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Getting Married In Texas: Costs, Age Requirements and More

Table of contents.

First and foremost, marriage is a contract similar in many respects to any other contract. Two parties must consent to be agreed, and the court must recognize it. So let’s get into it. As always, please let us know if you spot any errors or have questions about Texas marriage that we failed to answer.

Getting A Common Law Marriage In Texas

Given its increasing popularity, let’s begin with the process for getting a Common Law Marriage in the Lonestar state. Common law marriage, also known as “Informal Marriage” according to Texas state law (specifically sections 2.401 and 2.402), allows couples to be considered married without having to go through the formalities typically associated with traditional marriages, such as a wedding ceremony and reception. Contrary to popular belief, the duration of time you have lived with your partner or how long they have lived with you is irrelevant when determining whether you can have a common-law marriage.

The procedure is fairly straightforward, you’ll need to obtain a Declaration of Informal Marriage, which is available on the state’s website. You will both need to fill out the form (there are sections for both applicants). For more, read our page, which details how to get a common-law marriage in Texas .

Same-Sex Marriage Laws

After the Oberfell v. Hodges decision in 2015, same-sex marriage is legal in Texas. Remember that American citizens always have the civil rights that take precedence. Whether state or federal laws, whichever jurisdiction gives you the most civil liberties is the law. Despite the proliferation of counties in Texas that refused to award licenses for same-sex marriages (and there still being existing counties where it’s unclear whether or not they are granting rights), gay marriage is legal in the State of Texas.

Please read our full write-up about Gay Marriage laws in Texas for more about this.

Texas Age Requirements For Marriage

Texas is towards the center when it comes to age requirements for marriage. Though they’ve changed quite a bit over the years, the law is relatively straightforward.

Age of consent to marry

The age of consent to marry is, like other states, 18 years old in general. However, if you are both over the age of 17 (18 or above), you do not need the consent of your parents to be married. Additionally, the State does allow for marriage if you or your spouse are under the age of 18, and we’ll walk through what you need to get that done below.

Age to Marry Under The Age of 18

In Texas, someone under the age of 18 can be legally married, but they’ll need a court to grant them what is called the “removal of the disabilities of minority.” Essentially, underage people are prevented from complete freedom as an adult in the State. Texas calls these the “disabilities of minority.” Now to have these removed, one can petition the court to have these limitations removed. However, the petitioner must be 17 or 16 and living self-sufficiently, apart from the minor’s guardians.

After this motion is granted, the minor can apply for and be granted a marriage license. Note: if you are a minor seeking to be married in Texas and are not a legal resident of the State of Texas, then you need to have the removal of the disabilities of minority granted by the State that you do reside in. Texas will recognize that motion granted by other states.

Applying For A Marriage License

Applying for a marriage license in Texas is simple. This is regulated through the county that you live in, but you and your spouse will visit the county clerk and file for (and pay) for the marriage license. The official Texas site on marriage licenses has links to where to apply.

Absentee Applicant

Under Section 2.006, you can still get a marriage license if you or your spouse cannot appear at the county clerk’s office to apply for the marriage license. However, you will have to provide a notarized affidavit from the prospective applicant saying that it’s ok. Also, make sure the person you’ve given the right to apply on your behalf brings their government-issued I.D.

For reasons you can probably imagine, if the applicant is under 18 (see above), they must appear along with their parent or guardian. No absentee ballot will be granted to anyone in the State of Texas for a marriage where one party is under 18.

Cost of a Marriage License

In Texas, a marriage license costs $71.00 with an additional $10 fee bringing the total to $81.00. Interestingly, though it requires more steps, the cost for obtaining a common law marriage license in the State of Texas is $36.

Waiting Period

If you’re looking to get married on a whim and are rushing to the courthouse to get married today, we’ve got bad news for you. The State requires a 72 hour waiting period following receiving your license and being allowed to officially be married.

Medical Exam Requirements

Unlike states such as Illinois and Idaho, the State of Texas does not require a medical exam (and subsequent medical exam waiting period) before granting a marriage license. If you’ve been told there is, the person who told you is probably from a state that does require a medical exam and is confusing state law and federal law (believing that federal law covers the process of marriage, it doesn’t).

Is a Ceremony Required?

Though for a valid “ ceremonial marriage ” to be recognized by the State, there must be a ceremony, this does not mean that you or your spouse or your spouse’s family have to shell out thousands of dollars for a dress, flowers, and reception. Instead, you can have the ceremony done at the courthouse by a judge who will simply ask you each to agree to the contractual requirements of the marriage license.

Marrying A Non U.S. Citizen In Texas

Due to people asking about this, we’ll note it, if you (or your spouse) is a non-U.S. citizen and you want to get married in the State of Texas, the laws are the same as that of the federal government. For a terrific breakdown of the process for marrying someone who is not a U.S. citizen, see this article by Boundless.com.

Common Law Marriages

A common law marriage is unique in how the State grants the marriage license. The Texas law concerning Common Law Marriage is simple, requiring only three criteria to be met. Those three criteria are that both parties agree to be married, they’ve lived together in the State as husband and wife, and others can attest that the couple was married. For more about this and about how to obtain such a license, view our up-to-date page on common law marriages in Texas .

A common-law marriage license cost is cheaper (about half the cost) than a standard marriage license. The cost for the common law marriage license is $36 (compared to the $81, see above, cost of the standard marriage license).

Not to ruin the moment, but let’s say you want to get your marriage annulled. Unlike divorce, an annulment is a way to make it so it is like your marriage never happened. Texas law is explicit here but you’ll need to prove that either your spouse was already married to someone else, your spouse was not of age, or one of the parties was under the influence of alcohol or other substances at the time of the marriage. Keep in mind, this can be hard to prove given the 72-hour wait limit (this is why it’s there), from receiving the marriage license to being able to get married.

Finally, you can get your marriage annulled if you can prove that your spouse is impotent and, at the time of the marriage, you had no idea this was the case. For more information about annulment in Texas read our full piece on the subject.

Should it come to it, Texas divorce law is composed of three types of divorces: Agreed divorce, default divorce, and uncontested divorce. We go over the full details of Texas Divorce Laws here, but a couple of things to note. It’s much better to have an agreed divorce vs a contested divorce. If you can’t agree about the divorce and need to go to trial, you must do mandatory mediation.

Finally, Texas requires that 60 days have passed from the official filing of the marriage documents before a divorce can be granted.

Recent Law Changes

One of the few recent bills in the recent session before the special session of 2021, the bill HB 3626 sought to change how “the licensing of marriage and family therapists, marriage and family therapist associates” would be named and licensed in the State. For more on this bill (which failed to make it out of the Senate after being passed by the House), we recommend the HRO’s full bill analysis available online for free .

The short of it, and why we bring it up here, is that there is believed to be a shortage of people to work in nursing homes for the elderly as the age pyramid of the country is heavily concentrated toward the aging population. As the (RIP) president’s commission on bioethics pointed out, there are more elderly than ever needing care and too few caregivers willing to do the labor.

Within the history of marriage in the United States, Texas plays a prominent role if only for the famous Lawrence v. Texas decision of 2003. Also, a major event in the history of same-sex marriage in the United States before 2003, and this may be shocking for non-Texas residents to believe sodomy was illegal in the State of Texas.

The Supreme Court’s decision in the case would overturn such rulings for good as the ruling held by Justice Kennedy “The petitioners [Lawrence and Garner] are entitled to respect for their private lives. The State cannot demean their existence or control their destiny by making their private sexual conduct a crime.”

TexasLawChanges.com is a website dedicated to monitoring, communicating and informing Texans about law changes across the state. 

Saying ‘I Do’ in Texas: Steps, Laws, and Tips

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Texas ranks second in the nation for the highest number of yearly weddings. Unsurprising, it sits behind Nevada, which consistently takes the number one spot. Las Vegas weddings are not a myth but the primary reason behind the high numbers. But Texas isn’t far behind, with 185,455 registered marriages in 2022.

As the second most populous state in the U.S., there are an average of 500 marriages every single day in the Lone Star State. With breathtaking landscapes and world-class cities, you’ll struggle to find a better place to get hitched. 

But, if you’re planning a wedding soon, you’ll need to be prepared and understand how to get married in Texas. Here’s our step-by-step guide. 

Requirements

1. apply for your marriage license.

• 2. Submit Your Information 

3. Visit The County Clerk’s Office

4. receive your license.

• 5. Get Married 

6. Finalize Your Marriage

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Each state in the U.S. has its own set of criteria for couples looking to tie the not. Depending on where you are, there may be different requirements, rules, and processes to qualify you and your other half. In Texas, it’s pretty straightforward, but if you haven’t done your research, some things are easy to overlook. 

So, to help you prepare for your big day, we’ve created an easy-to-follow guideline detailing everything you need to know ahead of your wedding. Firstly, let’s look at the requirements. After all, there’s not much use planning a wedding celebration if you don’t meet the necessary criteria. 

In order to be allowed to get legally married in Texas, make sure you have the following: 

• Identification: both members of the couple must have a valid driver’s license, passport, military identification card, or birth certificate. Also, they must present their social security numbers and cards. 
• Age: couples aged 18 years old or above can legally marry without permission. However, couples aged between 16 and 18 are allowed to get married as long as they have official parental consent. Couples under the age of 16 require a court order to gain permission to get married. 
• Proof of residency: you don’t need to be Texas resident to get married there, but you do need to provide information on where you reside. 
• Proof of divorce: if either member of the couple was previously married, they must provide proof of divorce. It’s also important to note that you can’t get married within 30 days of getting divorced unless you have a certified copy of your divorce decree showing that a judge granted you special immunity from the waiting period. 
• Money: marriage licenses cost money. However, thankfully it’ll cost you somewhere between $60 and $85 so this shouldn’t be an issue. 
• Premarital education course: while it’s not mandatory, a pre-marital education course is encouraged in Texas. To boot, providing your certificate at the county clerk’s office should score you a decent discount on your license. 

Once you and your partner fulfill these requirements, you have everything you need to get lawfully hitched in Texas. If that’s what you intend to do, here’s what the process involves. It’s worth noting that the steps are identical for same-sex marriages.

The first step in the process is to apply for your marriage license. There is a 72-hour waiting period from the moment you apply for your license to when you’re legally allowed to be wed. So, whatever you do, make sure you apply at least 72 hours before the big day. 

The only way you can expedite this process is if you’re a member of the armed forces or if you’re awarded a special dispensation from a judge. In some cases, you can also skip the waiting period if both you and your partner completed pre-marital education courses. 

2. Submit Your Information 

To apply for your marriage license, you must fill out an application. You can get an application in the county clerk’s office but it’s typically a lot easier to fill out the form online. Plenty of Texas counties allow you to do this. You can check your county’s status on the Texas.gov website .

Fortunately, a Texas marriage license application is relatively straightforward to fill out. Along with the information outlined above, in the “Requirements” section, you may also need to disclose if you pay child support and state that you’re not related to your partner.

If you fill out the application online, you’ll need to pay a visit to your county clerk’s office within three days. Otherwise, your application will be taken out of the database, and you’ll have to restart the application process. 

In Texas, it’s mandatory to appear at the country clerk’s office with your partner before your application can be approved. If you apply online, the information will be logged into the system. But make sure both of you bring the following:

• Social security card
• Current driver’s license (unexpired)
• Or your passport
• Or a current government-issued ID (unexpired)
• Or a copy of your official birth certificate
• Or a military ID

If either partner is under the legal age of marriage (18), you’ll need to bring a court order for emancipation. At this point, you’ll need to fill out paperwork. In general, it’s beneficial to have a lawyer with you to help with the process, but it’s not mandatory. 

Special dispensations are allowed for absent applicants (as long as the absentee is 18 years old or older). In their stead, there must be someone else present with a signed and notarized affidavit from the absentee.

If one or both parties are overseas on military deployment, proxies are permitted to complete this step on their behalves. But, they must have proof that one or both are active in military duties.

The final part of this step is to pay the marriage license fees. These can usually be paid in cash or by credit or debit card. As mentioned, the fees may be discounted if both parties completed pre-marital education courses. Couples can have fees waived entirely if either is an active military member deployed in a hostile zone.

After filling out the paperwork, paying the fees, and providing all the necessary documentation, the county clerk worker will process the application. This is normally done on the spot ensuring you walk out of the office with your marriage license in hand. 

At this point, it’s time to get married. You have full permission from the state to wed your other half. Lately, many county clerk offices have been setting up couples’ photo booths where you can snap a quick photograph to remember this special day forever. If this is a priority, check out what they provide ahead of your visit. 

