What You'll Pay for a Texas Marriage License

A marriage license in Texas costs $74 in most counties. Some counties charge slightly less — a few run $60 to $70 — but $74 is the standard amount you'll encounter. You pay this fee once, at the county clerk's office where you file, and it covers the license itself. There are no additional state fees beyond what the county charges.

The fee does not cover a ceremony, officiant, or any service beyond issuing the document. You pay the clerk's office, not a private vendor or online service. If you see a website charging more than your county's standard fee, you're paying a middleman markup — the county clerk's office charges the same amount whether you walk in or use a service.

Key Takeaways

  • Texas marriage licenses cost $74 in most counties, though a few counties charge between $60 and $70.
  • You pay the fee at your county clerk's office in person; there is no way to file by mail or online in Texas.
  • The license is valid for 30 days after you receive it, so you must marry within that window or file again.
  • Both people getting married must be present with valid ID when you file, and you cannot use a power of attorney or proxy.

Which County Clerk's Office to Visit

You file for a marriage license at the county clerk's office in the county where you plan to marry. If you're marrying in Harris County (Houston), you go to the Harris County Clerk. If you're marrying in Dallas County, you go to the Dallas County Clerk. You do not file at the state level — Texas has no statewide marriage license office.

You can file in any county in Texas, even if neither of you lives there. Some couples file in the county where they plan to have the ceremony, others in the county where one person lives. The location does not affect the cost or validity of the license. Find your county clerk's office by searching "[your county name] clerk" online or visiting the Texas Secretary of State website, which lists all county clerk contact information.

What to Bring When You File

Both people getting married must appear in person at the clerk's office. You cannot send someone on your behalf or use a power of attorney. Bring a valid government-issued photo ID for each person — a driver's license, passport, or state ID card. If your name has changed since your ID was issued, bring a document showing the change, such as a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order.

You do not need to bring your birth certificate, Social Security card, or proof of residence. The clerk will ask questions about your age, citizenship, and whether either of you is already married. Answer honestly — providing false information on the process is a crime in Texas. If either person is under 18, you'll need parental consent and a judge's order, which adds time and steps beyond the basic filing process.

How Long the License Lasts

A Texas marriage license is valid for 30 days from the date you receive it. You must marry within that 30-day window. If the 30 days pass without a ceremony, the license expires and you must file again and pay the fee again. There is no extension or renewal — you start over.

The 30-day clock starts when the clerk hands you the license, not when you file the process. Some couples file weeks before their ceremony to lock in a date; if your ceremony is more than 30 days away, wait to file until closer to the wedding date. If you're unsure of your exact wedding date, file a few days before the ceremony to be safe.

Who Can Perform the Ceremony

Once you have the license, any authorized person can perform your ceremony — a judge, justice of the peace, minister, rabbi, imam, or other religious official. Texas does not require the officiant to be ordained or licensed. The person performing the ceremony must sign the license after you marry, and you return the signed license to the county clerk within 30 days of the ceremony.

Some couples hire an officiant through a church or wedding service; others ask a friend or family member to become ordained online through a universal life church, which takes minutes and costs nothing. The clerk does not care who performs the ceremony as long as someone authorized signs the license and you file it on time.

Refunds and Fee Waivers

Texas does not refund marriage license fees if you change your mind or do not marry within the 30-day window. If the license expires unused, you pay the full fee again to file a new one. Some counties may waive or reduce fees in cases of extreme hardship, but this is rare and varies by county — call your county clerk's office to ask if a waiver is possible in your situation.

If you file and then realize you need to correct information on the process, contact the clerk when ready. Some corrections can be made at no charge; others may require a new filing and a new fee. The sooner you catch an error, the more options you have to fix it without paying twice.

What Happens After You Marry

After the ceremony, the officiant signs the license and gives it to you. You must return the signed license to the county clerk within 30 days. The clerk files it, and a few weeks later you can request a certified copy of your marriage certificate. This certified copy is what you use to change your name, update insurance, or prove your marital status to other agencies.

The marriage license itself is not your marriage certificate. The license is the document you file before the ceremony; the certificate is the official record filed after. You need the certified certificate for most legal purposes, not the original license. Certified copies cost extra — usually $20 to $30 per copy — and you order them from the county clerk or through the state vital records office.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I file for a marriage license online or by mail in Texas?

No. Texas requires both people to appear in person at the county clerk's office. You cannot file by mail, online, or through a third-party service. You must go to the clerk's office during business hours with valid ID.

What if one person is not a U.S. citizen?

Texas does not require citizenship to marry. You need a valid government-issued ID — a passport works if you don't have a U.S. driver's license. The clerk will ask about citizenship but will not turn you away based on immigration status.

Do I need a blood test or health screening to get married in Texas?

No. Texas abolished blood test requirements for marriage decades ago. You do not need a medical exam, STI screening, or any health documentation to file for a license.

What if I want to change my name after I marry?

You use your certified marriage certificate to change your name with the Social Security Administration, your employer, your bank, and the DMV. The marriage certificate is the legal proof of your name change — you don't need a separate court order in Texas.

How much does a certified copy of my marriage certificate cost?

Certified copies usually cost $20 to $30 each, depending on your county. You order them from the county clerk's office where you filed the license. Some counties allow online ordering; others require you to visit in person or mail a request.