Hitching Up in Texas: How to Tie the Knot Without Getting Yeehaw-ed Into a Mess
So, you and your honey have decided to make it official, Texas-style? Howdy, partners! Hold your horses (and the lasso)! Before you two mosey on down to the chapel and jump the broom (or whatever tradition you fancy), there are a few hitches you gotta navigate to make sure your happily ever after ain't met with a "hold on there, pilgrim, this marriage ain't legal!" moment. Worry not, lovebirds, this here guide will get you hitched smoother than a bottle of Lone Star on a hot summer day.
Giddy Up to the County Clerk, Partner!
First things first, you and your sweetheart gotta obtain a marriage license. Think of it as your official permission to two-step into wedded bliss. You can head to any county clerk's office in Texas, no matter where you hang your hats. Top tip: Some counties even have online applications to get the ball rolling before you sashay in. Remember: You both gotta be there in person, so put on your best boots and head on down!
Prove You Ain't No Posers: Bring Your ID and Age Proof
Now, the county clerk ain't gonna take your word for it that you're old enough (and who you say you are) to get married. They'll need some official verification. So dust off your driver's license, passport, or certified birth certificate – anything that proves you're over 18 and the real deal. Bonus points: If you're feeling fancy, a military ID will do the trick too.
Now hold on, youngsters! If you're between 16 and 18, you might need your parents' blessing (or a court order) to get hitched. And if you're under 16, well, hold your horses – Texas law says you gotta wait for a judge's say-so before you can tie the knot.
Hold Your Horses on the Ceremony, There's a Waitin' Period
Once you've got your shiny new marriage license in hand, don't go runnin' off to get hitched just yet, partner. There's a mandatory 72-hour waitin' period in Texas. Think of it as a cool-down period to make sure you ain't havin' second thoughts after a night of too much barbecue.
Except if... You're active military or you and your sweetie completed premarital education. In those cases, you can skip the waitin' and get hitched straightaway.
Find Yourself an Officiant: The One to Make it Official
Now comes the fun part – pickin' your officiant, the person who'll make your union official. Texas offers a variety of choices: judges, ministers, priests, rabbis – whoever makes your hearts sing. Just make sure they're authorized to perform weddings in the Lone Star State.
Pro-tip: Don't forget to check your officiant's schedule – wouldn't want them to be busy wranglin' cattle when you're ready to say "I do!"
Get Hitched and Have a Hootenanny!
Finally, the moment you've been waitin' for – the ceremony! This is your chance to celebrate your love with family, friends, and maybe even a mechanical bull (if that's your thing). But remember, you have 90 days from gettin' your license to get hitched. Don't let that precious marriage license gather dust!
After the Party: Don't Forget the Paperwork!
Once the confetti's settled and the two-steppin' is done, your officiant has one last job: fill out your marriage license and return it to the county clerk's office within 30 days. This is what makes it all official, folks. Don't let this step get lost in the post-wedding shuffle!
Howdy, Partner! You Got Questions?
How to apply for a marriage license in Texas?
Head to your local county clerk's office, or check their website for an online application. Don't forget to bring your ID and proof of age for both you and your partner.
How long is the waiting period to get married in Texas?
There's a 72-hour waiting period after you get your marriage license, unless you're active military or have completed premarital education.
Who can perform a wedding ceremony in Texas?
Judges, ministers, priests, rabbis – anyone authorized to perform weddings in Texas can officiate your ceremony