5. Get Married 

Now for the fun part: the wedding ceremony. 72 hours after receiving your marriage license, you’re permitted to be wed. It’s also important to note that you must get married within 90 days of receiving the license. Otherwise, it expires and you’ll have to restart the entire application process. 

If your wedding plans are affected for some reason, there’s no issue in reapplying for your license at a later date. There are no penalties for letting your license expire. Although, you will have to pay the fee again. There are, however, fines and misdemeanors for getting married after the license has expired. 

Texas marriage licenses may also be valid in other states, allowing you to have your ceremony in another location. If this is something you want to do, contact and out of state officiate to get the process started. But remember, your license will still be filed in the county and state that you applied through. 

Weddings must be officiated by authorized wedding officiants in the state of Texas. This includes judges (retired or current), priests, ordained or licensed Christian ministers, rabbis, and authorized officers from other religious organizations. You can have a friend get ordained as a wedding officiant if you wish. 

On the day of the wedding, the couple must bring their marriage license as it has to be signed by the officiant. The officiant is responsible for documenting the names of the couple, the date and county where the ceremony takes place, and signing it as the authorized officiant of the event. 

Although this step only takes a few minutes, it’s essential and technically, the most important part of the process. If you use an experienced officiant, they’ll likely do this without even asking. In most cases, having an experienced officiant for your big day makes things run smoothly. 

Aside from the mandatories, couples are free to conduct their ceremony and celebrations however they please. There are no rules in Texas regarding how you orchestrate the ceremony so whether you have a large gathering or conduct the proceedings in a courthouse is up to you. 

When the wedding is over, there’s one final step to finalize your marriage. You must return the signed license to the county clerk’s office. In many cases, the officiant takes care of this but not always. This has to be done within 30 days of the ceremony. 

The county clerk receives the license, creates a copy, and files it before sending the original to the newlywed couple. Once this step is completed, you’re officially married in the eyes of the state. You don’t need to undertake any further responsibilities other than enjoying married life. 

Informal Marriage License

In Texas, informal marriages or common law marriages are also allowed. The difference between a regular marriage and a common law marriage is as follows. 

A standard marriage is a legal union shared between two people who, following the filing of the documents by the county clerk, are recognized as a married couple in the state of Texas. Common law marriage is a bond between two people who are cohabitant and identify as a couple that’s married.

However, with common law marriage, the couple isn’t officially married in the eyes of the state. The main reason for getting married under common law is that couples become eligible for spousal and survivor benefits, spousal employer benefits, certain tax breaks, child custody, and other benefits. 

The process for getting an informal marriage license in Texas is straightforward and quite similar to getting a formal one. Here are the key steps. 

First and foremost, you must meet the minimum requirements, which include:

• Both individuals must be at least 18 years old
• Both partners must agree to the marriage
• The couple must agree to live together
• The couple must agree to represent to others as being married

Next, you’ll need to complete an informal marriage application. In Texas, all counties use the same one. You can find a Texas marriage license application online. The information is mostly the same as a regular marriage license form so you’ll just need your basic information, as noted above.

After completing your application, you’ll need to appear in front of the county clerk alongside your partner to get it officially signed off. Make sure to take your IDs with you. This step usually takes a matter of minutes, as long as the county clerk’s office isn’t too busy. 

To complete the process for your informal marriage license,  you’ll need to pay the fee. The fee costs less than a regular marriage license but individual counties set their own prices. Most offices accept cash, credit cards, or debit cards. The clerk will then register your informal marriage and you’re free to go.

In most circumstances, getting married to a foreigner in Texas is straightforward, as long as the non-citizen has all the valid documentation. If the foreigner doesn’t yet have a U.S. visa, they will probably have to apply for a K1 visa, also known as the “fiancé visa”.

One of the most important things to know about marrying a foreigner in Texas is that it doesn’t guarantee citizenship to the U.S. However, the chances of getting citizenship after the wedding (at some point) are quite high. It’s generally a good idea to get in touch with an immigration lawyer if you plan to marry a foreigner. 

Getting Married In Texas: FAQs

Although the process for getting married in Texas is usually simple and easy to understand, not every situation is identical. There are often unique complications or scenarios that couples are unsure about. So, here are some FAQs that should help clear up common queries.

No. In the state of Texas, witnesses aren’t required. 

No. Marriage licenses are required in Texas for regular and common-law marriages. 

Provided you have all the necessary information at hand, you can get your marriage license within a few hours, but you’re not permitted to host the ceremony until 72 hours after you receive it. 

No. Texas does not permit notaries to officiate weddings. 

• Texas marriage statistics: wedding.report
• Nevada marriage statistics: statista.com
• Texas marriage requirements: texasattorneygeneral.gov
• Common law marriage: robbinsestatelaw.com

Christian Linden

Christian Linden is a seasoned writer and contributor at Texas View, specializing in topics that resonate with the Texan community. With over a decade of experience in journalism, Christian brings a wealth of knowledge in local politics, culture, and lifestyle. He holds a Bachelor's degree in Communications from the University of Texas. When he's not writing, Christian enjoys spending weekends traveling across Texas with his family, exploring everything from bustling cities to serene landscapes.

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How to Tie the Knot in Texas: Get Licensed, Plan a Ceremony, & Make Your Marriage Legal

Last Updated: January 18, 2024 Fact Checked

Obtaining a Marriage License

Having a ceremony, finalizing your marriage, getting common law married.

This article was co-authored by Kemar & DeAnne Johnson and by wikiHow staff writer, Danielle Blinka, MA, MPA . Kemar & DeAnne Johnson are Relationship Experts and Hosts of the “It’s Relational Podcast”. They specialize in effective communication and thorough comprehension as well as maintaining a healthy intimate relationship. They are high school sweethearts who have been married for over eight years and together for over 13 years. They have co-authored an Ebook called “The Top 25 Tips to Have a Beautiful Long Lasting Relationship.” They are also proud Jamaicans who value their roots, upbringing, and culture very much! They both attended Herbert H. Lehman High School and CUNY New York City College of Technology. There are 19 references cited in this article, which can be found at the bottom of the page. This article has been fact-checked, ensuring the accuracy of any cited facts and confirming the authority of its sources. This article has been viewed 546,754 times.

Ding-dong, ding-dong. Is that the sound of wedding bells? We’re here to make your special day easy so you can focus on the love of your life. We’ll tell you everything you need to know about getting married in Texas. We’ll explain how to get your marriage license, the requirements for marrying in Texas, and how to file your paperwork to make everything legal. With our help, you’ll be walking down the aisle in no time.

Things You Should Know

• Fill out a marriage license application from your county clerk’s website and go with your partner to the county clerk’s office to turn it in.
• There’s a 72-hour waiting period after you get your license before you can get married, except for active military and couples who had premarital education.
• Have your ceremony within 90 days of receiving your marriage license, either at the courthouse or with a qualified wedding officiant.
• Make sure your officiant fills out your marriage license and returns it to the county clerk’s office within 30 days so that your marriage is recorded.

• You can skip the 72-hour waiting period if you’re in the military and deploying to a hostile zone or you and your partner took a premarital education course. [2] X Research source
• To skip the waiting period and save money on your marriage license, take a premarital education class. To find a class near you, visit the Twogether in Texas website .
• Same-sex marriages are legal in Texas and the process is the same regardless of the couple's genders. [3] X Research source

• Fill out your name, address, birth date and location, and whether or not you’ve gotten divorced in the past 30 days, are married, are delinquent in child support, are related to your partner, or are in the military.
• After filling out your application online, you and your partner will need to go to the county clerk’s office within 3 days to get your marriage license. If you don’t, your application will leave the queue, and you’ll need to fill it out again.

• Your valid, unexpired driver’s license.
• Your unexpired government-issued ID (from any state or country).
• Your passport.
• Your certified copy of your birth certificate.
• Your military ID.

• Each county has its own forms that you’ll need to fill out. Additionally, you’ll have a lawyer appointed to you to help you through the process.

• Absent Applicant: You or your partner can have someone appear on your behalf with a signed, notarized affidavit from the absent partner, along with an approved ID for the absent partner. However, the absent partner must be at least 18 to use this exception.
• Military Exception: If both partners are deployed overseas, they’re allowed to both send proxies in their place to apply for a marriage license, as long as the proxies can prove that the couple are both active military. [8] X Research source

• Military Benefits: If either partner is active military and deploying to a hostile zone, your marriage license fee will be waived. [10] X Research source
• Premarital Education Class Discount: If you took a premarital education class, you’ll receive a $60 discount on your marriage license fee. [11] X Research source

• Some county clerk’s offices have a “photo booth” set up where couples can take an Instagram-worthy photo with their marriage license.

• If you’re unable to get married for some reason, you can totally get a new marriage license when you’re ready to set a new date. You’ll just have to repeat the process again and pay the fee.

• An ordained or licensed minister or priest.
• A religious authority of another faith.
• A justice of the peace.

• Usually, your officiant will write a draft of what they plan to say for you to look over. If you want to make changes, you can. After all, this is your day!

• If you’re in the military and deployed to a hostile zone, you can have a proxy stand in for you at your wedding.
• In the past, incarcerated people could also marry by proxy, but Texas changed its laws. Now, you have to get married in person at the prison. [17] X Research source

• Each judge sets their own fee for conducting a courthouse wedding, but they’re typically pretty low. You can expect to pay around $100.
• You don’t have to have witnesses for a wedding in Texas, but you’re allowed to invite guests. [20] X Research source
• Ask someone to take photos or hire a photographer.
• You can always have a reception with your friends and family after your wedding ceremony.

• If you picked an officiant who’s done weddings before, they’ll probably do this right away without you asking.

• If you’re leaving for your honeymoon right away, mailing the certificate might be your best option. The finalized license might even be waiting for you in your mailbox when you get home!

• Some county clerk’s offices sell commemorative marriage licenses that you can frame. While they aren’t legal, they make a sweet keepsake of your special day.

• Both partners must be 18 years old.
• You must agree to be married.
• You agree to live together as spouses.
• You represent to others that you’re married.

• Leave the bottom of the form blank for the county clerk’s office to fill out.

• Find the closest county clerk’s office here .

• The fees for an informal marriage license are less expensive than a regular marriage license. Each county sets their own fee, but they’re usually under $50. Some are as low as $32. [26] X Research source

Community Q&A

• Texas marriage licenses can be used anywhere within Texas. You can also use it to get married on a boat. [27] X Research source Thanks Helpful 0 Not Helpful 0
• Residency and blood tests are not required to get married in Texas. [28] X Research source Thanks Helpful 0 Not Helpful 0
• If you’re divorced, you have to wait 30 days after your divorce is finalized before you can get married again. [29] X Research source Thanks Helpful 0 Not Helpful 0

You Might Also Like

• ↑ https://www.dentoncounty.gov/330/Marriage-Licenses
• ↑ https://www2.texasattorneygeneral.gov/files/cs/8marriage.pdf
• ↑ https://texaslawhelp.org/article/same-sex-marriage-in-texas
• ↑ https://capitol.texas.gov/tlodocs/85R/billtext/pdf/SB01705F.pdf
• ↑ https://statutes.capitol.texas.gov/Docs/FA/htm/FA.31.htm#31.003
• ↑ https://guides.sll.texas.gov/marriage-in-texas/marriage-licenses
• ↑ https://www.mctx.org/departments/departments_a_-_c/county_clerk/marriage_licenses.php
• ↑ https://bellcountytx.com/county_government/county_clerk/marriage_licenses.php
• ↑ https://twogetherintexas.com/UI/HomePage.aspx
• ↑ https://www.co.midland.tx.us/181/Marriage-License
• ↑ https://guides.sll.texas.gov/marriage-in-texas/conducting-the-ceremony
• ↑ https://www.bexar.org/2957/Marriage-Licenses
• ↑ https://www.houstontx.gov/courts/weddings.html
• ↑ https://www.traviscountytx.gov/justices-of-peace/jp1/weddings
• ↑ https://www.dallascounty.org/government/jpcourts/3-2/wedding-ceremonies-marriage-license-information.php
• ↑ https://guides.sll.texas.gov/common-law-marriage
• ↑ https://www.co.grayson.tx.us/page/cclk.marriage
• ↑ https://www.fortbendcountytx.gov/government/departments/county-clerk/birth-death-marriage/marriage-licenses
• ↑ https://texaslawhelp.org/article/void-marriages-answers-to-common-questions

About This Article

To get married in Texas, start by appearing with your partner before the county clerk to get a formal application for your marriage license. At this point, you’ll also need to prove your identity and age with a driver’s license, passport, or identification card. Then, pay the fee, which is generally $70-80. After you receive your marriage license, you'll need to wait 72 hours before getting married; however, know that the license will expire after 90 days. When you’re ready to get married, find a judge, minister, priest, or rabbi to perform the ceremony. To learn how to get an absentee license to get married in Texas, keep reading! Did this summary help you? Yes No

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Texas Marriage License

If you're getting married in Texas, you must first apply for a marriage license. It'll cost you $65.00 to $88.00, and you'll have to use it within 90 days.

