How to Get Married in Texas

The Lone Star state is the largest continental state in the Union. Everything is better, bigger and badder in Texas, from the barbecue to the wedding bands. The natural beauty and urbanized splendor of this state blend together, offering visitors, residents and couples many different climates. Follow these instructions to get married in Texas.

Instructions

Difficulty: Easy

Things You’ll Need:

• marriage license
• identification

1. Get a marriage license for the state of Texas. Bring your driver’s license (or comparable photo identification) or another form of valid ID. Many people use their birth certificates.
2. Choose a time of year. Depending on where you are in Texas, the weather may not change much. So, if the time of year isn’t that important to you, consider having the ceremony in a wedding off season to keep costs down.
3. Decide on a location. Texas is a popular place for people to be married because of the grandiose feel of the state. Once you’ve decided on a location, reserve it for the date you want as quickly as possible.
4. Make the guest list. Start with your immediate families, next branch out to extended families and close friends. Keeping the guest list small is economical, but it can be extremely difficult.
5. Hire a professional to perform the ceremony. Many people prefer a clergy member they are familiar with, but a state official (like a justice of the peace) can perform the ceremony if you’d rather.

Tips & Warnings

• There are no blood tests or physical exams required by the state of Texas for marriage licenses.
• Premarital counseling is suggested by the state of Texas but not required. The course is four hours long.
• Bring $40 or $50 to the office to pay the fee for the marriage license. Most of them will accept only cash.
• In the state of Texas, there is a 72 hour waiting period for receiving your license, and the license expires 30 days after it is issued.
• Divorce papers are not necessary unless the divorce occurred within 30 days of your applying for a new license. In this case, you must present the papers and request that the normal 30 day waiting period be waived.

Who Can Help:

• Find Decorators & Designers Here. Compare Up to 4 Quotes, Free Service & No Obligation.