Getting a marriage license is an essential part of the process of getting married in Texas. A marriage license is a legal document that authorizes couples to get married. Although the application process for a marriage license in Texas is relatively straightforward, there are specific requirements and restrictions that couples must meet before they can get one. In this article, we will walk you through the process of obtaining a marriage license in Texas, including wait times and restrictions.
Requirements for Obtaining a Marriage License in Texas
To obtain a marriage license in Texas, you and your partner must meet the following requirements:
- Age: Both you and your partner must be at least 18 years old to apply for a marriage license in Texas. If you are under 18, you will need to obtain parental consent or a court order.
- Identification: You and your partner must bring a valid government-issued ID such as a driver’s license, passport, or military ID to prove your identity and age.
- Social Security Number: You and your partner must also provide your social security numbers when applying for a marriage license.
- Waiting Period: In Texas, there is a 72-hour waiting period before you can use your marriage license. The waiting period begins from the time you and your partner apply for the license. However, if you and your partner complete a premarital education course, you may be exempt from the waiting period.
- Blood Test: Unlike some other states, Texas does not require couples to take a blood test before getting a marriage license.
- Residency: There is no residency requirement to apply for a marriage license in Texas.
- Cost: The cost of a marriage license in Texas varies depending on the county. However, most counties charge between $60 and $82 for a marriage license.
How to Obtain a Marriage License in Texas
To obtain a marriage license in Texas, you and your partner must visit the County Clerk’s Office in the county where you plan to get married. Here are the steps you need to follow:
- Complete the Application: You and your partner will need to complete a marriage license application form. You can download the form from the County Clerk’s website or obtain it from the office.
- Provide Identification: You and your partner will need to provide a valid government-issued ID such as a driver’s license, passport, or military ID to prove your identity and age.
- Provide Social Security Numbers: You and your partner will also need to provide your social security numbers.
- Pay the Fee: You will need to pay the marriage license fee at the time of application. The cost of a marriage license in Texas varies depending on the county.
- Wait 72 Hours: After submitting your application, you will need to wait 72 hours before you can use your marriage license. The waiting period begins from the time you and your partner apply for the license.
- Pick Up Your Marriage License: Once the waiting period is over, you can pick up your marriage license from the County Clerk’s Office. You will need to present a valid government-issued ID to pick up your license.
Restrictions on Obtaining a Marriage License in Texas
While obtaining a marriage license in Texas is relatively easy, there are specific restrictions that couples must meet before they can get one. Here are some of the restrictions:
- Age: As mentioned earlier, both you and your partner must be at least 18 years old to apply for a marriage license in Texas. If you are under 18, you will need to obtain parental consent or a court order.
- Same-Sex Couples: Same-sex couples can apply for a marriage license in Texas, and the same requirements and restrictions apply.
- Incestuous Marriages: Incestuous marriages are prohibited in Texas.
In Texas, marriage licenses are issued by the County Clerk’s Office in the county where you plan to get married. Here is where you can obtain your marriage license in South Padre Island, San Antonio, and Fredericksburg:
- South Padre Island: South Padre Island is located in Cameron County. To obtain a marriage license in Cameron County, you will need to visit the Cameron County Clerk’s Office, which is located in the Cameron County Courthouse at 974 E Harrison St, Brownsville, TX 78520. The office is open from Monday to Friday, from 8:00 am to 5:00 pm.
- San Antonio: San Antonio is located in Bexar County. To obtain a marriage license in Bexar County, you will need to visit the Bexar County Clerk’s Office, which is located in the Paul Elizondo Tower at 101 W Nueva St #120, San Antonio, TX 78205. The office is open from Monday to Friday, from 8:00 am to 5:00 pm.
- Fredericksburg: Fredericksburg is located in Gillespie County. To obtain a marriage license in Gillespie County, you will need to visit the Gillespie County Clerk’s Office, which is located in the Gillespie County Courthouse at 101 W Main St, Fredericksburg, TX 78624. The office is open from Monday to Friday, from 8:00 am to 4:30 pm.
It is recommended to contact the County Clerk’s Office before visiting to confirm their office hours, requirements, and fees for obtaining a marriage license.
South Padre Island Marriage License | Cameron County
A couple that intends to be married in Texas must apply in person for a marriage license at any Texas County Clerk’s Office. The application for a license must be signed by both the bride and the groom in the presence of the County Clerk. If this is not possible, any adult or one of the applicants may apply on behalf of the absent applicant. Certain terms must be met: For more information contact any county clerk’s office.
Whether you are in the midst of planning a wedding or just starting to look into it, understanding the process of obtaining a marriage license in Texas is critical. This comprehensive guide provides all the information you need to know. We’ll cover the requirements, fees, documents, and the process for obtaining your marriage license. Read on to learn how to ensure that everything is taken care of so you can focus on enjoying the happiest day of your life.
Texas Marriage License Requirements
* Birth Certificate (from any country)
* Certificate of Naturalization
* Certificate of Citizenship
* Driver’s license
* government-issued State ID- from any state
* Military ID
* Passport -A current U.S. or foreign country passport
* Resident Alien Card
* Border Crossing Card
* A current consular document issued by the state or national government (Matricula Consular).
Applicants must wait 72 hours immediately after a marriage license is issued to proceed with the ceremony. You may file for a marriage license up to 90 days prior to your wedding date. Exceptions may be made for special instances like for active-duty military.
The closest Cameron County Clerk’s office to South Padre Island is located in the Judge Benito Ochoa III, Cameron County Annex Building in Port Isabel TX, just a few miles away at 500 Texas 100, Port Isabel TX 78578. Applicants must provide two forms of I.D.- these must be original copies. For more details regarding marriage license requirements visit Cameron Country Marriage License or call 956-943-2520.
To make the license valid it must be signed by your wedding officiate and returned to the County Clerk’s office where it was obtained. The County Clerk’s office will record your wedding date and then return the recorded license back to you. This process usually takes 2 – 4 weeks, but can take longer depending on the Clerk’s office response time.
