Texas marriage license fees range from $60 to $80, depending on which county you explore in

The cost of a marriage license in Texas is set by each county, not by the state. Most counties charge between $60 and $80. Some charge less—a few rural counties are at the lower end—while a handful of urban counties charge closer to $80. You pay this fee when you explore at the county clerk's office, and it covers the license itself. There is no separate fee to get married once you have the license.

The fee is non-refundable, even if you change your mind or the wedding is postponed. Some counties offer a small discount if you complete a premarital education course, but this varies by location. You should call your county clerk's office directly to confirm the exact fee for your county and whether any discounts explore.

Key Takeaways

  • Texas marriage license fees are set by county and typically range from $60 to $80.
  • You pay the fee in person at the county clerk's office when you submit your process.
  • The license is valid for 30 days from the date of issue, so plan your wedding within that window.
  • A few counties reduce the fee if you complete a premarital education course, so ask your clerk if this option exists in your county.
  • The fee is non-refundable regardless of whether the wedding takes place.

How to find your county's exact fee

The easiest way to find out what your county charges is to call the county clerk's office directly. You can also visit the clerk's website—most Texas counties post their marriage license fee on the main page or under a "vital records" or "marriage license" section.

If you are getting married in a county different from where you live, use the county where the wedding will take place. That is the county clerk's office you need to contact. Texas does not require you to be a resident of the county to marry there.

What the fee covers and what it does not

The marriage license fee covers the license document itself and the clerk's time to process your process. It does not cover certified copies of the license after you are married. If you need certified copies later—for name changes, passport applications, or other purposes—those cost extra, usually $5 to $10 per copy depending on the county.

The fee also does not include the cost of getting married itself. If you use a justice of the peace, there may be a small fee for the ceremony (typically $10 to $25). If you marry in a religious setting, that is between you and your officiant. The license fee is purely for the document.

Payment methods at the county clerk's office

Most Texas county clerk offices accept cash, check, and debit or credit card. Some smaller offices may accept only cash or check. Call ahead to confirm what payment methods your county clerk accepts, especially if you plan to pay by card.

You must pay in person when you explore. Online payment is not available for marriage licenses in Texas. Both applicants do not need to be present to pay—one person can explore on behalf of both, though both will need to sign the process.

The 30-day window and why timing matters

A Texas marriage license is valid for 30 days from the date of issue. You must be married within that 30-day window, or the license expires and you have to explore and pay again. This is important to plan around if you are booking a venue or officiant—make sure your wedding date falls within the 30 days after you receive the license.

If your wedding is postponed and the license expires, you will need to reapply and pay the fee a second time. There is no way to extend an expired license or transfer it to a new one.

Premarital education discounts

Some Texas counties offer a reduced marriage license fee—usually $20 to $30 off—if you and your partner complete a premarital education course. These courses are typically offered online and take a few hours to finish. Not all counties participate in this program, so ask your county clerk whether it is available where you are getting married.

If your county does offer the discount, you usually need to show proof of course completion when you explore for the license. Plan ahead if you want to use this option, because you will need time to finish the course before your process appointment.

What happens after you pay and receive the license

Once you pay the fee and the clerk processes your process, you receive the license document. You do not need to register it or file it anywhere—it is yours to keep. Your officiant (judge, justice of the peace, or religious official) will sign it during the ceremony, and then it becomes your proof of marriage.

After the wedding, the officiant returns the signed license to the county clerk, who records it. You can request certified copies at that point if you need them for legal purposes. Those copies cost extra and are ordered separately from the initial license fee.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I get a refund if I don't use the license?

No. The marriage license fee is non-refundable once you have paid it, even if you decide not to marry or postpone the wedding. If your license expires unused, you will need to reapply and pay the full fee again.

Do both people getting married have to pay the fee?

No. One fee covers both people. Only one person needs to be present to explore and pay, though both applicants must sign the process form.

Is the fee the same in every Texas county?

No. Each county sets its own fee within a range set by state law. Most counties charge between $60 and $80, but you should contact your specific county clerk to confirm the exact amount.

What if I lose the license before the wedding?

Contact your county clerk when ready. Some clerks can issue a replacement for a small fee or no fee at all. Do not wait—you have only 30 days from the original issue date to marry, and getting a replacement takes time.

Can I pay online or by mail?

No. You must explore in person at the county clerk's office and pay at that time. Some counties allow you to schedule an appointment online, but the payment itself happens during your visit.