Where to Apply

Where do i get a marriage license in texas.

To get married in Texas, apply for a marriage license at any Texas county clerk's office.

Where can I find a nearby county clerk's office?

A list of Texas county clerk offices are at the bottom of the page.

Informal Marriage

What is an informal marriage.

In Texas, informal marriage for legal adults has three rules:

• Agree to be married
• Live together in Texas as married
• Present yourselves to others as married

How does informal and common-law marriage differ?

In Texas, an informal marriage is the same as common-law marriage.

What's a declaration and registration of informal marriage?

You may register your informal marriage at a county clerk's office to record its existence.

Must I live in Texas to apply?

You need not be a Texas resident to marry in the state.

Must I at lease be a U.S. citizen to marry?

Non-U.S. citizens may get married in Texas.

Note: Each county sets their own marriage-related fees…

How much is a marriage license?

A Texas marriage license costs $65 to $88.

How much is an informal marriage license?

It costs $30 to $82 to file a declaration and registration of informal marriage.

How much is a certified marriage certificate?

A certified copy of your marriage certificate costs $10 to $20.

Someone told me I could get the license fee discounted?

There's a $60 max discount for completing Twogether in Texas premarital education.

Where can I use my license?

Your Texas marriage license may be used anywhere in the state.

Can I get married outside the state?

You may not use your marriage license outside the state's lands or waterways.

Can I use another state's marriage license?

An out-of-state marriage license is invalid.

Application

What does the marriage license application ask for.

The marriage license application asks the following under oath or affirmation:

• First, middle, last, suffix
• Maiden name
• Street, city, state, zip
• Including county
• Phone number
• Social security number
• One address for both
• Certified copy sent after marriage

There are five true/false questions:

• False okay if remarrying current spouse
• Same as above…
• False okay with court waiver
• False okay if remarrying divorced spouse
• False will not stop licensure
• Ascendant, descendant, sibling, aunt, uncle, niece, nephew, first cousin
• Includes stepparents and stepchildren
• Includes whole and half blood
• Includes adoptions

What does the absentee application ask for?

Besides the regular application questions, the affidavit of absent applicant asks:

• Reason for absence
• May not be co-applicant
• For U.S. armed forces stationed overseas
• Approximate marriage date

What does the informal marriage application ask for?

The declaration and registration of informal marriage form is the same as the regular form, but also asks for your marriage date.

Can I download a blank marriage license application?

You may download the marriage license , absentee , or informal marriage form for sample use only.

Can I apply absentee?

You may apply absentee for any reason with a notarized affidavit of absent applicant.

Can we both apply absentee?

Both applicants may apply absentee if both are in the U.S. armed forces stationed overseas.

How old must I be to apply absentee?

You must be at least 18 years old to apply absentee. So must the other applicant.

How do I prove I'm military stationed overseas?

Military members need not prove their overseas post. Just declare it as fact.

Who submits the absentee form?

Any adult may turn in one or both absentee forms with the absentee's ID.

Age Requirements

How old must i be to marry, aged 18 and above.

If you're at least 18 years old, you may marry without parental or court approval.

Aged 16 and 17?

If you're 16 or 17 years old, you may marry if you're emancipated.

Aged 15 and below?

If you're 15 years old or younger, you may not marry in Texas.

What are the underage marriage rules?

Did the law change.

On July 15, 2017, Texas Gov. Greg Abbott signed HB3932 , which toughens child marriage laws . It went into effect September 1, 2017.

What did the law change?

Emancipation replaces court hearings. The minimum age of marriage is now 16.

Is parental consent needed?

Parental consent is not required for a minor to marry.

How do I prove I'm emancipated?

Show a certified copy of the court order that removes your disabilities of minority.

Do I have to be emancipated in Texas?

Your emancipation court order may come from Texas or another state.

Premarital Education

Why take a premarital education course.

Complete 8+ hours of premarital education and save up to $60 off the license fee and waiver of the 72-hour waiting period.

How do I find a course or provider?

You may search for nearby courses and registered providers or phone 877-541-7905.

When should I take a course?

Complete your course within one year of applying for a marriage license.

Waiting Period

When will i get my marriage license.

You'll get your marriage license right after applying, but must wait 72-hours to use it.

How do I get the 72-hour waiting period waived?

Are you military.

The 72-hour wait does not apply to active duty U.S. military members.

Do you work for the DoD?

The 72-hour wait does not apply to Department of Defense employees or contractors.

Do you have a court waiver?

You may ask a judge to waive the 72-hour wait time for good cause.

Did you complete premarital education?

An unexpired premarital education completion certificate waives the 72-hour wait.

How long will my marriage license last?

Your marriage license will remain valid for 90 days after issuance.

Identification

Do i have to show id.

Bring proof of identity and age with one of the following unexpired forms of ID:

• U.S. or Canadian
• Less than two years expired
• U.S. or foreign
• Foreign passport must have visa
• Must have photo
• Includes dependents
• Active duty, reserve, or retired
• State-, consular-, or government-issued
• Original or certified copy
• Citizenship certificate
• Naturalization certificate
• Citizen ID card (Form I-197)
• Employment authorization card (EAD)
• Driving permit
• Issued by TxDPS
• Includes birth documents
• State or national government
• Name or sex change
• High school and above
• Active the past two years
• Issued by TX Department of Criminal Justice
• Pilot's license
• Handgun carry license
• Voter registration certificate
• DD Form 214, discharge certificate
• Divorce decree or marriage certificate

Do I have to show my birth certificate?

You need not show your birth certificate.

Do I have to show my social security card?

You need not show your social security card. Just know the number.

How do I show ID if applying by absentee affidavit?

Whoever's applying on your behalf must bring your ID. It may not be a photocopy.

Is a blood test required?

Texas got rid of the premarital syphilis and STD blood test provision in 1983.

Do I have to show I'm divorced?

You do not have to show your divorce decree.

How soon can I marry after divorce?

You must wait 30 days to apply for a marriage license following divorce.

How do I get around the 30-day divorce wait?

If you're not remarrying your divorced spouse, get a court order to bypass the wait.

Do I have to show I'm widowed?

You do not have to show a death certificate.

How soon can I remarry following a spouse's death?

There is no waiting period between the death of a spouse and remarriage.

Name Change

How do i change my name through marriage.

You may submit your name change forms with a certified copy of your marriage certificate.

Do I need witnesses?

You do not need a witness at your marriage ceremony.

Can I still have a witness sign my marriage license?

Only your officiant may sign the marriage license. Not even you may sign it.

The Ceremony

Who can conduct our marriage.

A judge, justice, magistrate, or approved officer of a religious body may solemnize your marriage.

Does my officiant need to register in Texas?

Texas does not register or vouch for officiants.

Can we self-solemnize our marriage ceremony?

You may not self-solemnize your marriage ceremony. You must use an officiant.

License Return

When must my marriage license be returned.

Your officiant must return the marriage license to the issuing county clerk within 30 days after marriage.

Marriage Certificate

How do i get a copy of my marriage certificate.

You may buy a certified copy of your marriage certificate from the county clerk who issued you your marriage license.

Proxy Marriage

Can i get married by proxy.

You may marry by proxy if you apply by proxy and are a member of the U.S. armed forces stationed overseas.

How do I appoint a stand-in?

You must name your proxy when applying for a marriage license.

Prohibited Marriage

Can i marry a cousin.

You may not marry a first cousin.

Can I marry a family member?

You may not marry up or down your family line. This extends to siblings, aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, and first cousins.

Can I marry a half-blood relation?

You may not marry a half blood relation. Texas treats it the same as whole blood.

Can I marry a stepchild or stepparent?

You may not marry a current or prior stepchild or stepparent.

Can I marry someone I'm related to by adoption?

Texas treats relationships by adoption the same as blood relations.

Common-law Marriage

Does texas allow common-law marriage.

Common-law marriage is legal in Texas, where it's called informal marriage.

Vow Renewal

Can i get a vow renewal marriage license.

You may apply for a marriage license to renew your vows or remarry your spouse.

Office Locations

Where will you apply?

Choose a location... Anderson County Andrews County Angelina County Aransas County Archer County Armstrong County Atascosa County Austin County Bailey County Bandera County Bastrop County Baylor County Bee County Bell County Bexar County Blanco County Borden County Bosque County Bowie County Brazoria County Brazos County Brewster County Briscoe County Brooks County Brown County Burleson County Burnet County Caldwell County Calhoun County Callahan County Cameron County Camp County Carson County Cass County Castro County Chambers County Cherokee County Childress County Clay County Cochran County Coke County Coleman County Collin County Collingsworth County Colorado County Comal County Comanche County Concho County Cooke County Coryell County Cottle County Crane County Crockett County Crosby County Culberson County Dallam County Dallas County Dawson County Deaf Smith County Delta County Denton County DeWitt County Dickens County Dimmit County Donley County Duval County Eastland County Ector County Edwards County El Paso County Ellis County Erath County Falls County Fannin County Fayette County Fisher County Floyd County Foard County Fort Bend County Franklin County Freestone County Frio County Gaines County Galveston County Garza County Gillespie County Glasscock County Goliad County Gonzales County Gray County Grayson County Gregg County Grimes County Guadalupe County Hale County Hall County Hamilton County Hansford County Hardeman County Hardin County Harris County Harrison County Hartley County Haskell County Hays County Hemphill County Henderson County Hidalgo County Hill County Hockley County Hood County Hopkins County Houston County Howard County Hudspeth County Hunt County Hutchinson County Irion County Jack County Jackson County Jasper County Jeff Davis County Jefferson County Jim Hogg County Jim Wells County Johnson County Jones County Karnes County Kaufman County Kendall County Kenedy County Kent County Kerr County Kimble County King County Kinney County Kleberg County Knox County La Salle County Lamar County Lamb County Lampasas County Lavaca County Lee County Leon County Liberty County Limestone County Lipscomb County Live Oak County Llano County Loving County Lubbock County Lynn County Madison County Marion County Martin County Mason County Matagorda County Maverick County McCulloch County McLennan County McMullen County Medina County Menard County Midland County Milam County Mills County Mitchell County Montague County Montgomery County Moore County Morris County Motley County Nacogdoches County Navarro County Newton County Nolan County Nueces County Ochiltree County Oldham County Orange County Palo Pinto County Panola County Parker County Parmer County Pecos County Polk County Potter County Presidio County Rains County Randall County Reagan County Real County Red River County Reeves County Refugio County Roberts County Robertson County Rockwall County Runnels County Rusk County Sabine County San Augustine County San Jacinto County San Patricio County San Saba County Schleicher County Scurry County Shackelford County Shelby County Sherman County Smith County Somervell County Starr County Stephens County Sterling County Stonewall County Sutton County Swisher County Tarrant County Taylor County Terrell County Terry County Throckmorton County Titus County Tom Green County Travis County Trinity County Tyler County Upshur County Upton County Uvalde County Val Verde County Van Zandt County Victoria County Walker County Waller County Ward County Washington County Webb County Wharton County Wheeler County Wichita County Wilbarger County Willacy County Williamson County Wilson County Winkler County Wise County Wood County Yoakum County Young County Zapata County Zavala County

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193 Comments

Hi, I and girlfriend are both Chinese with J1 visa and B1 visa, respectively. We want to get married in Hoston. What documents should we prepare? Do we need certification from china-consulate before marriage?

Hi Litong. Your visas alone will serve as sufficient ID to get married in Houston or anywhere else in Texas. The county clerk simply needs to verify your name and age, which your visas will supply.

The only document is required is a ID and can be your passport.

Hello! I'm living in Spain, have a German passport and my fiance lives in the US, we are planning to get married in around a year in the US, Texas, would my passport and visa be enough as documents or is there anything else I should take with me? Thanks a lot!

would my passport and visa be enough as documents

That's all the identification you need to bring.

I won't be needing my birth certificate? That's perfect then. Thanks a lot for the help!

