Getting your Texas marriage license is one of the most important steps in your wedding planning — and one of the most commonly misunderstood. The process is straightforward once you know what to expect, but the details matter: the 72-hour waiting period, the 90-day validity window, and the requirement that both of you appear in person together.
After coordinating hundreds of weddings across Texas, I’ve answered these questions more times than I can count. Here is everything you need to know, including county-specific guidance for the areas where I work most often.
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Texas Marriage License: The Key Facts
Before getting into the details, here are the three things every couple needs to know upfront:
72-hour waiting period. After your license is issued, Texas law requires a 72-hour wait before you can legally marry. If your wedding is on a Saturday, you need the license issued no later than Wednesday.
90-day validity. Your license is valid for 90 days from the date of issue. Don’t apply too early — but don’t cut it too close either. Three to four weeks before your wedding date is the sweet spot.
Any county, anywhere in Texas. You can apply in any Texas county regardless of where you live or where you’re getting married. The license is valid statewide. Choose whichever county clerk’s office is most convenient for you.
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Texas Marriage License Requirements
Requirements are consistent across all 254 Texas counties. Both applicants must appear in person at the county clerk’s office at the same time. Here is what to bring:
Valid government-issued photo ID for both applicants — driver’s license, passport, or state ID card.
Your Social Security number. Most counties require you to provide it verbally or in writing on the application. You generally do not need to bring your Social Security card, but confirm with your specific county clerk before your visit.
Previous marriage information if either applicant has been married before. You will need to provide the date your last marriage ended. Some counties may ask to see a divorce decree or death certificate — call ahead to confirm.
Payment for the license fee. Fees typically range from $70 to $82 depending on the county. Some counties accept card, others require cash or check. Verify before you go.
Both applicants must be 18 or older. Applicants aged 16 or 17 require parental or judicial consent.
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How to Get a Texas Marriage License: Step by Step
Step 1: Choose your county clerk’s office
Pick the county that is most convenient — where you live, where your venue is, or simply the closest office to you. The license works anywhere in Texas regardless of which county issues it.
Step 2: Check hours and appointment requirements
Most county clerk offices are open Monday through Friday only. Some require appointments for marriage license applications, others accept walk-ins. Hours and processes vary and change — always verify directly with the office before your visit.
Step 3: Go together
Both applicants must appear in person at the same time. You cannot apply separately or send a representative. Mornings on weekdays tend to have shorter wait times.
Step 4: Complete the application and pay the fee
The clerk will provide the application form. Have your IDs ready and be prepared to provide your Social Security numbers. Pay the fee at the counter. If you have completed a state-approved premarital education course, bring your completion certificate — it may qualify you for a fee waiver or reduction.
Step 5: Wait 72 hours
Texas law requires a 72-hour waiting period between issuance and your ceremony. Plan your clerk’s office visit accordingly. The waiting period can be waived by a judge in certain circumstances, but this is not guaranteed — do not rely on it.
Step 6: Marry within 90 days
Your license expires 90 days after the issue date. Applying 3–4 weeks before your wedding date gives you a comfortable buffer while keeping well within the validity window.
Step 7: Have your officiant sign and return the license
After your ceremony, your officiant signs the license. It must be returned to the issuing county clerk’s office within 30 days of your ceremony. Your officiant typically handles this — confirm with them before your wedding day. Once recorded, you can order certified copies of your marriage certificate.
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County Clerk Offices: Texas Hill Country & Major Cities
Travis County (Austin)
One of the busiest clerk offices in Texas. Online appointments are strongly recommended. Located at 5501 Airport Blvd, Austin. Visit the Travis County Clerk website for current hours and appointment availability.
Hays County (Dripping Springs, Wimberley, San Marcos)
Covers the central Hill Country corridor including Dripping Springs and Wimberley. Office located in San Marcos. Walk-ins are typically accepted. Visit the Hays County Clerk website for current information.
Comal County (New Braunfels, Canyon Lake)
Covers New Braunfels and the Canyon Lake area. A popular choice for couples with venues in the eastern Hill Country. Located in New Braunfels. Visit the Comal County Clerk website.
Gillespie County (Fredericksburg)
Covers Fredericksburg and the Texas wine country corridor. The clerk’s office is in downtown Fredericksburg — convenient if you are visiting venues in the area. Visit the Gillespie County Clerk website.
Bexar County (San Antonio)
Multiple locations across San Antonio. Online appointment scheduling is available and recommended. Visit the Bexar County Clerk website for locations and current hours.
Harris County (Houston)
Processes a high volume of marriage licenses. Check current hours and appointment requirements before visiting. Visit the Harris County Clerk website.
Cameron County (Brownsville / Rio Grande Valley)
Covers the Rio Grande Valley. Located in Brownsville. Visit the Cameron County Clerk website for current details.
Dallas County
Multiple clerk locations across Dallas County. Procedures have changed in recent years — check the Dallas County Clerk website for the most current process and appointment availability.
Texas has 254 counties, each with its own clerk’s office. Requirements are the same statewide. Search “[your county] county clerk marriage license Texas” to find your specific office.
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The Premarital Education Discount
Texas offers a fee waiver or significant reduction on your marriage license if both applicants complete a state-approved premarital education course of at least 8 hours within the 12 months before applying. Several providers offer the course online.
Bring your completion certificate to the clerk’s office when you apply. The discount is applied at the counter. Beyond the savings, many couples find the course genuinely useful — particularly the sections on financial planning and communication.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Can we apply for our license in a different county than where we are getting married?
Yes. A Texas marriage license is valid anywhere in the state regardless of which county issued it. Apply wherever is most convenient. Many couples choose the county nearest to where they live rather than driving to their venue county.
Can the 72-hour waiting period be waived?
Yes, under certain circumstances — active military members, couples who have completed a premarital education course, and situations involving a court order may qualify. Contact your county clerk for guidance. In practice, most couples simply plan their application date accordingly rather than seeking a waiver.
What happens if we do not use our license within 90 days?
Your license expires and you will need to apply again — another in-person visit, another fee, and another 72-hour waiting period. Apply 3–4 weeks before your ceremony to avoid this situation.
Do we need to be Texas residents to get a Texas marriage license?
No. Non-residents can obtain a Texas marriage license. You simply need to appear in person at any Texas county clerk’s office with valid government-issued ID. Many out-of-state couples getting married in Texas Hill Country apply at a county near their venue.
How long does the process take at the clerk’s office?
The application typically takes 15–30 minutes if you have all your documents ready. Some offices have longer wait times, particularly without an appointment. Budget an hour for your visit. Then factor in the 72-hour waiting period before your ceremony.
Who can legally perform a marriage ceremony in Texas?
Texas law recognizes licensed or ordained ministers, priests, rabbis, and other religious officiants, as well as justices of the peace and judges. Texas does not allow self-solemnization — you must have a recognized officiant. Your officiant must sign the license after the ceremony and return it to the county clerk within 30 days.
What if one of us was previously married?
You will need to provide the date your previous marriage ended. Most counties simply record this on the application. Depending on the county and circumstances, you may be asked for a divorce decree or death certificate — call ahead to confirm what your specific county requires.
How do we get certified copies of our marriage certificate?
Once your officiant returns the signed license and it is recorded by the county clerk, you can order certified copies directly from that office. Most counties allow online or mail orders. Order at least two or three certified copies — you will need them for name changes, insurance updates, and other legal processes.
When should we apply for our Texas marriage license?
Three to four weeks before your wedding date. This gives you time after the 72-hour waiting period, keeps you well within the 90-day validity window, and means you are not scrambling the week before your wedding when everything else is happening at once.
