Texas Marriage Requirements

  • Minimum age of couple: 18

  • Residency: Not required

  • Minimum distance of kin allowed: Second Cousins

Everyone who marries must secure a marriage license. You and your partner must go in person to the court to get the license because you have to swear that the information you provide is true and accurate. False statements can lead to a Class A misdemeanor charge in the state.

Texas has a list of information you have to provide when securing your marriage license. You will have to provide information about your relationship because you cannot be closer than second cousins. If either of you has a child support order, you must let the court know if you are up to date on payments or if you have a delinquency. It is also a requirement to divulge if either you are in another marriage or have gone through a divorce in the past 30 days.

You can have a proxy for the marriage ceremony, but the clerk must know of this prior to securing the license. He or she must note this on the license. The clerk also must provide you with access to online premarital information.

How to get a Marriage License In Texas

  • Who picks up License: The Couple

  • Where is License valid: Any County in Texas

  • Marriage License pick up: In person only

  • Accepted I.D. Types: Photo I.D.

  • Cost of License: Varies by County

    Proof of Divorce Required: No

  • Blood Test Required: No

When securing your marriage license, you need to have a photo ID. The clerk will require it when picking up the license. Acceptable identification may include a birth certificate, military ID, valid handgun license, pilot’s license or other state-issued ID.

You will also have to pay between $70 and $100 to get the license. Costs vary by county of issuance. Once issued, that marriage license is valid for ceremonies performed anywhere within the state.

You should note that if you have a divorce in your past, it must have been at least 30 days since that divorce was finalized for you to marry in Texas. You cannot get your marriage license prior to that point unless you have a court authorization to waive the 30-day period.

Applying For a Marriage In Texas

  • ULC - Officiated Ceremony Type: Religious

  • Mandatory Waiting Period: 72 Hours

  • License Valid for: 90 Days

  • License Must Be Submitted: Within 30 Days of Ceremony

Your marriage license is valid for 90 days, but you need to wait at least 72 hours after you get it to marry. The state does offer exceptions to this waiting period.

You may waive it if you have taken a premarital education course in the last year. The course must have state approval. If you are active-duty military or an employee under contract of the Department of Defense, then you may also secure a waiver. A judge can also give you an exemption.