San Antonio is one of the most common starting points for couples getting married in the Texas Hill Country — whether they're based there, their families are, or they're simply driving through on the way to Dripping Springs or New Braunfels. Getting a marriage license in San Antonio means working with the Bexar County Clerk's office, and this guide covers everything you need to know.
Note: Requirements and office hours change — always verify current information directly with the Bexar County Clerk before your visit.
Bexar County Clerk — Marriage License Basics
Marriage licenses in Texas are issued by county clerks, and you can apply in any county regardless of where you live or where your wedding is taking place. The Bexar County Clerk's office handles all marriage license applications for the San Antonio area. Both applicants must appear in person together — you cannot apply separately or by proxy.
What You Need to Bring
- Valid government-issued photo ID for both applicants — driver's license, state ID, or passport
- Your Social Security number (you typically don't need the card, just know the number)
- If previously married — the date your last marriage ended and how (divorce or death)
- Application fee — typically $60–$82 in Bexar County; confirm current fee before your visit
- Both applicants must be 18 or older, or have parental/judicial consent if younger
The 72-Hour Waiting Period
Texas law requires a 72-hour waiting period between when your license is issued and when your ceremony can legally take place. This is the detail most couples overlook. If you apply on a Wednesday morning, the earliest your ceremony can occur is Saturday morning — not Friday.
For most Hill Country weddings — which are typically Saturday ceremonies — I recommend applying no later than Tuesday of your wedding week. Monday is even better, especially if you're traveling from out of town and want flexibility for unexpected delays.
Bexar County Clerk Locations
The Bexar County Clerk has a main courthouse location in downtown San Antonio as well as satellite service centers across the city. The satellite locations often have shorter wait times than the downtown courthouse — worth checking before you go. Search "Bexar County Clerk marriage license" for current hours and locations, as these change periodically.
Can You Apply in a Different County?
Yes — and this is one of the most useful things couples don't always know. You can apply for your Texas marriage license in any county, regardless of where you live or where your wedding is. If your wedding is in Dripping Springs (Hays County) or New Braunfels (Comal County), you can apply there instead of driving to San Antonio. The license is valid anywhere in Texas for 90 days from issuance.
After the Ceremony
Your officiant signs the marriage license and returns it to the county clerk for recording — whichever county issued it. Your officiant handles this step. After recording, you can order certified copies of your marriage certificate for name changes and legal records. Most counties allow online ordering of certified copies.
"Wendi reminded us about the 72-hour rule three weeks before our wedding — we had completely forgotten. We would have shown up at our venue with an invalid license. That single reminder was worth every penny of her coordination fee."— Jessica & Marco, New Braunfels Wedding