Procedures for Getting Married in Texas by a Justice of the Peace

You need a valid ID to get your marriage license.

Not everything has to be bigger in Texas -- including your wedding. If you want to eschew expensive ceremonies with hundreds of guests in favor of something simple, like being married by the justice of the peace, all you need to do is fill out some paperwork at the local courthouse. By going to the courthouse with your fiancee and some paperwork, you can skip the wedding and be married in a short, efficient ceremony.

Things You'll Need

• Government-issued photo ID

Instructions

1. Go to the courthouse and visit the office of the county clerk. Take your government-issued photo ID, like a driver's license, and be sure that you know your social security number.

2. Pay your license fee and fill out the application for your marriage license.

3. Wait for 72 hours, which is the state-mandated period of time that must pass between filing your application and getting married.

4. Contact the justice of the peace to inquire about having him perform your ceremony -- you may or may not need an appointment.

5. Visit the office of the justice of the peace, either at a predetermined time or during a period in which walk-ins are accepted.

Tips & Warnings

• Complete a state-approved premarital training program to have $60 of your $71 marriage license fee waived.

References

• Collin County Clerk Services: Marriage Licenses
• Dallas County Clerk: Marriage License