Getting a marriage license is the first step when you decide to get married. Plan ahead and pick up your license at least 72 hours ahead of time. A marriage license lasts 90 days, so you can pick one up way ahead of your wedding date.

If you are Active military, The Courthouse Wedding Chapel can perform your wedding ceremony the same day you obtain your marriage license and we will file the marriage license for you right after the ceremony with the County. Texas is a great place to get married. Register now to save the date and #getmarriedinhouston!

How do I get a certified copy of a marriage license or divorce decree?

You must contact the relevant County Clerk's office for marriage or the District Clerk's office for divorce. Click here for a link to a list of County Clerk addresses and phone numbers.

The Vital Statistics Unit can only provide a verification that a marriage or divorce has occurred. Click here for instructions on ordering a marriage or divorce verification.

How Do I Get A Marriage License?

Marriage licenses are issued and filed at the county level, and marriage registration is primarily a county level function. A couple who intends to be married in Texas must apply in person for a marriage license at any Texas County Clerk's Office. The application for a license must be signed by both the bride and groom in the presence of the a county clerk. If this is not possible, any adult or the other applicant may apply on behalf of the absent applicant. (Certain terms must be met. Contact your County Clerk for details) Applications must be filled out and Social Security Numbers and Proof of Age and Identity must be shown. (See Texas Family Code 2.005 for what can be used for proof of identity and age) . The fee for a purchasing a marriage license is $75.00 (Not all county clerks charge the same fee. Other county record's fees may apply in addition to this fee.

How Long Must I Wait Between The Time I Get My License And The Actual Ceremony?

There must be at least 72 hours between the time of issuance of a license and the time the ceremony occurs unless one applicant is on active duty in the armed forces, or a waiver is granted. (See County Clerk for more details) If a marriage ceremony has not been conducted before the 90th day after the date the license is issued, the marriage license expires. [Family Code § 2.201]

Does the marriage ceremony have to take place in Texas?

There are no references in the state laws in regards to where the marriage ceremony has to take place. Once a marriage license is filed it is a presumed valid marriage [Family Code § 1.101] The Chapel only accepts marriage license from Texas.

What If I Am Under The Age Of 18, Can I Still Get Married?

  • Both parties must be 18 years old to be married in Texas! Contact County

Can I Get Married If My Divorce Has Just Been Finalized?

When applying for a marriage license, each applicant must indicate that he or she has not been divorced within the last 30 days, unless the applicants were divorced from each other, or the prohibition against remarriage was waived under Section 6.802 of the Family Code.

Can Same Sex Marriages Be Issued A Marriage License?

Same Sex Marriages are now allowed in the State of Texas

Does Texas Recognize "Common Law" marriage?

Common-law marriage, also known as "informal marriage" is legal in Texas. A couple may choose whether or not to register their informal marriage. If they do choose to register, both the husband and wife must appear before the County Clerk to file a Declaration of Informal Marriage. The couple must list the date on the declaration from which they have considered themselves married. In other words, a couple can be married for some period of time before registering their informal marriage.

There are two ways a couple may prove that they are informally married:

  1. They can file a Declaration of Informal Marriage (available from the County Clerk's office) or

  2. They meet all of the following conditions:

    • the couple agrees that they are married;

    • they live together in Texas; and

    • They represent themselves to other individuals that they are married to one another [Family Code § 2.401]

Who do I contact with other questions regarding marriages and divorces?

If you have questions concerning the marriage registration process or if you need a copy of a marriage or divorce decree, you must contact a County Clerk's office for marriage information or a District Clerk's office for divorce decrees. Click here for a link to a list of County Clerk addresses and phone numbers

The Courthouse Wedding Chapel is a great Courthouse Alternative for busy, modern couples who need to keep it Simple but Sweet and Short.

We have packages that any modern couple that understands the value of creating a memory that is affordable, elegant and most importantly, a lasting personal experience for the journey ahead.

All Ceremonies at the Main Chapel include;

Use of Bride's Bouquet (Artificial)

Use of Groom's Boutonniere (Artificial) 

Music

Licensed, Certified and Background Screened Officiant (to perform your ceremony)

Fully Decorated Chapel

Filing of Marriage License

A Keepsake Certificate

You may ADD up to 48 guests(depending on ceremony) with you to your Ceremony. Ceremonies are different from each other based on the number of guests , whether you desire to have a Unity Element and day you choose to have your ceremony performed.

We perform ceremonies 7 days a week based on availability. All our reservations are handled on this website. Any wedding that you wish on the weekend, please check the AFTER HOURS packages. Choose Simple if you do not desire a Unity element. Choose Sweet if you do. You can add extra guests on the booking page as an Add-On

Only choose one Unity Component for the Sweet Ceremony. eg. Unity Sand, Unity Candle, Jump ‘da Broom.

Short Ceremonies include You, Your Fiance and up to 4 guests.

Weddings by The Fireplace include You, Your Fiance and up to 2 guests (No exceptions!)

We also provide Vow Renewal and Commitment Ceremonies. If you are unsure, please call to discuss if this is the right ceremony for you.