State guide
Texas
Texas marriage licenses are issued by county clerks, and the statewide rules are unusually statute-driven: a 72-hour waiting period applies in most cases, and the license expires on the 90th day if unused. Texas also recognizes informal marriage by declaration with the county clerk, but it does not provide a self-uniting marriage option or a one-day temporary officiant program in the official sources reviewed here. ([statutes.capitol.texas.gov](https://statutes.capitol.texas.gov/?artSec=2.201&chapter=FA.2&code=FA&tab=1&utm_source=openai))
Checked against official sources on October 4, 2026. Rules and links change; confirm with the office listed before you act.
- Who issues licenses
- county clerk of any Texas county ([statutes.capitol.texas.gov](https://statutes.capitol.texas.gov/?artSec=2.201&chapter=FA.2&code=FA&tab=1&utm_source=openai))
- Waiting period
- 72 hours, with statutory exceptions ([tcss.legis.texas.gov](https://tcss.legis.texas.gov/resources/FA/htm/FA.2.htm))
- License valid for
- 90 days ([statutes.capitol.texas.gov](https://statutes.capitol.texas.gov/?artSec=2.201&chapter=FA.2&code=FA&tab=1&utm_source=openai))
- Witnesses
- not required found on official county ceremony pages reviewed here ([dallascounty.org](https://www.dallascounty.org/government/jpcourts/3-2/wedding-ceremonies-marriage-license-information.php?utm_source=openai))
- License fee
- $60 statewide marriage-license fee; county may add $100 if neither applicant proves Texas residency; optional $5 contribution may be collected ([tcss.legis.texas.gov](https://tcss.legis.texas.gov/resources/LG/htm/LG.118.htm))
Official resources in Texas
Texas Family Code Chapter 2
Primary state statutes on marriage licenses, waiting periods, validity, officiants, and informal marriage.
Texas Local Government Code Chapter 118
Primary state fee statute for marriage licenses and declarations of informal marriage.
Texas State Law Library – Who can perform a marriage ceremony in Texas?
Official state law library summary of who may legally officiate in Texas.
Dallas County JP 3-1 Wedding Ceremony Information
Official local court ceremony page showing how courthouse ceremonies are scheduled.
Key facts for Texas
- A ceremonial marriage license may be obtained from the county clerk of any Texas county. ([statutes.capitol.texas.gov](https://statutes.capitol.texas.gov/?artSec=2.201&chapter=FA.2&code=FA&tab=1&utm_source=openai))
- Texas generally requires a 72-hour wait after issuance before the ceremony, with statutory exceptions for active-duty military, some DoD workers, court waivers, and qualifying premarital education. ([tcss.legis.texas.gov](https://tcss.legis.texas.gov/resources/FA/htm/FA.2.htm))
- A Texas marriage license expires if the ceremony is not conducted before the 90th day after issuance. ([statutes.capitol.texas.gov](https://statutes.capitol.texas.gov/?artSec=2.201&chapter=FA.2&code=FA&tab=1&utm_source=openai))
- The statewide marriage-license fee is $60; a county clerk may collect an additional $100 if neither applicant proves Texas residency, and applicants may make a voluntary $5 contribution. ([tcss.legis.texas.gov](https://tcss.legis.texas.gov/resources/LG/htm/LG.118.htm))
- Official county pages reviewed here state witnesses are not required for the ceremony. ([dallascounty.org](https://www.dallascounty.org/government/jpcourts/3-2/wedding-ceremonies-marriage-license-information.php?utm_source=openai))
- Texas recognizes informal marriage by filing a declaration of informal marriage with the county clerk; the statute fee is $25. ([tcss.legis.texas.gov](https://tcss.legis.texas.gov/resources/LG/htm/LG.118.htm))
Courthouse ceremonies in Texas
| County | Details |
|---|---|
| Dallas | Multiple Dallas County JP courts publish wedding pages; JP 3-1’s official page shows courthouse ceremonies and pricing. ([dallascounty.org](https://www.dallascounty.org/government/jpcourts/3-1/wedding-ceremony-information.php?utm_source=openai)) |
| Harris | Harris County Probate Court No. 1 offers courtroom weddings by booking with the court. ([probate.harriscountytx.gov](https://probate.harriscountytx.gov/Probate-Court-No-1/Weddings?utm_source=openai)) |
| Bexar | Bexar County’s official marriages page says all Justices of the Peace perform marriage ceremonies by appointment only. ([bexar.org](https://www.bexar.org/3155/Marriages?utm_source=openai)) |
| Travis | Travis County JP 4 publishes a dedicated official wedding-information page for courtroom and offsite ceremonies. ([traviscountytx.gov](https://www.traviscountytx.gov/justices-of-peace/jp4/wedding-information?utm_source=openai)) |
What to do next
- Plan around the 72-hour rule unless you already qualify for a waiver or premarital-education exception. ([tcss.legis.texas.gov](https://tcss.legis.texas.gov/resources/FA/htm/FA.2.htm))
- If either of you is not a Texas resident, ask the clerk whether the extra $100 out-of-state fee will apply. ([tcss.legis.texas.gov](https://tcss.legis.texas.gov/resources/LG/htm/LG.118.htm))
- For a courthouse wedding, check JP or probate-court ceremony pages separately from the county clerk’s marriage-license page. ([dallascounty.org](https://www.dallascounty.org/government/jpcourts/3-1/wedding-ceremony-information.php?utm_source=openai))
Helpful guides
- How to get married at the courthouse
- What to bring when you apply for a marriage license
- Marriage license waiting periods and expiration dates
- Do you need witnesses for a courthouse wedding?
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