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Texas Marriage License & Officiant Requirements
Everything you need to get legally married in Texas — where to apply, timing, witnesses, and who can perform your ceremony. Here's your step-by-step checklist.
Apply at
County Clerk
Waiting period
3 days (waivable)
License valid for
89 days (after 72-hour wait)
Witnesses at ceremony
None
✓ Officiant: ordination/authorization required
Ordained/authorized officiants may officiate without separate registration. Every officiant on Book a Ceremony attests that they are legally authorized to perform marriages in the areas they serve.
Your step-by-step checklist
- Both partners apply for a marriage license at the issuing office for the area where you'll marry (most require both of you to appear in person).
- Bring valid government-issued photo ID for each partner; some offices also require proof of age, Social Security number, or, if applicable, divorce/death records from prior marriages.
- Pay the license fee (varies by county) and observe any waiting period before the license is valid. In Texas, the waiting period is 3 days (waivable).
- Have your ceremony performed by an authorized officiant within the license's validity window. In Texas, the license is valid for 89 days (after 72-hour wait).
- Your officiant and witnesses (if required) sign the license, and the officiant returns it to the issuing office by the deadline.
- Request a certified copy of your marriage certificate from the issuing office for your records.
Find your Texas county clerk →
This is general information, not legal advice, and may not reflect recent changes or county-specific rules. Always confirm the current requirements with your local clerk before finalizing your plans. Last reviewed: June 2026. See our Terms
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