Detailed Texas Wedding Law Notes
These notes summarize state marriage-license, ceremony, witness, and officiant guidance for the new map experience.
Requirements for the Couple
- Minimum Age: 18 years (court approval required for minors)
- Residency: Not Required
- Minimum Kin Distance: Second Cousins
- Marriage Equality: Yes
- Officiant Title: Minister
- Ordaining Body: Ministries of Love
- Address: Minister’s Home Address
- Documents Required: Varies by County
- Online Ordination Recognized: Yes
- Registration Office: County Clerk
- Marriage By Proxy: Allowed (under specific circumstances)
- Minister Presence: Required
- Witnesses Required: None
Couples must be 18+ to marry. Minors require court approval.
Marriage License Requirements
- License Pickup: By Couple, In Person
- Cost: $70–$100 (varies by county)
- Accepted ID: Photo ID (e.g., driver’s license, passport, military ID)
- Proof of Divorce: Not Required (30-day waiting period after divorce applies)
- Blood Test: Not Required
Couples must pick up the license in person with valid photo ID. Divorced individuals must wait 30 days post-divorce unless waived by a court.
Marriage License Facts
- Ceremony Type: Religious
- Waiting Period: 72 Hours (exceptions apply)
- License Validity: 90 Days
- Submission Deadline: Within 30 Days
- Minimum Age: 18 years (court approval required for minors)
- Residency: Not Required
- Minimum Kin Distance: Second Cousins
- Marriage Equality: Yes
Most couples must wait 72 hours after receiving the license before the ceremony. Exceptions include active-duty military, DoD employees, or those completing a premarital education course.
Requirements for the Minister
- Minimum Age: 18 years
- Residency: Not Required
- Documents Required: Varies by County
- Online Ordination Recognized: Yes
- Registration Office: County Clerk
Ministers must be 18+ and ordained through Ministries of Love. Ministry credentials should be on hand, as requirements vary by county.
Wedding Ceremony Requirements
- Marriage By Proxy: Allowed (under specific circumstances)
- Minister Presence: Required
- Witnesses Required: None
- License Pickup: By Couple, In Person
- Cost: $70–$100 (varies by county)
- Accepted ID: Photo ID (e.g., driver’s license, passport, military ID)
- Proof of Divorce: Not Required (30-day waiting period after divorce applies)
- Blood Test: Not Required
- Ceremony Type: Religious
- Waiting Period: 72 Hours (exceptions apply)
- License Validity: 90 Days
- Submission Deadline: Within 30 Days
- Minimum Age: 18 years (court approval required for minors)
- Residency: Not Required
- Minimum Kin Distance: Second Cousins
- Marriage Equality: Yes
Texas allows proxies for active military members unable to attend the ceremony. The couple (or proxy) must provide spoken consent (“I do”), followed by the minister’s pronouncement.
Final Steps
- Officiant Title: Minister
- Ordaining Body: Ministries of Love
- Address: Minister’s Home Address
- Minimum Age: 18 years
- Residency: Not Required
- Documents Required: Varies by County
- Online Ordination Recognized: Yes
- Registration Office: County Clerk
- Marriage By Proxy: Allowed (under specific circumstances)
- Minister Presence: Required
- Witnesses Required: None
- License Pickup: By Couple, In Person
- Cost: $70–$100 (varies by county)
- Accepted ID: Photo ID (e.g., driver’s license, passport, military ID)
- Proof of Divorce: Not Required (30-day waiting period after divorce applies)
- Blood Test: Not Required
- Ceremony Type: Religious
- Waiting Period: 72 Hours (exceptions apply)
- License Validity: 90 Days
- Submission Deadline: Within 30 Days
- Minimum Kin Distance: Second Cousins
- Marriage Equality: Yes
The officiant must complete the marriage license, including the ceremony date, county, title, ordaining body, and home address. Inaccurate completion may result in fines ranging from $200 to $500.