Thanks a lot for the help!

You're welcome. Best of luck to you.

can you marry in Texas with a mexican passport and an expired visa?

Hi hopeful. Foreign passports are clearly accepted in Texas marriage statutes. The visa provision is a documented request by some county clerks, but not explicitly spelled out in Texas law.

An expired visa with foreign passport is enough for TxDPS, but that may not necessarily be the case for the county clerk you visit. Bottom line, contact the county clerk's office to determine if their specific office requires an unexpired visa. If they do, ask if they're willing to waive it or accept a supplemental identity document.

So a foreign passport can be used as a form of Acceptable id to obtain a marriage license in Texas?

So a foreign passport can be used as a form of Acceptable id

Yes, a foreign passport is acceptable ID.

Brazoria county can you use a foreign passport, and do you need a unexpired visa?

can you use a foreign passport

and do you need a unexpired visa?

The Brazoria county clerk's website doesn't list a visa requirement. You'll have to phone them to find out for sure.

Can you Marry in Texas with a Mexican ID?

It depends on what form of Mexican ID it is. If it's a passport, that would work great. Foreign passports are on the officially approved list of IDs.

Anything beyond that and you'll have to contact the county clerk ahead of time to determine if they'll accept an alternate identity document. Clerks have the authority to unilaterally accept or reject alternative forms of ID.

Once we obtain a marriage license and wait the 72 hours, can we go anywhere in Texas and get married? For instance, can we drive to a small town and find a little chapel and get married on a whim?

can we go anywhere in Texas and get married?

Your Texas marriage license may be used anywhere in Texas. Any town. Any chapel.

Can I get a license if i want to marry my spouse again for the ceremony if we are already married through an informal marriage?

Hi Merchi. Yes, you may apply for a second marriage license to remarry your current spouse. The steps are the same. The fee is the same.

Question: I’m a U.S. service member and my fiancé is a citizen of Serbia living with permanent residency in Germany. What documents would we need to get married in Texas?

She has her Serbian passport but want to make sure before to fly together to Texas. Lastly, would our marriage certificate be recognized in Germany?

What documents would we need to get married in Texas?

She would need to bring her passport and visa. You would need your own photo ID, such as your military ID card.

Lastly, would our marriage certificate be recognized in Germany?

Yes, your marriage certificate will be recognized.

I am engaged to a man from Canada and want to get married. I want to stay in Texas and he drives a 18 wheeler and comes thru town couple times a week and he wants to stay a Canadian resident and I want to stay a Texas resident.

What is extra needs to be done in order for us to be married and would it be seen as a legal marriage for Canada?

What is extra needs to be done in order for us to be married

Nothing extra needs to be done. Just make sure your fiance brings his Canadian driver's license or passport. Bring your ID as well.

and would it be seen as a legal marriage for Canada?

Yes, of course.

Can I get marriage license in Texas with a Mexican driver's license

Hi Benny. You may have to bring a passport and visa instead. You may want to contact the county clerk's office you plan to apply in to confirm if they'll accommodate alternative forms of ID.

Hello, what we need to apply for a marriage license, my fiancé and myself are Texas residents and we are divorced for previous marriages .

my fiancé and myself are Texas residents and we are divorced for previous marriages

If either divorce was within the past 30 days, you'll have to wait to apply. Other than that, bring ID.

How do I go about getting married at the courthouse?

Hi TJ. Your county clerk's office should be able to provide you with a referral to a justice of the peace. You'll have to book an appointment for your civil ceremony, which can either take place at the courthouse or at another agreed upon location.

If a UK citizen and an American citizen were to be married in Texas but moving overseas. Would the UK citizen only need a passport as identification? Or are there other documents required?

Would the UK citizen only need a passport as identification? Or are there other documents required?

Passport and visa is enough.

If the UK citizen did not want to pursue a green card would they still have to apply for the K-1 Visa?

Also, would a visa still be required if the couple planned to move to Europe after marriage and not pursue a green card? Thank you!

Texas statutes says a foreign passport alone is sufficient, but it also provides county clerks the authority to ask for more. Many require a visa on top of a foreign passport.

Foreign passport and visa is the safest combination, which is why it's mentioned in this write-up. However, clerks have the authority to dismiss the requirement upon request.

You can get in touch with the county clerk's office you plan to apply in to determine if they mandate the visa requirement and are willing to waive it.

would a visa still be required if the couple planned to move to Europe after marriage and not pursue a green card?

Your residency after marriage doesn't matter when it comes to fulfilling the ID requirement.

Good morning. Both myself and partner live in the uk and are visiting Texas in October.

Are we able to apply for a marriage license online in readiness for our vacation. If not, what is the best way to obtain a license as we are doing a fly drive from Houston around the south for two weeks. Many thanks

Are we able to apply for a marriage license online in readiness for our vacation.

If not, what is the best way to obtain a license as we are doing a fly drive from Houston around the south for two weeks.

At a minimum, apply for your marriage license 72 hours before your marriage ceremony. That's the waiting period. Also take into account that county clerk offices are closed on weekends.

I’m getting married October 5. When would it be a good time to get the marriage license?

When would it be a good time to get the marriage license?

Any time, as you'll be well within the 90-day expiration limit.

Planning on getting married in Texas this month. I am a UK resident, on a visa waiver, and my fiancee is a Texas resident. I have no intention of staying afterwards, and we're applying for a UK Visa for her. Would a printout of my VISA waiver be sufficient in place of a VISA?

Would a printout of my VISA waiver be sufficient in place of a VISA?

It's up to the county clerk. They have the authority to accept alternate forms of ID. You'll have to get in contact with them ahead of time to get it cleared.

Hi there. I have a weird issue. I married in California nearly 40 years ago and lied about my age on the marriage license! I was 17 and I claimed that I was 18.

It hasn't been an issue for our marriage at all. So far. But, now I'm beginning to worry that when the time comes that my husband passes away (if he dies first) and I need to apply for spousal Social Security benefits it might be a prblem that my Birth Certificate and Marriage License don't match!

So … could I just apply for a liscence and (re)marry my husband, legally, here in Texas now?

it might be a prblem that my Birth Certificate and Marriage License don't match

You could contact the Social Security Administration by phone and pose this question to them, anonymously if you'd prefer.

could I just apply for a liscence and (re)marry my husband, legally, here in Texas now?

Texas doesn't issue remarriage licenses or a marriage license to a couple who's already married.

Hi I got my marriage license in June and it is about to expire. We decided to wait until December to get married. What is the waiting period te reapply for a marriage license Bexar County Texas.

What is the waiting period te reapply for a marriage license Bexar County Texas.

There is no waiting period to reapply. You can get another license at any time.

So is an expired foreign passport acceptable ID?

Hi James. You'd have to contact the county clerk to determine if they'll accept expired ID.

Hi there, one of the required documents listed is social security number. If one of the spouses is a foreign citizen and does not have a social security number, would that be a problem?

Hi Meg. The social security number requirement only applies to those who have one.

I'm from England but my boyfreind is from Dallas, he want me to move over there and marry him, which of course I want to do, but because of this whole covid stuff, idk if I can now even move over to be with him, whats going on with the whole travel situation?

Hi Winonna. There's still a Covid-19 travel restriction in place.

I'm aware but it says if you've been in the UK for 14 days, so i would visit else where for 14 days before then flying, or is that not allowed?

Hi Winnona. It applies to you if you've been in any of the listed countries within the past 14 days.

We've mailed in our marriage license, when will we be getting it back and how can we get certified copies?

Hi Jan. Unless you purchased a certified copy of your marriage certificate when you applied for your marriage license, you'll have to contact the county clerk to order a separate copy. It'll cost you around $10 to $20 per copy.

So does that mean we will not be getting back the original marriage license? I understand we would need to purchase a certified copy of the marriage license. I had thought the original marriage license would be mailed back to us after mailing it in so that it can be recorded.

I had thought the original marriage license would be mailed back to us after mailing it in so that it can be recorded.

Unless you were told that up front, it's not the case.

We did get the marriage license mailed back to us :) Now what is the difference between the marriage license and marriage certificate?

Hi Jan. If it shows the date it was recorded, it's the same thing. In many states the license and certificate are the same. Only the status changes after marriage and recording.

I am an international student living in Texas, and am planning to apply for a marriage license with my fiancé who is a citizen of Finland, and is currently with me here. Is my fiancé's passport sufficient to allow us to apply for the license? Furthermore, will our marriage be recognized in Finland?

Is my fiancé's passport sufficient to allow us to apply for the license?

Yes, a foreign passport will work fine.

will our marriage be recognized in Finland?

Hello I'm a Texas resident who is also an active duty military member. my fiance' is South Korean and we would like to get married in Dallas. What documents do we need?

Hi Andre. She needs to bring her passport and visa.

My girlfriend and I are from Jersey (UK) and would like to get married in San Antonio. How long does it take to receive a marriage permit and where could one get hold of one? Are you able to give me the validity time of a permit?? Thank you

Hi William. San Antonio is located in Bexar County. Use the TX office locations drop-down to lookup Bexar. You'll get your license the same day you apply for it, but there's a 72-hour waiting period to use it.

Hello, im wondering what are the steps for applying for a marriage license with my girlfriend who is from Mexico?

Hi James. The rules are exactly the same as if she were a U.S. citizen. She'll want to make sure she bring proper government ID.

I live in Oklahoma and want to get married. I have family in Texas that aren't marrying. There is a lot of control and manipulation in our family and the church community. I am not letting this stop me though.

Does the address you give when applying for a marriage license need to match what is on your driver’s license? We just moved (within Texas) and have not yet updated our driver’s licenses with our new address, but may move again soon so we want to wait to update them.

Will that be an issue when we go to apply, if the address where we currently live doesn’t match what is printed on our DLs? Thanks.

Does the address you give when applying for a marriage license need to match what is on your driver’s license?

No, you're fine.

My fiance and I are trying to fill out the informal marriage but he only has an old maybe expired Texas offender card. Can he use that for identification.

Hi Brittany. Your best bet is to contact the county clerk's office and ask if they're willing to accept an expired offender card. They have the authority to approve such a request.

My fiance and I are both US citizens living in MN. We are looking to get married in TX. Is it possible to apply and get the license to be used in less than 72 hours?

Is it possible to apply and get the license to be used in less than 72 hours?

Only through a judge's waiver.

Hi, my fiance and i want to get married in September. He is Venezuelan but legal resident of an European country, he is divorced. Besides the ID (passport) will he need any proof of divorce? Thanks,

Besides the ID (passport) will he need any proof of divorce?

No, showing proof of divorce isn't necessary.

Hi, my OPT will expire in 07/08/2021 and my i20 (F1 status) will start to work at the end of August. Can I apply for marriage license on 07/06/2021 and get marriage certificate in July, 2021?

Can I apply for marriage license on 07/06/2021 and get marriage certificate in July, 2021?

You'll get your certificate after your marriage ceremony and completed certificate of marriage is returned to the county clerk for recording. That means you could get it even sooner.

Thanks! During the time of grace period (after my OPT card expires and before my i20 starts working), will my license or certificate still valid?

will my license or certificate still valid?

Your marriage license will remain valid for 90 days after you receive it. The expiration of your OPT doesn't impact that. After you're married, your certificate doesn't expire. It's a historical record that proves you're marriage took place.

Hello, I’m a US citizen but my fiancé is Mexican. We are planning on going to Texas in September to get married. How long before we leave should we apply for a marriage license?

Additionally, we both live and plan on living in Mexico for the foreseeable future. So we will be traveling into the country for the sole reason of getting married then returning. Does this change anything?

So we will be traveling into the country for the sole reason of getting married then returning. Does this change anything?

No, that's not a problem.

Hi Curtis. Do you happen to know the county where your marriage will take place? I ask because you may need to make an appointment.

Hello I'm a UK citizen and my fiancé is a USA citizen. I normally use an ESTA to travel into the states would that be acceptable as well as my passport

Hi Victoria. An ESTA might work, but it's risky to apply without verifying this with the county clerk in advance.

An ESTA is the only visa I use to visit the states. I plan to bring my passport and driver license as proof of ID.

Hi Victoria. That should be fine, but it's still recommended to phone the county clerk in advance to verify.

My partner and I want to get married while on holiday in Texas 2022. We are both British Citizens. What documentation do we need to bring and is it even possible to do? Thanks

What documentation do we need to bring

Passport and visa.

and is it even possible to do?

Yes, of course. Noncitizens are welcome to marry in Texas.

