Texas Marriage Requirements

The Marriage License

In Texas, you must have your Marriage License seventy-two (72) hours prior to the wedding ceremony. Marriage Licenses are purchased from the County Clerk at the County Courthouse and are good for thirty (30) days from the date of purchase. You may purchase your Marriage License in any county and go to another county within the State of Texas to be married. The cost is $71, payable in cash. The Galveston County Courthouse is located at 600 59th Street, Suite 2001. The office is open Monday through Friday 8am-5pm. You may reach the office by phone at 409.766.2200.

When You Go To The Courthouse...

You will need:

• $36 cash
• Proof of your identity and age, your valid Texas Driver's License, an original or certified copy of your Birth Certificate, a Military ID, an ID issued by the Department of Public Safety of the State of Texas, a valid Passport, etc.
• If you are younger than 18, you must bring a parent or legal guardian with you.
• Your Divorce Decree proving any prior marriage has been dissolved.
• If you are from Out of State or do not have a Driver's License, you will need your Social Security Card and a Photo I.D.
• If you are from another Country and want to be married in Texas, you will need to have your Passport.
• You may appear separately or together before the County Clerk when applying for your Marriage License.
• The County Clerk's office is only open Monday through Friday and is closed on weekends.
• A blood test is not required to obtain a marriage license.
• Witnesses are not required.

Marriages in Texas may be performed by:

• a licensed or ordained Christian minister or priest
• a Jewish rabbi
• a person who is an officer of a religious organization and who is authorized
• by the organization to conduct a marriage ceremony
• a Justice of the Peace, County Judge, District Judge, or retired Judge

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