How to Get Legally Married in Texas
Before you say your vows under the oaks or on a hilltop in Austin, there’s one thing you need to lock in first: your marriage license.
Luckily, getting legally married in Texas is pretty straightforward — and with a little planning, it won’t get in the way of your low-stress, high-style wedding plans. Here’s your step-by-step guide to making it official in the Lone Star State.
📝 Step 1: Apply for a Texas Marriage License
To get legally married in Texas, you must apply for a marriage license in person at any county clerk’s office in the state. You don’t need to be a Texas resident — out-of-state or international couples are totally welcome.
What to bring:
A valid government-issued photo ID (driver’s license, passport, etc.)
Social Security Number (you don’t need the card, just the number)
Cost: Usually around $82 (varies slightly by county)
Accepted payment: Most offices take credit/debit or money orders
We usually recommend applying in Travis County if you're getting married in Austin, but any county works. You’ll walk in, wait your turn, fill out a short form, and walk out with your license in hand.
⏳ Step 2: Wait 72 Hours
Texas has a 72-hour waiting period, which means you must wait three full days after receiving your license before you can legally get married. No exceptions — unless:
One of you is active military
You obtain a waiver from a judge (rare, but possible)
Plan ahead: If your elopement is on a Friday, you should get your license no later than Tuesday morning.
📅 Step 3: Get Married Within 90 Days
Your marriage license is valid for 90 days from the date of issuance. You can use it anywhere in Texas — so even if you apply in Houston or Dallas, it’s good for a ceremony in Austin.
At your ceremony, the officiant will fill out and sign the license along with the witness, then return it to the issuing county clerk’s office to make it official.
If you’re working with Cakewalk, we handle all the paperwork for you — no post-office line, no filing stress, no wondering if it got lost in the mail.
💍 Who Can Officiate a Wedding in Texas?
Texas is pretty flexible when it comes to officiants. You can be married by:
A judge (current or retired)
A religious leader (of any denomination)
A friend who is ordained online (yep, we’ve seen it all)
A Cakewalk officiant — who’s legally recognized and knows how to make it feel like you
Whoever you choose, they’ll need to complete the license and return it to the clerk’s office within 30 days after the ceremony.
🧾 Getting Your Marriage Certificate
Once the county receives your completed license, you can request official certified copies (which you'll need for name changes, immigration, or just having a copy for your records).
Cost: Usually around $7–$10 per copy
Order online, by mail, or in person
Pro tip: Cakewalk couples can ask us to request copies for you when we file
💡 FAQ Time
Can we use a Texas marriage license outside of Texas?
Nope — it’s only valid within the state. If you’re eloping in Texas, you're good. If you’re headed elsewhere, check that state’s requirements.
Do we need witnesses?
No! Texas does not require witnesses to sign your marriage license. That means you can legally elope just the two of you and an officiant.
What if we’re from out of state (or out of the country)?
Still totally fine. As long as you have valid ID, you can get married in Texas.
Cakewalk Makes It Easy
You’re not here for red tape — you’re here for the vows, the joy, and the “holy crap, we did it” feeling. At Cakewalk, we simplify everything, including the legal stuff.
We’ll remind you when to apply for your license, help you time your ceremony around the 72-hour rule, make sure your officiant is legal, and file your license afterward. You just show up and say yes.