Getting a marriage license in Texas is one of the most important pre-wedding tasks — and one of the most commonly misunderstood. In over 15 years of wedding planning, I've seen couples scramble last-minute because they didn't understand the waiting period, couples who drove to the wrong county office, and couples who showed up without the right ID. This guide covers everything you need to know.
Note: Marriage license requirements can change. Always verify the most current requirements directly with your county clerk's office before applying.
Texas Marriage License Basics
In Texas, marriage licenses are issued by county clerks — not the state. This means you apply at a county clerk's office, and both applicants generally need to appear in person together. The license is valid for 90 days from issuance, and there is a 72-hour waiting period between when the license is issued and when the ceremony can take place.
The 72-hour waiting period is one of the most important things to plan around. If you apply for your license on a Wednesday morning, the earliest you can legally marry is Saturday morning. For most Hill Country weddings — especially Saturday ceremonies — I recommend applying no later than the Tuesday before your wedding week, giving you a comfortable buffer.
What You'll Need
Both applicants must appear in person and bring valid government-issued photo ID (driver's license, state ID, or passport). You'll need to know your Social Security number (though you generally don't need to bring the card). If either applicant has been previously married, you'll need information about when and how the previous marriage ended. The fee varies by county but is typically $60–$82, and most counties accept cash, check, or card.
Which County Should You Apply In?
You can apply for a Texas marriage license in any county — it doesn't have to be the county where you live or where you're getting married. For Hill Country couples, here are the most relevant county clerk offices:
Hays County
Covers Dripping Springs and San Marcos. Office in San Marcos at the courthouse.
Travis County
Covers Austin. Multiple service centers across the city — check hours carefully.
Comal County
Covers New Braunfels. Office at the courthouse in downtown New Braunfels.
Bexar County
Covers San Antonio. Multiple locations — typically shorter wait times at satellite offices.
The 72-Hour Waiver
Texas does allow couples to waive the 72-hour waiting period under specific circumstances — primarily for active-duty military members, or if a licensed minister of religion provides a waiver. If you're cutting it close on timing, speak with your county clerk about whether a waiver applies to your situation.
After the Ceremony
After your ceremony, your officiant signs the marriage license and returns it to the county clerk's office for recording. Your officiant handles this — make sure they're clear on the process. Keep a certified copy of your marriage certificate for name change purposes and legal records. Most counties allow you to order certified copies online after the license is recorded.
Wendi's Timeline Recommendation
For a Saturday wedding, apply on the Monday or Tuesday before your wedding week. This gives you the 72-hour window with a comfortable buffer, and allows time to resolve any unexpected issues. Don't wait until the week of your wedding — county offices have variable hours and wait times, and you don't want marriage license stress added to wedding week.