Hello, I wanted some clarification on the very first true/false question on the marriage license application. It says you can state "False" if remarrying current spouse. What does this mean and in what scenarios can False be mentioned on that question? Thanks.

can state "False" if remarrying current spouse. What does this mean

Are you already married to the person you're attempting to marry again? Think vow renewals.

in what scenarios can False be mentioned on that question?

For most people, this is false.

Thank you for your reply. If we like to go for vow renewals, are we still eligible to get an official license and marriage certificate after having the ceremony done?

Hi Mayuresh. You'll get a new marriage license and certificate.

Okay, thank you for the information.

Hi! My fiancé and I are both living in Texas, but plan to elope in New Mexico in October. We plan to get our license in Texas. Will our license still be valid in Texas if we have the officiant sign it in New Mexico? If we can't use the Texas license in New Mexico, will we need to get a license in both states?

We plan to get our license in Texas.

That won't work. You'll have to get a New Mexico marriage license .

Will our license still be valid in Texas if we have the officiant sign it in New Mexico?

If we can't use the Texas license in New Mexico, will we need to get a license in both states?

No, just get one from New Mexico.

If a couple gets a marriage license in Travis County Texas will it be valid in Mexico and can the Mexico officiant sign the Texas license? Or do they have to get one in Mexico?

Hi Janie. A Texas marriage license is only valid in Texas. It can't be used in Mexico. And vice versa. The marriage license must originate from Mexico if the marriage will take place there.

Hi, I am an international student on J1 visa, can I get married with an Australian permanent resident according to Texas law? What is she can't fly to Texas because of covid? Can I register a new marriage if she was absent?

Hi Zee. Although you could apply on her behalf, she'd would have to be present in Texas for the ceremony.

I am an Indian Citizen and I have been living in the United States since 2017 on a H1b Visa. My fiance is a German Citizen. She is coming to the US next month and we are planning to get married here in Dallas.

So, I have some questions regarding this:

If yes, What is the procedure?

What are documents required for foreign nationals?

• As We both are divorced, Is there any document or proof required for this?

Will our marriage be recognized in India and Germany?

Application, ID, the ceremony, then return license for recording.

Identification is the only required document. If you're using your foreign passport, show your visa too. You can also show any USCIS-issued document for ID.

Is there any document or proof required for this?

No, but there's a 30-day wait between divorce and getting remarried.

Yes. Make sure you acquire a certified copy of your Texas marriage certificate for proof of marriage.

Thanks for response.

What is application and the ceremony? Can you give detailed explanation and link if there is any for application?

I have a valid H1b Visa and I can show it. What kind of visa is required for German citizen as they do not required any visa to enter US?

What is application and the ceremony?

Application is the marriage license form you'll have to fill out from the county clerk's office. The ceremony is your marriage ceremony.

and link if there is any for application?

You can fill out the Dallas County marriage application online.

What kind of visa is required for German citizen as they do not required any visa to enter US?

Then the passport alone should be fine. Dallas County accepts a foreign passport alone as sufficient ID for noncitizens.

I have been with Alex on an off for over 10 years. He is in Mexico we want to finally get married in El Paso. What is involved?

Hi Pamela. Apply for a marriage license in any Texas county. It needn't be be in El Paso County. If Alex is unable to apply with you, he'll have to complete an affidavit of absent applicant, which you'll submit on his behalf.

After getting the marriage license, what’s the next step?

HI Thayane. Your marriage license will expire after 90 days. You'll need to get your marriage solemnized beforehand. It's only valid for use in Texas. Then your officiant must return your completed marriage license to the issuing county clerk for recording.

I am a US citizen living in Dallas. My fiancée is French. We are planning to get married in Texas. Does she need any documents other than a passport?

Hi Adam. Passport and visa is enough.

If my girlfriend, who is a foreigner, is visiting me without a fiance visa (k-1), can we get married if it's something that we decide to do during the visit?

can we get married if it's something that we decide to do during the visit?

Yes, you could.

My fiancé is Mexican so we are going to have our religious ceremony in México next year, which means we were only planning to show up for our legal marriage this year at the corresponding office, is that possible? or we actually need to throw a ceremony for getting legally married.

Hi Emely. You must get your marriage certificate where your marriage takes place. If your legal marriage occurs in Texas, apply in Texas. If it's in Mexico, apply there.

There's no need for a ceremony, only solemnization. Meaning, as long as you exchange vows and have your marriage recorded, that's sufficient. No need for pomp or razzle dazzle.

Hello I am an American citizen and I would like to marry my fiancé that is in the Senegal Army. What documents do we need in order to be married?

HI Nova. You need to bring government-issued photo ID. Your fiancé must bring a passport and visa.

Hi - we are British and Irish couple sailing around the world. We want to fly into Texas to be married however how long after the marriage would we receive the official marriage documentation to a address in Panama?

Many thanks in advance, Kate

how long after the marriage would we receive the official marriage documentation to a address in Panama?

That depends entirely on the county clerk's office and how expeditious they are. Texas has 254 counties and each is responsible for sending out their own certified copies.

Hi there I'm F1 student, I lost my F1 2 year ago, and my ID expired. Can I still get married with my passport?

Hi Lili. It's best to contact the county clerk to determine if they'll allow you to only show your foreign passport. They have the authority to accommodate.

Hi, does common law marriage certificate have the same recognition as a marriage license? Specifically is it recognized throughout the US and does it qualify as proof of marriage for international purposes? Thank you.

Hi Trevor. The marriage license allows you to get married in Texas. The marriage certificate proves you are married. One precedes the other. The license is only valid for use in Texas. The certificate provides proof of marriage that will be recognized throughout the U.S. and other countries.

Hi I'm a US citizen, my fiancé is an immigrant from Mexico. He has a Mexican passport, birth certificate, and drivers license from Mexico. No visa though. What documents would I need to get married in Texas?

Hi Sara. Their passport alone might be enough. Contact the county clerk's office in advance where you plan to apply to make sure they'll accept just a passport.

I am a USA citizen. My fiance is a Mexican citizen. He only has a valid driver's license from Mexico. No other legitimate ID. We have a joint bank account. Have lived together for over 7 years. Can we get married legally here in Texas? If not, is there any other state that we can get married in?

Hi Michelle. You'll want to contact the county clerk where you're applying to determine if they'll accept that. They have a good amount of latitude to maneuver.

My girlfriend (Brazilian) and I (United States American) plan on getting married in Texas. Does anyone know what type of visa she would need to apply for to live and work here permanently? She currently has a tourist visa, but I know that won't allow her to stay/work here.

Does anyone know what type of visa she would need to apply for to live and work here permanently?

Permanent resident card , also known as a Green Card.

Hi I'm from the U.K and plan on getting married to my fiancé who is from San Antonio. However I do have a social security number so will I still be able to apply for a marriage license.

I do not have a social security number*

I do have a social security number so will I still be able to apply for a marriage license.

Non-U.S. citizens do not need a social security number to get married in Texas.

Hi I'm a us citizen wanting to get married with my boyfriend that is in jail but his an immigrant and only has a birth certificate he doesn't own a picture ID what else can he use, is there anyway to still get married while him being in county jail.

Hi Elizabeth. You'll have to make arrangements with that Texas Department of Criminal Justice (TDCJ) facility administrator.

My boyfriend are planning to get married soon but as a DACA do I need my birth certificate? Is there other types I can use?

do I need my birth certificate

No, you do not need to show your birth certificate.

Hello, first thank you I am able to see the threads and it's very helpful. My fiancee will be arriving to the US with a k-1 visa around September, and I will be relocating to Houston for work during that time.

Can we get married and file for adjustment of status there? Note- I will be going back to bring her here and we will be flying to Houston and finding apartments to officially move there.

Can we get married and file for adjustment of status there?

Yes, you can file after marriage.

Hi, my boyfriend and I want to get married in Texas, but he is Japanese and doesn't have a social security number. But he has a Japanese equivalent. Will he need to fill out additional forms because of this?

but he is Japanese and doesn't have a social security number

Since your boyfriend doesn't have a social security number, he can leave that part of the form blank.

Hi there! I’m British & my partner is American and lives in Houston - we’re planning to get married and would like to know if obtaining our license & certificate in Houston, TX will allow us to have a wedding ceremony either elsewhere in the US or maybe UK?

if obtaining our license & certificate in Houston, TX will allow us to have a wedding ceremony either elsewhere in the US or maybe UK?

Your Texas marriage license cannot be used outside of Texas. It won't work in another state or the UK.

I have read in the comments that to marry a non-us citizen/resident they can use a visa and passport - would a visitor/tourist visa be acceptable? We are not planning to live in the US.

would a visitor/tourist visa be acceptable?

Yes, a tourist visa is fine.

Howdy there, So I (Us citizen) want to marry my boyfriend who is a Brazilian citizen. Would I be able to apply for the license, have him come over, exchange our vows and make it official? Would our marriage be recognized internationally, or anywhere else in the US?

Would I be able to apply for the license

He'd have to complete an absentee form if not applying in person. You can turn it in along with his ID.

have him come over, exchange our vows and make it official?

Would our marriage be recognized internationally, or anywhere else in the US?

Yes, it would be recognized in Texas and worldwide.

I appreciate your comment, thanks!

Hi, I'm a UK citizen and my fiance is Texan. COVID-19 has delayed our marriage because of travel restrictions for unvaccinated people.

Also, I've heard that if you enter the USA with intention to marry, immigration doesn't look well on this.

My question is, what is the best way to deal with this?

My frustrations at not being able to resolve this is traumatizing, so if you can advise, I'd be very grateful, thank you.

There is nothing extra special for you to do. Texas county clerks issue marriage licenses. It's among one their many duties. You'll get a marriage license as long as you meet the age and identification requirements, regardless of citizenship status.

My place of birth is wrong on my marriage license. Can I get it changed?

Hi Yang. You can contact the county clerk to get your marriage license corrected and reissued.

Hi my fiance is coming to the US with a CID visa. Can we get married legally in Texas. I'm a US citizen. After she will return to work while I file for her and the kids in Florida for permanent residency.

Hi Kevin. I assume you mean a "C1D" or "C1/D" visa. If so, that's fine for marriage purposes.

Hi! I am an American citizen and want to marry my girlfriend who is Mexican, she has a B1 visa, I would like to know if in the marriage license application she has to write her Mexican address or if it's okay if we both write down my Texas address.

Hi Hassan. Your girlfriend should write her own current address.

I am 69 and my soon to be husband is 70. Do we need to take the premarital course for a reduced license fee?

Do we need to take the premarital course for a reduced license fee?

Taking the premarital education course is optional for everyone, regardless of age.

Hello, I am 69 and my soon to be husband is 70. We have been together for five years now and have decided to get married. Is there still the 72 hour waiting period and the full fee for seniors getting married in Aransa County?

Is there still the 72 hour waiting period and the full fee for seniors getting married

Yes, the waiting period and fees apply to all ages. But you can ask for a waiting period waiver.

What do I do if I don't have a SSN since the application asks for it? My significant other has one but I don't?

Hi Jose. Documenting a social security number on the marriage license application is only necessary for those who have one. Otherwise, leave it blank.

Can I get a marriage license with a driver's license ID? I am Venezuelan and my fiancé is a U.S citizen; my passport and J1 visa are expired, but I am currently under a TPS status.

Hi Darling. A driver's license should work fine.

So can a 16-year-old female who is not emancipated get married if she has parental consent.

And if so what document does she have to provide or how does she prove she has parental consent?

No, not anymore.

Hi my fiance and I are from Scotland, UK and want to get married in Texas whilst on Vacation there. Is this possible? If so, do we have to be there for a certain length of time beforehand or just technically the 72 hours 🤔

Also, we would like our friend to marry us, is this possible as long as we have an officiant there to do the legal stuff by any chance?

Is this possible? If so, do we have to be there for a certain length of time beforehand or just technically the 72 hours

You'll get your marriage license immediately after applying. You must wait 72 hours to use.

we would like our friend to marry us, is this possible as long as we have an officiant there

Yes, if your friend is an official designee of a religious body.

Hi, my friend isn't legally allowed to marry us, he is literally just a friend but I wondered if he would be able to say all the stuff as long as we also have an official person there too to oversee it?

Also, can you get married in a public outside space, ie Barton Springs pool?

I wondered if he would be able to say all the stuff as long as we also have an official person there too to oversee it?

That should work as long as your official officiant goes along with the program.

can you get married in a public outside space, ie Barton Springs pool?

Yes, that's fine.

