can also perform marriages in Texas. If you want a religious ceremony, you can contact your place of worship or a clergy member of your choice. Some clergy will perform ceremonies outside of their usual services or buildings. If you do not have a religious affiliation, you can search for clergy members willing to perform secular or interfaith ceremonies.

Texas also recognizes marriage ceremonies performed by notary publics, but this is less common. A notary must have additional authorization and follows specific rules. Most courthouse marriages do not use a notary for this reason.

To arrange a ceremony with a justice of the peace or judge, call the office and ask about their procedure and availability. Some offices have set times for ceremonies, while others can accommodate you more flexibly. Ask about any fees they charge. Justices of the peace typically charge between $20 and $50 to perform a ceremony, though some perform ceremonies for no fee. When you schedule, confirm you have your marriage license and bring it with you to the ceremony.

You may want to ask the official ahead of time if they allow you to write your own vows or if they have a standard ceremony. Some officials have a specific format they follow, while others are flexible. If you want specific wording or want to include personal touches, discuss this when you schedule.

Takeaway: Contact your local Justice of the Peace office or a clergy member several days before you want to marry. Confirm they are available, ask about fees, and bring your marriage license to the ceremony.

Planning the Courthouse Ceremony Details

A courthouse marriage ceremony is typically brief, often lasting only 5 to 15 minutes. Unlike large wedding ceremonies, the focus is on the legal requirements rather than elaborate rituals or performances. Understanding what happens during the ceremony helps you prepare and know what to expect.

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The ceremony usually takes place in a judge's chambers, the justice of the peace's office, or a small courtroom. The setting is formal but not elaborate. The official conducting the ceremony will ask both people if they want to marry each other and will ask them to state their vows. Standard vows might be simple, such as "Do you take this person to be your spouse?" You answer "I do" or a similar affirmation. If you want to say personal vows, you can prepare these ahead of time and speak them aloud during the ceremony.

You may bring up to a few guests or witnesses to the ceremony. Some officials require at least one witness present, though Texas law does not mandate this. However, having witnesses can be meaningful and they serve as proof that the ceremony occurred. Common choices for witnesses are close family members or friends. Witnesses do not need to sign anything in modern Texas ceremonies, though this was required historically.

Dress for the ceremony is entirely your choice. Since it is a legal proceeding, many people wear business-casual or formal clothing, but this is not required. You can wear whatever makes you feel comfortable and confident. Some couples dress formally in a suit and wedding dress, while others wear everyday clothing. The official does not have a dress code requirement for you.

Bring your marriage license with you to the ceremony. The official will need to review it, and both people getting married will need to sign it. The official will also sign and may emboss it with an official seal. After the ceremony, you will receive the completed license. Keep this document safely; you will need it for legal matters like changing your name, updating your driver's license, or adding a spouse to insurance or bank accounts.

Some people bring flowers, take photos, or have a small celebration after the ceremony. You can make the day feel special in any way you choose. Some couples go to lunch with their witnesses after the ceremony or have a small gathering. Others