Marriage License Fees

Texas · 2026

Texas Marriage License: Cost and Requirements

A marriage license in Texas costs $71–$81, depending on the county, and you wait 72 hours before the ceremony. The license is good for 90 days. A premarital course cuts $60 off.

Texas marriage license fees by county

Fees for the 12 counties we have verified, largest first. Each row links to a county page with where to apply and the official clerk link.

CountyLicenseCertified copyCourthouse ceremonyWait
Harris County$81$6$10072 hours (3 days)
Dallas County$80$10—72 hours (3 days)
Tarrant County$76$21$15072 hours (3 days)
Bexar County$80$8—72 hours (3 days)
Travis County$80$6$10072 hours (3 days)
Collin County$80$6—72 hours (3 days)
Denton County$81$18$10072 hours (3 days)
Fort Bend County$71$7$20072 hours (3 days)
Hidalgo County$81$16—72 hours (3 days)
El Paso County$81$7—72 hours (3 days)
Montgomery County$81$6—72 hours (3 days)
Williamson County$71$7$20072 hours (3 days)

— means the figure is not in our data. Check the county's official page.

Texas marriage license rules

License fee

$71–$81 (Tex. Local Gov't Code 118.011)

The state base fee is $60, and counties add local fees. Large counties charge $71 (Fort Bend, Williamson) to $81 (Harris, Denton, El Paso).

Source: cclerk.hctx.net

Premarital course discount

$60 off, $21 with course

A Twogether in Texas premarital course (state law suggests at least 8 hours) takes up to $60 off and waives the 72-hour wait; Harris County's $81 drops to $21.

Source: cclerk.hctx.net

Waiting period

72 hours (3 days)

You must wait 72 hours after the license is issued before the ceremony. Active-duty military, a Twogether course certificate or a court order waives it.

Source: tcss.legis.texas.gov

How long the license is valid

90 days

The license expires after 90 days.

Source: tcss.legis.texas.gov

Minimum age and parental consent

Applicants must be 18. The only exception is a minor whose disabilities of minority have been removed by a court (emancipated); parental consent is not an option.

Source: tcss.legis.texas.gov

What to bring

Each applicant shows proof of identity and age, such as a driver's license, passport or certified birth certificate.

Source: tcss.legis.texas.gov

Do both of you have to appear?

No

Normally both appear, but an adult who cannot come can be represented by the other applicant or another adult with a sworn absent-applicant affidavit.

Source: tcss.legis.texas.gov

Who can officiate

Clergy, religious officers, and current or retired judges and justices of the peace can officiate. Texas has no self-uniting option.

Source: tcss.legis.texas.gov

Witnesses

None required

No witnesses are needed for the license or the ceremony.

Source: cclerk.hctx.net

Proxy marriage

Military members only

Proxy weddings are only for U.S. service members stationed abroad in support of combat or another military operation who cannot attend.

Source: tcss.legis.texas.gov

Out-of-state couples

If neither applicant has Texas ID, the fee rises by $100 (Harris County: $181).

Source: cclerk.hctx.net

Who issues the license

County clerk

The county clerk issues marriage licenses.

Source: tcss.legis.texas.gov

Not in our data yet: blood test, applying online. Ask your county office.

Frequently asked questions

How much is a marriage license in Texas?

$71–$81, depending on the county. The state base fee is $60, and counties add local fees. Large counties charge $71 (Fort Bend, Williamson) to $81 (Harris, Denton, El Paso).

Is there a waiting period in Texas?

Yes, 72 hours (3 days). You must wait 72 hours after the license is issued before the ceremony. Active-duty military, a Twogether course certificate or a court order waives it.

How long is a Texas marriage license valid?

90 days. The license expires after 90 days.

How old do you have to be to get married in Texas?

Applicants must be 18. The only exception is a minor whose disabilities of minority have been removed by a court (emancipated); parental consent is not an option.

Do you need witnesses to get married in Texas?

No witnesses are needed for the license or the ceremony.

Sources

Last verified . Fees and rules change; confirm with your county before you go. Spot an error? Report it.

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