Perfect, thank you for confirming 👍

My fiance only has his Mexican birth certificate; no ID. He MAY be able to get the INE but would his birth certificate from Mexico be okay?

Hi Priscilla. The county clerk has the authority to allow this. You will have to get in touch with them in advance to make sure this will pass.

My fiancé ONLY has a visa for visiting a specific city in Texas and can not travel any where else. Can we use that Visa to get married in Texas. Same Sex marriage?

Can we use that Visa to get married in Texas. Same Sex marriage?

Yes, a visa alone would work fine.

Hello. My fiance and I live in Texas, but we are getting legally married in Mexico. Is there anything we need to do to ensure that our marriage is recognized in Texas or is a Mexican wedding certificate enough?

Is there anything we need to do to ensure that our marriage is recognized in Texas or is a Mexican wedding certificate enough?

Your Mexican marriage certificate is enough.

My fiancé and I are both Arizona residents living in Texas. We plan to get married in Texas; how do we go about this?

Hi Cord. There's no difference in the applicant process between residents and nonresidents.

Hello, I was wondering what exactly an informal fee is? And what the course fee is.

Hi Ruth. You may use the office locator dropdown box to look up county-specific fees.

Hi, my boyfriend is a UK resident and we want to get married, but he won't be able to travel here until January 2024.

Can we get married while he is still in the UK with the absentee form? I don't have any of his documents, so I didn't know if it was possible. Thanks!

Hi Paige. Since your marriage must take place in Texas and your marriage license expires 90 days after issuance, you'll have to wait until three months before January 2024 to even apply. This is the case even if you apply absentee.

Hi. Can just one person go get the certificate or does it have to be the two people present?

Can just one person go get the certificate

Yes, just one person may get the certificate.

My boyfriend is a US citizen (living in Texas) and I'm an Irish citizen (living in Ireland) I have a few questions.

Can he register for the marriage license before I come over?

Will the marriage be recognized in Ireland, I seen that some country's might need a "freedom to marriage" will I?

Can I get married with a ESTA, We want to get married in America then move to Ireland

Hi Sarah. Your boyfriend may apply absentee for you, but he'll need your ID. Your marriage will be recognized in Ireland with a certified copy of your Texas marriage certificate. And ESTA is fine to get married.

My boyfriend is from Mexico can we get married with a Mexico birth certificate or passport?

Hi Meagan. Yes, the passport for ID is fine, but the county clerk may ask for a USCIS-issued document as well.

Hello. I have a question. I'm foreigner. Do I need to make SSN before get a marriage license? I think I'll make my SSN after marriage and changed my name.

Hi Sayaka. No, non-citizens to not need a SSN to get a marriage license.

My husband and I want to renew our vows. Do we need to purchase a marriage certificate or do we bring are current one from NJ?

Hi Sharon. You need to purchase a new Texas marriage license to renew your vows. You cannot use the one from NJ.

I’m a UK Citizen and my fiancée is a US Citizen living in Texas. We want to marry in San Antonio (Bexar County) and I just have a couple questions.

1: Can we marry if I come over on an ESTA but plan to return to the UK after the wedding and then file the I-130 petition?

2: Will a Texas Marriage License be valid in the UK?

3: Should I use my UK address when applying for the Marriage License or use my fiancées?

4: I don’t have a Social Security Number, will that be an Issue?

Can we marry if I come over on an ESTA but plan to return to the UK after the wedding and then file the I-130 petition?

Yes, you can get married on an ESTA if you don't plan to live in the U.S.

Will a Texas Marriage License be valid in the UK?

Yes, a Texas/U.S. marriage license (actually certificate) will be recognized in the U.K.

Should I use my UK address when applying for the Marriage License or use my fiancées?

Use your U.K. address.

I don’t have a Social Security Number, will that be an Issue?

No, non-U.S. citizens do not need a social security number to get married in Texas.

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How to Get Married Online in Texas (Step-by-Step Guide)

Getting a marriage license online in Texas has become prevalent as couples increasingly seek the convenience and simplicity of tying the knot online. In this step-by-step guide, we'll navigate the digital landscape of matrimony in Texas with the assistance of Courtly . 

The popularity of obtaining a marriage license online is on the rise, reflecting the increasing preference of couples for the convenience and simplicity of tying the knot virtually. In this comprehensive guide, we'll delve into the digital landscape of matrimony, focusing on the general steps involved in getting married online.

In-Person Wedding Requirements in Texas

Getting a marriage license in Texas involves a visit to the county clerk's office in person. Both parties need to present valid identification, such as a driver's license, certified birth certificate, passport, military identification card, and Social Security cards.

Several requirements must be met for marriage in Texas. Proper identification, as mentioned earlier, is essential. Individuals must be at least 18 years old to marry independently. For those aged 16 to 18, parental consent or a court order is necessary, while those younger than 16 require a court order for permission to marry. Residency in Texas is not a prerequisite.

Couples are encouraged to partake in a premarital education course lasting at least eight hours, ideally completed within a year preceding the marriage license application. A 72-hour waiting period exists between obtaining the license and the marriage ceremony. Exceptions to this waiting period include members of the armed forces, cases approved by a judge, or completion of a premarital education course.

The cost of the marriage license is $60 in cash, although fees are waived for those who have undergone a premarital education course. Military personnel being deployed to a hostile fire zone are also exempt from the fee.

Authorized individuals who can officiate marriages in Texas include licensed or ordained ministers, priests, rabbis, justices of the peace, and most judges.

For common law marriage in Texas, both parties must be 18 or older, not currently married, agree to the marriage, cohabit in Texas as husband and wife, and represent themselves as married to others. Informal marriages can be registered at the county clerk's office using a form provided by the Vital Statistics Unit of the Department of State Health Services.

Obtaining a Marriage License from Texas Online

In 2021, Texas passed Senate Bill 907 (SB907) to enhance access to remote marriage license services. The legislation, effective from June 2021, empowers county clerks to use online video conference technology for issuing marriage licenses. SB907 permits counties with certified clerks to conduct the entire marriage license process online, from application to certificate issuance. This eliminates the need for couples to physically appear before the county clerk, a requirement in the traditional process. 

While some Texas counties already allow online application initiation, SB907 streamlines the entire process, ensuring that remote completion is legally recognized as having appeared before the court. The law signifies a significant step toward modernizing and simplifying the marriage license application in Texas.

If you choose to get a marriage license through Texas online but still want to have an in-person wedding, several counties offer the option of obtaining a marriage license using online processes. As per the Texas Family Code's Section 2.001 , couples can get a marriage license from any county clerk's office throughout Texas. 

For example, in Tarrant County, you can obtain an online marriage license completely online. Note that your ceremony would still need to be in person if you go through this process. Here is an overview of the steps for obtaining a marriage license in Tarrant County.

To get an online marriage license in Tarrant County, follow these steps:

• Navigate to Tarrant County's Marriage License Page: Go to the Tarrant County Clerk's official website at Tarrant County Clerk - Marriage Licenses to view the full list of instructions. 
• Follow the Application Process: Tarrant County has an online application system which allows you to process everything online, without the need to set foot in their office. Follow the specified steps for completing the online marriage license application. Provide the necessary information accurately.
• Certification and Approval: After submitting the application, the county clerk will review and certify the marriage license request. Ensure that all required documentation is in order.
• Receive the Marriage License: Once approved, you will receive the marriage license electronically. Ensure that you download and store it securely.

General Requirements

There are two kinds of marriage licenses: Declaration and Registration of an Informal Marriage (Common law) and Formal Marriage License. The basic requirements are the same for both forms of marriage.

• Personal Appearance or Video Conference: Both parties must appear in person or via video conference. Video conference is available for formal marriage license applicants only.
• Age Requirement: Both parties must be at least 18 years old.
• Valid Identification: A valid, government-issued picture ID is required, reflecting names exactly as they appear on the IDs. Accepted IDs include a driver's license, state ID, passport, military ID, or visa.
• Social Security Number: Both parties must know their Social Security numbers.
• Affidavit of Age and Identity Form (for video conference applicants only).
• No Blood Test Required.

A $100 Out-of-State Applicant fee will be assessed if neither applicant can prove Texas residency. Acceptable proof includes a driver's license, state ID, handgun license, vehicle registration, and other forms listed.

Formal Marriage Specifics

• Waiting Period: A 72-hour waiting period exists after the license is issued, which can be waived under specific criteria, such as military service or obtaining a 72-hour waiver from a District Judge.
• Marriage Timeframe: The marriage must take place within 90 days from the date of issuance.
• Divorce Waiting Period: If divorced, a 30-day waiting period after the divorce is final before remarriage, unless waived.
• Fee: The fee for a formal marriage license is $75, payable in cash or by card with an additional fee for credit card use.
• Discount for Marriage Education Class: Couples attending the State of Texas approved Marriage Education Class receive a $15 discount with a valid Twogether in Texas Certificate.
• Recording Process: After the ceremony, the recorded license can be expedited by hand-delivering it to specified locations.

Note that Tarrant County has two online marriage license application options. One can be filled out online, but applicants must appear in person to sign and purchase the license. The other is a fully virtual option powered by GovOS . Visit the Tarrant County website to see full details on the process for each. 

Courtly: Simplifying the Online Marriage Process in Texas

Courtly offers a straightforward solution for couples seeking a simplified marriage process. It allows couples the flexibility to complete the entire procedure remotely, eliminating the need for extensive documentation. Through Courtly's efficient approach, couples can swiftly obtain a valid U.S. marriage certificate with ease.

Step-by-Step Guide for Getting Married Online in Texas with Courtly

1. Create an Account

To begin, create an account on Courtly. Click on the "Get Married" icon situated in the top right corner of the website and follow the prompts. Once the account is set up, you gain access to the Courtly platform.

2. Choose Ceremony Format, Setting, and Officiant

Choose your preferred ceremony format, venue, and style to align with your preferences. Depending on the selected date and time, Courtly will pair you with one of their legally qualified U.S. officiants.

3. Confirmation and Payment

Following the selection of your chosen wedding package, proceed to make the payment. Upon successful completion of the payment process, you will receive an email confirmation from Courtly, confirming the initiation of your wedding plans.

4. Online Marriage Celebration

Gather your family and friends online to celebrate your marriage. Whether you decide to tie the knot from the comfort of your home or any location with a reliable internet connection, the online ceremony typically concludes within about 15 minutes.

Following your online wedding, you will promptly receive a digital copy of your U.S. marriage certificate. Courtly will also deliver a printed copy within 1 to 2 weeks. Additionally, you can download your digital marriage license within 24 hours after the ceremony.

The Legality of Online Marriages in Texas

Before the pandemic, certain jurisdictions had strict laws requiring the officiant and the couple to be present in person for the marriage to be deemed lawful. Couples also had to go in person to the county clerk's office to get a marriage license.

Then in 2019, the Utah County marriage license office and the information technology departments collaborated to create an innovative and fully digital marriage license application procedure. This innovative system successfully eliminated the need for couples to physically visit the office to get and return their marriage licenses.

One important feature of Utah's online marriage process is that it is available to everyone, regardless of residence. In general, marriages performed legally in one state are accepted across the United States of America. Both state and federal laws must be followed by them. This means that a couple that lawfully weds online using Utah's system will also have their marriage recognized by other states.

The Legality of Online Marriages Outside the US

To have your wedding recognized in another country, you might need an Apostille certification. An apostille is a special certificate that serves as a guarantee that your marriage license is valid, legally authentic, and acknowledged in all nations that have ratified The Hague Apostille Convention of 1961. It ensures that your marriage document holds international validity and can be easily verified.

In the U.S., court officials can legally perform ceremonies online. However, other countries may not accept them. This is especially true if your partner is from another country. Sometimes, you may need to take extra steps to meet the specific rules of another country.

Getting an Apostille certification can address these concerns and ensure your marriage license is accepted abroad. But before using your marriage certificate, research and consult the authorities or embassies of that country to understand their recognition requirements.

Opting for an online marriage through Courtly caters to the preferences of couples prioritizing convenience, efficiency, and flexibility. For those aiming to sidestep the intricacies and paperwork associated with conventional in-person marriages, Courtly's online marriage process serves as a practical alternative. Furthermore, Courtly's offerings cater to couples seeking a prompt acquisition of a valid U.S. marriage certificate, all achieved with minimal documentation.

Let us handle the paperwork.

Getting married is complicated. Courtly simplifies the process and provides everything necessary to get married online, including providing a licensed officiant who can perform a remote ceremony.

Get married online.

Getting married is complicated. Courtly simplifies the process and provides everything necessary to get married online.

