Texas Marriage License Requirements 2026
Everything you need to legally marry in Texas: $81 license fee, 72 hours waiting period, 90 days validity, minimum age 18, None witnesses required. Apply at the County Clerk.
Texas Marriage License: Quick Facts
How Much Is a Marriage License in Texas?
A marriage license in Texas costs $81. This is the standard fee charged by the County Clerk when you submit your application in person. The fee covers the license itself, recording, and one certified copy of the marriage certificate in most counties.
Payment is typically accepted in cash, card, or check, though policies vary by county. Some counties charge extra for additional certified copies, which you may need for name changes, passport applications, or insurance updates after the wedding. Call your county clerk in advance to confirm accepted payment methods and total cost with additional copies.
Compared to the national average of $60-$80, Texas's fee is slightly above the national average.
How to Get a Marriage License in Texas
Gather required documents
Both partners need a valid government-issued photo ID. If you have been previously married, bring the final divorce decree or your former spouse's death certificate. Texas does not require proof of residency.
Visit the County Clerk
Both applicants must appear in person at the County Clerk in any Texas county. You can typically apply in the county where you plan to marry or the county where you live - check your specific county for any local rules.
Complete the application and pay the fee
Fill out the marriage license application and pay the $81 fee. Be ready to provide both Social Security numbers (or visa numbers for non-citizens), your parents' full names, and your places of birth.
Wait 72 hours
Texas has a mandatory 72 hours waiting period between application and ceremony. Plan your application visit at least a week before your ceremony to allow buffer time.
Hold the ceremony within the validity window
The license is valid for 90 days from the date of issue. The ceremony must be officiated and the license signed within this window. Authorized officiants in Texas: Licensed or ordained ministers, priests, rabbis, and clergy. Judges of any court, justices of the peace, and retired judges. County judges and justices of appellate courts.
Return the signed license for recording
After the ceremony, the officiant signs the license along with any required witnesses. The signed license must be returned to the County Clerk (often by the officiant) within the timeframe specified by Texas law. The county then issues your official marriage certificate.
Special Situations in Texas
Previously married
Bring the final divorce decree or death certificate of your former spouse. Some Texas counties require the decree be from within a certain number of months - check with the County Clerk.
Out-of-state couples
Texas has no residency requirement, making it a popular state for destination weddings. Both partners just need to appear in person at the County Clerk with valid ID.
Same-sex marriages
Same-sex marriages are fully legal in Texas following Obergefell v. Hodges (2015). The requirements are identical to opposite-sex marriages with no additional steps.
Non-citizens
Foreign nationals can marry in Texas on a tourist visa with a valid passport. The marriage itself does not change immigration status. You may need certified translations of any foreign documents.
Common law marriage
Texas recognizes common law marriage. Couples can establish a legal marriage by living together as spouses, presenting themselves publicly as married, and intending to be married, without a license or ceremony in some cases.
Important Texas Notes
Who Can Officiate in Texas
Licensed or ordained ministers, priests, rabbis, and clergy. Judges of any court, justices of the peace, and retired judges. County judges and justices of appellate courts.
Good to Know
Texas recognizes informal (common law) marriage and has a Declaration of Informal Marriage option. The 72-hour waiting period is waived if the couple completes a premarital education course, which also reduces the license fee.
Texas Marriage License Document Checklist
- Valid government-issued photo ID for both applicants (passport, Texas drivers license, state ID, military ID)
- Birth certificates if requested by the County Clerk
- Social Security numbers for both partners (visa numbers acceptable for non-citizens)
- Divorce decree or death certificate if either partner was previously married
- Marriage license fee of $81 - confirm accepted payment methods with your county
- Out-of-state couples are welcome - no residency required
- No witnesses legally required (though many couples bring them anyway)
After the Texas ceremony, collect every guest photo
Once you have your license and your ceremony is set, make sure no moment gets missed. Guests scan a QR code and upload photos straight to your shared album - no app download required.
Try Pix Wedding FreeMarriage License Requirements in Other States
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Texas Marriage License FAQ
Everything you need to know about our free tools and how they help your wedding day.
A Texas marriage license costs $81. The fee is paid at the County Clerk when you apply. Some counties may charge slightly more for processing or a certified copy of the marriage certificate. Payment methods vary by county - call ahead to confirm whether the office accepts cash, card, or check only.
Yes. Texas requires a 72 hours waiting period between applying for and using your marriage license. Texas recognizes informal (common law) marriage and has a Declaration of Informal Marriage option. The 72-hour waiting period is waived if the couple completes a premarital education course, which also reduces the license fee.
A Texas marriage license is valid for 90 days from the date of issue. The ceremony must be performed within this window or you will need to reapply and pay the fee again. Keep the dates in mind when scheduling your application visit.
Texas accepts valid government-issued photo ID for both applicants. Acceptable forms include a US passport, state driver's license or state ID card, US military ID, permanent resident card, or foreign passport. Both partners must present ID in person at the County Clerk.
No. Texas does not legally require witnesses for the marriage ceremony, though many couples choose to have them anyway. If you do invite witnesses, anyone over 18 capable of signing is typically acceptable.
No. Texas does not require residency to obtain a marriage license. Out-of-state couples can apply at any County Clerk as long as both partners are present and bring the required ID. This makes Texas a popular destination wedding state.
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