Texas Marriage Laws

Texas State's Marriage Ceremony Officiating Requirements

Applying for a Marriage License in Texas

Identification Requirement: You must have valid identification like your driving license, certified copy of your birth certificate, passport, military ID card and your social security number.

Residency Requirement: You do not have to be resident of the Texas.

Pre-marital Education: In Texas, couples are inspired to take a premarital education course (at least 4 ours duration). It must be completed before applying for a marriage license. For more details contact the county clerk.

If Previously Married: You have to show the certified copy of your divorce decree.

Wait Period in Texas: Waiting period is 72 hours (3 days) in Texas can be waived for active duty military personnel.

Marriage Fees Required and Any Other Test Required: Approximately $31 - $41, only cash is allowed.

Common Law Marriage Option or Informal Marriage: Yes.

There are two options for a marriage to be declared as an informal marriage in Texas.

1. Fill a marriage declaration form under oath. Form is available at County Clerk's office.
   The Declaration and Registration of Informal Marriage demands for full names, mother's maiden name, addresses, birth date, birth place, social security numbers and related information.
2. Live together as husband and wife in Texas
   Represent to others that they are married.
   Agree with one another that they are married.
3. A person having the age under 18 may not allow entering into the informal marriage.

Child Support Statement: Generally a marriage license application includes the child support statement and states, "I AM NOT PRESENTLY DELINQUENT IN THE PAYMENT OF COURT-ORDERED CHILD SUPPORT. TRUE FALSE". This has been the law in Texas since September, 1995.

Under 18 Marriages: If you are between 14 and 17 years old, you must have written consent from your parents or guardian on an official form. This should be done in presence of county clerk .

Renewal of Vows or Secret Marriage Remarriage: According to the Texas state laws, a marriage license must be issued to the already married couple by the county clerk.

Proxy Marriages: Yes, allowed in Texas.

Cousin Marriages: No.

Marriage for Same-Sex Options: Not allowed in Texas.

Marriage Ceremony Officiants: Any authorized person like licensed minister, priests, Jewish rabbis, supreme court justices, assistant judges, district judges, justices of the courts of appeals, retired judges or justices or magistrates of the federal court of Texas are allowed to perform civil marriages.

The marriage license validity period: 30 days.

About Marriage Certificate Copy:

it's better if you confirm the information with the Texas county clerk or the local marriage license office before finalizing the marriage plans.