Pre-Wedding Jitters: Advice For Engaged Couples…From A Therapist

The complete checklist for changing your name after marriage in the us, ‍elope on a budget: tips for a beautiful wedding without breaking the bank, all about apostilles: who needs them and why, understanding muslim marriage rules: a comprehensive guide, the average wedding cost in popular destinations worldwide, navigating modern finances as a couple: a unique perspective.

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The Financial Benefits of Marriage

A valentine's day proposal could lead to a money boon for you in many ways, sharing is nice.

We respect your privacy . All email addresses you provide will be used just for sending this story.

Valentine's Day isn't just about exchanging chocolate and flowers with a loved one. It's also a day when many people consider getting engaged. According to a study from American Express using data from two years ago, 1 in 12 unmarried couples was expecting a proposal on Valentine's Day. 

Proposing to your loved one can lead to many financial bonuses—assuming the proposal leads to marriage. Here are a few of the financial benefits of getting married.

Lower car insurance premiums. When you unite with someone, chances are your cars will unite as well, under one car insurance policy. The cost of insuring two cars this way is typically less than having an individual policy for each car. Most insurance companies offer a multicar discount, and many also have a reduction in rates for married couples. 

Our analysis  last year found that two 30-somethings who combined their car insurance policies after marriage would save an average of $525 per year on the merged policy. The savings vary by state and insurer. A Texas couple in this example would save an average of $780 with Geico but just $360 with State Farm.

If you decide to get married, shop around for insurance. You may be able to find further savings by bundling your home and auto policies, increasing your deductible, or opting for a pay-as-you-drive policy.

There is one circumstance in which it might not make sense to combine policies: If one spouse has a particularly poor driving record, separate policies could end up costing you less.

More tax benefits. There are several ways that the tax code favors married couples filing jointly over single filers in most cases. If there's a large discrepancy between the bride and groom's incomes, for example, the lower-earning spouse might serve as a tax shelter for the higher earner.

Example: A bride with no deductions and a taxable income of $65,000 would owe $9,389 in 2017 taxes, while her groom making $40,000 would owe $3,974. Filing as a joint couple with a taxable income of $105,000, however, they'd owe $12,528, a savings of $835.

High-earning couples with similar incomes might actually face a "tax penalty" for filing jointly, so run your numbers with this calculator from the Tax Policy Center. For 2017 taxes, the marriage penalty starts to phase in once both individuals are earning a taxable income of around $80,000 or more. Once the new tax rules go into effect next year, however, that penalty will disappear for most taxpayers because most tax brackets for married filers will be exactly double those of single filers.

In 2018, only households with a combined income of $600,000 or more will pay a tax penalty for getting hitched. Under the new law, single filers can earn up to $500,000 and be taxed in the 35 percent bracket, says Elaine Maag, a senior research associate at the Urban-Brookings Tax Policy Center. But she says that if you're married, you can earn up to $600,000 before you have to pay 37 percent.

Married couples this year might also find additional tax savings if their combined deductions now give them the ability to itemize their taxes. That benefit will be less lucrative in 2018 because the standard deductions are set to double (to $12,000 for single filers and $24,000 for joint filers), meaning that you'll need a lot more deductions in order to make it worth itemizing.

For married couples that itemize, new limits on deductions put them at a disadvantage to their single peers. Under the new law in 2018, households are limited to $10,000 in deductions on state and local taxes, whether they're filing as individuals or a couple.

Given the significant changes to tax policy, you may want to work with a tax adviser to see whether it makes sense to adjust your withholdings at work. "That's something you should do after you get married anyway, with or without the new tax law," says Jackie Perlman, principal tax research analyst at the Tax Institute at H&R Block. 

More Social Security options . Of the hundreds of federal financial benefits of getting married, options around claiming Social Security might be one of the most valuable. Most married couples have the option to claim either their own  Social Security benefits  or spousal benefits under their spouse's earnings. That can be a great deal if one member of a couple didn't pay into Social Security for at least 40 quarters (10 years) or earned significantly less than the other.

Under the spousal benefit, you may be able to receive Social Security payments worth up to 50 percent of your spouse's entitlement at full retirement age. Your claim will have no impact on how much your spouse receives.

As is the case with individual Social Security benefits, you can file for spousal benefits when you turn 62 (as long as your spouse has already filed for Social Security or disability benefits), but for every year you wait the amount of your check will permanently increase until you reach your full retirement age.

Exemption from the gift tax.  Even if an unmarried couple isn't exchanging large gifts, sharing large expenses might trigger gift tax issues. If there's a large discrepancy between the incomes of a couple and one member is paying for more than 50 percent of joint household expenses and more than the gift tax threshold—$14,000 in 2017 and $15,000 in 2018—she might have to file a gift tax return for the additional amount. It's possible to address the issue with some advance tax planning, but getting married would eliminate it entirely.

"The IRS views married couples as a single taxpayer," says Patrick Beaudry, a CPA with the PNC Center for Financial Insights. "So if I make a tremendously large gift to my wife, that's not a gift for tax purposes, but if I gave it to her before we got married, it's a taxable gift. That's a significant benefit to being married: You have the ability to transfer assets from one person to the other."

Beth Braverman

Beth Braverman is a freelance writer who contributes to Consumer Reports on personal finance topics. Conscious of the intersection of life and money, she is always looking for ways to make more mindful decisions about both.

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Texas - marriage rate 1990-2021

Marriage rate in texas from 1990 to 2021 (per 1,000 inhabitants).

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January 2023

United States

1990 to 2021

According to the source, data are counts of marriages performed, except as noted. Furthermore, data are based on total population residing in area; population enumerated as of April 1 for 1990 and 2000; estimated as of July 1 for all other years.

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RESEARCH PROJECT: GETTING MARRIED IN TEXAS 1. Where do you apply for a marriage license? 2. What do you need to bring with you? 3. What are the requirements (age, residency, etc.? 4. What does it cost? 5. Who can legally perform the marriage?

Gauth ai solution.

Three Graduate Student Research Projects Funded

The Race & Ethnic Studies Institute announces the Spring 2024 recipients of the RESI Graduate Student Small Research Grants. This grant is designed to support the research enterprise leading to successful completion of some component of the doctoral dissertation, masters thesis, or a major publication.   RESI Graduate Student Small Research Grant The Graduate Student […]

The Race & Ethnic Studies Institute announces the Spring 2024 recipients of the RESI Graduate Student Small Research Grants. This grant is designed to support the research enterprise leading to successful completion of some component of the doctoral dissertation, masters thesis, or a major publication.

RESI Graduate Student Small Research Grant

The Graduate Student Small Research Grant , a funding opportunity open to graduate students that have shown a commitment to and interest in research within race & ethnic studies, supports projects in preliminary through advanced stages. It also provides an opportunity for students to enhance and grow their existing grant writing skills.

The Graduate Student Small Research Grant has two competition cycles, Fall and Spring. Full-time graduate students in good standing at Texas A&M may apply and receive funding up to $1,000. The funds from this grant can be used towards fieldwork, travel to archives, survey instruments, participant incentives, and other related research expenses.

Meet the Recipients of the Graduate Student Small Research Grant

RESI is proud to announce the three recipients of this grant, Emma Newman, Mark Mallory, and Jordan Nixon. “Each of their projects is a reflection of their strong capabilities as scholars and their commitment to advancing race and ethnic studies,” says RESI Director, Dr. Wazner-Serrano. “We’re excited to support their growth and provide funding for their research.”

Emma Newman (she/her pronouns) is a doctorate student in the Department of Anthropology at Texas A&M University. She completed her BA in Anthropology and Sociology at Cornell College in 2021, and her MA in Anthropology at Texas A&M University in 2023. Emma’s research focuses on topics of borderlands (theory, enforcement, and policy) and migration along the U.S./Mexico border. Her current work is based in South Texas and incorporates historical, ethnographic, and forensic approaches to contemporary border studies. Emma is furthermore interested in gender and women’s studies as they relate to the clandestine migrant experience. She is Assistant Curator in the Anthropological Research Collections and enjoys working closely with students and faculty on community outreach initiatives and the curation of artifacts. RESI support has allowed her to fully immerse herself in the communities where she is collecting longitudinal data.

Mark Mallory is an activist, organizer, archivist, and interdisciplinary historical scholar based in Austin, TX. He received his M.A. in history from the University of Louisiana in 2021. Mallory’s PhD research examines the role of gendered and racialized difference as well as historical memory in Black Seminole diaspora history from 1693 to the present, focusing especially on communities in the Texas-Coahuila borderland. Mark also serves as a volunteer oral historian with the Seminole Indian Scouts Cemetery Association in Brackettville, TX and as a cataloging intern with the Texas Archive of the Moving Image. When asked about his favorite part of his research thus far, he commented that “the most enriching component… is [his] ongoing oral history project with individuals within the Black Seminole diaspora.” Through RESI support, he has been able to view important documents housed in the National Archives and Records Administration in Fort Worth and Washington D.C.

Jordan Nixon is a second year master’s student in the Communications Department. Her research explores how those at the intersection of multiple marginalized identities make space, preserve memory, and formulate identity. Her research engages collaborative image-making, interviews, and other modes of narrative storytelling to amplify the voices of the underrepresented. In Summer 2023, she curated a gallery in New York City showcasing the archive NowI’mAPRBLEM (https://www.aprblem.org/nowimaprblem) and is currently building and coordinating NowWe’reAPRBLEM, a gallery and archive, which culminated in College Station, TX April 19, 2024. She is committed to seeing, hearing, and understanding the womxn of this project and more significantly, encouraging them to see, hear and understand themselves in ways that they haven’t before. The grant from RESI has given her the opportunity to curate and host the community archive.

The RESI Graduate Student Small Research Projects 

Emma newman .

Abstract: This dissertation addresses the primary research questions of how state violence manifests in borderland regions, how this violence physically impacts migrant bodies (pre and post-mortem), how local borderland residents are affected by these events, what intersectional processes influence migrant travel trajectories, and what happens to migrant remains after an individual has passed on. To address these questions of how state sanctioned violence manifests and affects migrant bodies Emma will complete eight months of qualitative data collection in Brooks County, Texas. In this study she mobilize’s multiple ethnographic methodologies in her collection of longitudinal data. Emma’s primary methodology is participant-as-observer data collection, coupled with decolonial and feminist ethnographic approaches. In this dissertation she analyzes the interactions between state enforcers (law enforcement agencies) and migrant bodies (pre and post-mortem), this includes surveillance activities, traffic stops, the recovery of remains, and the identification of migrant remains. Emma then applies theoretical and forensic lenses to her data to examine the prolonged physical trauma endured by remains, and the emotional trauma endured by the loved ones of those who go missing or perish during their migration journey through Brooks County.

Mark Mallory 

Abstract: The Black Seminole diaspora, emergent in the 18th century when African fugitives from slavery found refuge within the nascent Seminole nation of the present-day U.S. southeast, exists at the historical intersection of chattel slavery (and its afterlife) and ongoing settler colonial genocide. In addition to physical dispossessions and displacements from Florida to Oklahoma and then to Mexico, Texas, and beyond, the Black Seminole diaspora faces continuous external forces seeking to reductively categorize this Afro-Native community in mutually exclusive modern colonial racialized terms as either Black or Native. These forces complicate Black Seminole struggles to survive, cohere, and narrate their histories, compelling some groups and individuals within the diaspora to seek various forms of reductive racial legibility and recognition from U.S. and Mexican authorities and leading yet others to reject these forms of colonial recognition. Often, when Black Seminole history does manage to be articulated within Texas or U.S. history, Black Seminole women are doubly erased, as focus is kept on involvement of Black Seminole men in historical military conflicts. Mark’s dissertation research is focused on interrogating, contextualizing, and unsettling formations of race, gender, and empire manifest in Black Seminole diaspora history since the 18th century.

Jordan Nixon

Abstract: NowI’mAPRBLEMxSomosAPRBLEM(NIA/SA) is a multimodal arts-based research project that builds a community archive, centralizing the stories and histories of Black, Latinx, and Indigenous womxn who live at the intersection of their race, gender, class, and sometimes sexuality outside of the purview of oppressive power relations.

