FORMAL MARRIAGE
A formal marriage license can be obtained from any county in Texas and the marriage can be performed anywhere. If the marriage takes place outside of Texas, contact the appropriate state office, consulate or embassy to learn the marriage requirements for that state or country.
Q: What is the legal age to obtain a Marriage License?
A: 18 without parental consent 16 with parental consent
Q: Can two people of the same sex get married?
A: Yes
Q: When can we get married after we purchase the license?
A: The license must be purchased at least 72 hours prior to but no more than 90 days before the date of the ceremony.
Q: If my boyfriend/girlfriend is in the military, do we still have to wait 72 hours?
A: The 72-hour waiting period is automatically waived for military personnel. However you will need to show your military ID.
Q: Is there any other way to waive the 72-hour waiting period?
A: An applicant may obtain a waiver from District Court, or an applicant can complete a premarital education course and provides the County Clerk with the completion certificate.
Q: I just got divorced – can I remarry right away?
A: If divorced in Texas, there is a 30-day waiting period after the divorce is final before remarriage–unless waived. If the 30-day waiting period is waived, a certified copy must be presented at the time the license is purchased.
Q: Who can marry us?
A: The following people are authorized to conduct marriage ceremonies:
Licensed or ordained Christian ministers, and priests; Jewish rabbis; persons who are officers of religious organizations and who are duly authorized by the organization to conduct marriage ceremonies; justices of the supreme court, judges of the court of criminal appeals, justices of the court of appeals, judges of the district, county, and probate courts, judges of the county court at law, courts of domestic relations and juvenile courts, retired justices and judges of such courts, justices of the peace, retired justices of the peace, judges of a municipal court, retired judge of a municipal court or judge or magistrate of the federal court of this state; and a retired judge or magistrate of a federal court of this state.
Q: Do we need to have a blood test performed?
A: No blood test is required in the State of Texas anymore.
Q: What kind of I.D. do we need to get a license?
A: You must have a valid I.D. such as a driver’s license, I.D. card issued by DPS, valid passport, resident alien card, or other government issued identification.
