How to get a marriage license in Texas
Getting married is an exciting and romantic experience, but it can also be a bit overwhelming when it comes to the legalities involved. If you’re planning to tie the knot in Texas, one of the first things you’ll need to do is obtain a marriage license. In this blog post, we’ll walk you through the process of getting a marriage license in Texas, including when to get one, what you’ll need to obtain it, and how to make it official after your ceremony.
First things first, it’s important to know that marriage licenses in Texas are issued by county clerks. A good start is to Google “XYZ [your county] county clerks office.” This means that you’ll need to apply for your marriage license at the county clerk’s office in the county where you plan to get married. The good news is that you don’t need to be a resident of Texas to get a marriage license in the state (especially important for out of state folks getting hitched here!). As long as you meet the requirements, you can apply for a marriage license in any county in Texas.
When to Get a Marriage License in Texas
One of the most important things to keep in mind when getting a marriage license in Texas is timing. You can apply for a marriage license up to 90 days before your wedding date, but you’ll want to give yourself enough time to get everything in order. It’s best to apply for your marriage license at least a few weeks before your wedding date to ensure that you have everything you need and to avoid any last-minute stress.
How Much Does a Marriage License Cost in Texas?
Another thing to keep in mind when getting a marriage license in Texas is the cost. The fee for a marriage license in Texas varies by county, but it’s usually around $70 to $80. You’ll want to check with the county clerk’s office where you plan to apply for your marriage license to get the exact fee.
What You’ll Need to Obtain a Marriage License in Texas
To obtain a marriage license in Texas, you’ll need to provide some basic information and documentation. Here’s what you’ll typically need:
- Valid identification: Both you and your partner will need to provide valid identification, such as a driver’s license or passport.
- Social Security numbers: You and your partner will also need to provide your social security numbers.
- Proof of age: If you’re under 18, you’ll need parental consent to get married in Texas. You’ll also need to provide proof of age, such as a birth certificate.
- Divorce or death certificates: If either you or your partner has been divorced or widowed, you’ll need to provide a copy of the divorce decree or death certificate.
It’s important to note that the specific requirements for getting a marriage license in Texas can vary by county. You’ll want to check with the county clerk’s office where you plan to apply for your marriage license to get the exact requirements.
Making It Official
Once you’ve obtained your marriage license and had your wedding ceremony, you’ll need to make it official by completing and returning the marriage license to the county clerk’s office where you obtained it. In Texas, you have 30 days from the date of your wedding to return the completed marriage license.
To make it official, you’ll need to have your wedding officiant sign the marriage license and provide some additional information, such as the date and location of your wedding. You’ll then need to return the completed marriage license to the county clerk’s office where you obtained it.
After the county clerk’s office receives your completed marriage license, they’ll process it and issue a marriage certificate. This certificate is an official record of your marriage and can be used for legal and personal purposes, such as changing your last name or updating your identification.
Getting a marriage license in Texas is a relatively straightforward process, but it’s important to know the requirements and timing involved.
Getting married in Texas, but live in a different state?
Each state has its own requirements for obtaining a marriage license, and the rules can vary depending on where you plan on getting married. In general, it is possible to obtain a marriage license in one state and use it to get married in another state, but there may be some additional steps you need to take to ensure that your marriage is legally recognized.
For example, in Navada their licenses can only be used in Navada – so if you’re getting married in Texas, you’ll want to apply for a license in that Texas county. Alternatively, some couples will “get married” in their home state, then come have the ceremony in Texas after the fact to avoid having to come a few days ahead of time to apply in a Texas county.
It’s important to check the specific requirements of the state where you plan on getting married, as some states may require you to obtain a marriage license in that state if you plan on getting married there. Additionally, some states may have different waiting periods or other requirements for out-of-state couples.
Elm Pass Woods is located in Kerr County, Texas. There is a 72 hr waiting period from the time you apply for a marriage license to the time you can get married!
From Kerr County Clerk’s office: BOTH parties need to appear in person. Each of you will need your driver’s license (which cannot be expired more than 2 years.) You will need to know your Social Security numbers, but are not required to show us your cards. The cost is $82 CASH ONLY.
We will ask you some questions and, in all likelihood, you will receive your license. Then, there is a 72-hour waiting period. Your ceremony must be held 72 hours after we hand you the license, but before the license’s 90-day expiration date.
You can find the Kerr County Clerk’s website here: www.kerrcountytx.gov