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GIScience and Health: Air Pollution-Exposure-Health Effects Indicators: Mining Massive Geographically Referenced Environmental Health Data to Identify Risk Factors for Birth Defects

TxGISci Researchers: Dr. F Benjamin Zhan (PI)

Funding Sources : U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s Science to Achieve Results (USEPA-STAR) program, (2011-2015)

GIScience and Land Change Science:   Texas Trends: Towards Developing An Interdisciplinary, Sustained Research Network In Land Change Science At Texas State University

TxGISci Researchers:  Dr. Jennifer Jensen (PI), Dr. Larry Price (Co-PI)

Funding Sources : Texas State University, AVP-Research and Federal Relations, Multidisciplinary Internal Research Grant, (2013-2014)

GIScience and Anthrpology:  Towards the Development of a Spatial Analytical Model and Taphonomic Reference for Use in Animal-Scavenged Death Scenes

TxGISci Researchers:  Dr. Alberto Giordano (Co-PI)

Funding Sources : Texas State University, Research Enhancement Program (REP) Grant, (2012-2013)

Historical GIS:   Collaborative Research: Holocaust Historical GIS

TxGISci Researchers:  Dr. Alberto Giordano (PI)

Funding Sources : National Science Foundation (NSF), Division of Behavioral and Cognitive Sciences, Geography and Regional Science Program, (2008-2010)

GIScience and Health: GIS-Augmented Environmental Health Research in Texas: Maternal Residential Proximity to Superfund Sites and Low Birth Weight in Offspring

Funding Sources : Texas Department of State Health Services–Epidemiology Program, (2008-2009)

GIScience and Health: Visual Geospatial Analytics and its Applications in Human-Environment Relation Studies

Funding Sources: China Ministry of Education, the Li Ka Shing Foundation (Hong Kong), and Wuhan University, (2008-2011)

GIScience and Health: GIS for Environmental Health Data Analysis in Texas

TxGISci Researchers: Dr. F Benjamin Zhan

Funding Sources: Texas Department of State Health Services – Epidemiology Program

GIScience and Health: GIS-Based Analysis for Linking Environmental and Birth Data

GIScience and Transportation: Texas Department of Transportation Research Technical Assistance Panels

Funding Sources: Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT), (2009-2010)

GIScience and Transportation: Regional Public Transportation Solutions for Intercity Commuting Problems

Funding Sources: Texas Department of Transportation–Research and Technology Implementation Office

GIScience and Agriculture: Sustainable Agricultural Water Conservation in the Rio Grande Basin—GIS and Climate Modeling Component

Funding Sources: U. S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) (part of the grant – USDA/CSREES Award No: 2004-38899-02181). [sub-contract through Texas State River Systems Institute at Texas State]

GIScience and History: Holocaust Historical GIS (Collaborative Research)

TxGISci Researchers: Dr. Alberto Giordano

Funding Sources: National Sciences Foundation-Division of Cognitive and Behavioral Sciences-Geography and Regional Sciences Program

GIScience and Geomorphology: Global Spatial River Database Construction in Support of the NASA Surface Water Ocean Topography (SWOT) Mission

TxGISci Researchers: Dr. Mark Fonstad

Funding Sources: National Aeronautics and Space Administration via Ohio State University, (2009-2011)

GIScience and Geomorphology: Fluvial Wood Presence and Dynamics over a Thirty-Year Interval in Forested Watersheds

TxGISci Researchers: Dr. Mark Fonstad (PI); Ms. Jane Atha (Co-PI)

Funding Sources: National Science Foundation (NSF), Division of Behavioral and Cognitive Sciences, Geography and Regional Science Program, (2010-2011)

GIScience and Geomorphology: Complexity in Geomorphology

Funding Sources:  funded by several Geoscience-related NSF programs (lead program: GLD) with co-PI Brad Murray of Duke University

GIScience and Homeland Security: A Randomized Experiment of License Plate Recognition Technology in Mesa, AZ

TxGISci Researchers: Dr. Yongmei Lu

Funding Sources: United State Department of Justice, National Institute of Justice. Sub-award from the Police Executive Research Forum (2008-10)

GIScience and Health: Residential Proximity to Environmental Hazards and Congenital Malformations in Offspring

This project examines the risk of congenital malformations in offspring and maternal residence near hazardous waste sites, Toxic Release Inventory (TRI) facilities with reported emissions of solvents or metals, companies producing chemicals, petroleum refineries, and metals industries. Specific aims of this research include: (1) An examination of the association between maternal residence near NPL sites, state superfund sites, or other hazardous waste sites and risk of congenital malformations in offspring (neural tube defects, conotruncal heart defects, oral cleft defects, Down syndrome, all chromosomal congenital anomalies, all non-chromosomal anomalies); (2) An examination of the association between maternal residence near TRI sites with industrial emissions of solvents, metals, and other potential teratogens and risk of congenital anomalies in offspring; (3) An examination of the association between maternal residence near petroleum refineries, chemical industries, or primary metal industries and risk of congenital malformations in offspring.

TxGISci Researchers: Dr. Benjamin Zhan (co-PI); Ms. Ionara De Lima (PhD student)

Collaborative Researchers: Dr. Jean Brender (PI), Texas State Department of Health Services Research Dr. Lucina Suarez (co-PI), Texas Department of Health Dr. Peter Langlois (co-PI) Texas Department of Health

Funding Sources: US Center for Disease Control and Prevention through the Texas Center for Birth Defects Research and Prevention

GIScience and Health: Border Health and Environmental Threats Initiative

The overall goal of this project is to "identify and assess threats to national health and environmental security that result from the movement of disease back and forth across the Texas-Mexico border, development and spread of drug resistant disease, and proliferation of carriers of disease" (Rosen 2003). In order to accomplish this overall goal, tasks for the Texas State University-San Marcos team will include: (1) develop GIS databases and software packages that can be used to map the spatial and temporal movement of disease, disease vectors, and drug resistant disease, and provide a picture of overall threats to the U.S., Mexico and beyond; (2) develop mathematical and spatial analysis methods that can be used to monitor and predict disease movement/spread based on spatio-temporal distribution of certain disease vectors and movement of people; (3) develop mathematical and spatial analysis methods that can be used to monitor and predict the spread of drug resistance disease based on the movement of people in geographic space and time; (4) build an integrated system for GIS-based disease mapping, monitoring, modeling, and mitigation for Texas, Mexico and beyond.

TxGISci Researchers: Dr. Benjamin Zhan (co-PI); Dr. Alberto Giordano (co-Investigator); Dr. Yongmei Lu (co-Investigator)

Collaborative Researchers: Dr. Jean Brender (co-Investigator), Texas State Department of Health Services Research

Funding Sources: US Department of Defense through Brooks City-Base

GIScience and Health: Geospatial Data Mining for Environmental Exposure Assessment

It is well known that the development of many diseases is due to the interaction of an individual's personal susceptibility with environmental contaminants over time. But the identification of the association between some diseases and environmental contaminants contributing to the development of the diseases remains a big challenge for scientists in environment and human health research. Major obstacles include the development of effective methods for environmental exposure assessment and techniques that can be used to automatically analyze a large amount of geospatially-referenced data, detect hidden patterns in the data, and understand the relationships between these hidden patterns and a particular disease. This proposed project introduces a completely new set of methods for environment exposure assessment. In the methods, environmental contaminants in a specific location are measured by an image-called LocationEnviMarker (LEM)-showing the composition of environmental contaminants in a given location where a person may have lived or worked for a period of time. The hypothesis is that a person may have been exposed to a series of environmental and/or occupational contaminants represented by these LEMs over a period of time and a particular sequence (called LifeEnviCode (LEC)) of the contaminants in the series of LEMs is the environment-agent that causes a specific disease. This project develops a geospatial data mining and exploration system that can be used to automatically mine a vast amount of environmental, occupational, and health data and discover the segment in a LEC that is most likely responsible for the development of a particular disease.

TxGISci Researchers: Dr. Benjamin Zhan (PI)

GIScience and Sustainability Science: An Agent-Based Simulated Human-Environment Science Laboratory for the Rio Grande River Basin

This research initiative aims at developing an innovative modeling and analysis system through a combination of agent-based modeling techniques, Geographic Information System (GIS), remote sensing, geocomputation, and geospatial visualization. We plan to develop a system that can provide a platform to facilitate scientific enquiry in Sustainability Science in the context of a river basin. This system can be used to aid decision makers to perform holistic studies and analyses of a river basin. The basic approach is to divide the entire study area into smaller area units. These area units can be a grid cell or a polygon representing an area with some uniform characteristics. Each area unit is assumed to possess a set of properties indicating the physical, demographic, social, economic, and environmental conditions in the area. Local decisions are represented by the actions of the agents located in each area unit. The impact of a decision on a river system is modeled by the interactions among different area units and agents. We currently use the Rio Grande as the case study area.

TxGISci Researchers: Dr. Benjamin Zhan (PI); Mr. Guangyu Wu (PhD student)

Funding Sources: Texas State Department of Geography; Texas State International Institute of Sustainable Water Resources (IISWR)

GIScience and Transportation: Agent-Based Modeling and Microsimulation of Transportation Systems

Transportation systems are typical emergent phenomena in geographic space where system level behavior (emergent behavior) is the result of the interactions among individual drivers or constituent components. The characteristic makes transportation systems ideal candidates for the application of agent-based modeling and simulation. This project seeks to better understand the relationships between the emergent behavior of a transportation system and its constituent components (e.g., individual drivers) through agent-based modeling and microsimulation.

TxGISci Researchers: Dr. Benjamin Zhan (PI); Ms. Xuwei Chen (PhD student)

Funding Sources: Texas State Department of Geography

GIScience and Transportation: Building the Right Roads - A GIS-based Traffic Analysis Method to Evaluate Location Needs for Road Capacity Expansion

This research is funded by the Research Enhancement Grant of Texas State University at San Marcos. Different from traditional traffic analyses that usually separate trip origins from the corresponding destinations when describing traffic generation and attraction, this research analyzes traffic patterns by describing how origins and destinations are connected by traffic flows. The proposed method examines traffic flows as linkages between origins and destinations by developing a method to investigate the spatial autocorrelation of these linkages.

TxGISci Researchers: Dr. Yongmei Lu (PI)

GIScience and Homeland Security:Spatial Statistics and Crime Pattern

Applying techniques of spatial statistics combined with that of GIS to support crime spatial pattern analysis. More specifically, substantial research has been and is being done to describe and predict crime hot spots, journey-to-crime / journey-after-crime, crime hot links, etc. Department of Justice is one potential source of funding.

GIScience and Homeland Security: Inter-Crime Spatial Relationship

Based on criminological theories and models about the relationship between different types of crimes (e.g. property crime is conducted to support drug habit), related research examines the spatial association between these crimes. DOJ and state and local government are potential source of funding.

GIScience and Water Resources: An Experimental Adaptation of the National Nonpoint Education for Municipal Officials (NEMO) Project to Groundwater Districts in Texas

This is proposed project that we are seeking support from the Department of Agriculture of the United States. Dr. Showalter is the PI, and the co-PIs are Dr. Johnson and Dr. Lu. This project is "designed to test the feasibility of applying NEMO's proven national program methods to facilitate the efforts of local decision makers whose legislative mandate is to protect groundwater resources and those, like county commissioners or city councils and planning commissions, which make land use decisions".

TxGISci Researchers: Dr. Pamela Showalter (PI), Dr. Yongmei Lu (co-PI)

GIScience and Earth System Science:Mangrove Forest Dynamics Study with Remote Sensing Imagery

Mangroves forests are highly productive ecosystems that typically dominate the intertidal zone of low energy tropical and subtropical coastlines. The constituent species in these forests are often differentially distributed along the intertidal gradient, forming zones of differing species composition with distance from the water's edge. Mangrove habitats and the organisms they support are of significant ecological and economic value. In this project, our objectives are: 1) derive the mangrove species distribution through the classification of satellite remote sensing images as well as high-spatial resolution aerial photographs acquired over a span of twelve years at a study site in the Caribbean coast of Panama. 2) examine the mangrove forest dynamics over the twelve-year span 3) detect the size and spatial distribution of lightening-generated gaps in different years and spatial pattern analysis to understand the functioning of gaps to the mangrove forest dynamics.

TxGISci Researchers: Dr. Le Wang

Collaborative Researchers: Dr. Wayne P. Sousa (PI), University of California, Berkeley

Funding sources: NSF

Research Projects Completed

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Ribbon-Cutting Ceremony: Hydrogen Research & Demonstration Facility

The H2@Scale in Texas project team is launching a world-leading academic hydrogen research and demonstration facility at The University of Texas at Austin's J.J. Pickle Research Campus.  Join them to celebrate the opening of this first-of-a-kind hydrogen proto-hub in Texas.

To RSVP, send an email to Liz Adams at [email protected] .

Find event details here .