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How to Handle Get Married in Texas Step by Step
When get married in texas leaves you confused, worried, or unsure what it means, a clear step-by-step approach can help you sort the signal from the stress. This guide explains how to understand the situation, reflect on what matters, choose a practical next step, and know when to ask for trusted support.
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1
Apply for your marriage license
at least 72 hours before your wedding. Unless you meet certain requirements, you won’t be able to get married right away. In Texas, there’s a 72-hour waiting period before you can get married. Plan ahead so your wedding goes off without a hitch.
- Plan ahead so your wedding goes off without a hitch
- You must apply for your marriage license at least 72 hours before your wedding date
- The waiting period is in place to ensure that you're not getting married in haste
- at least 72 hours before your wedding.
- Unless you meet certain requirements, you won’t be able to get married right away.
2
Fill out the application for a marriage license.
Use the online application for the county where you’re applying for your marriage license. It’s a super easy form, so it only takes a few minutes. You can submit your application online, but you’ll still need to appear before the county clerk with your partner.
- Submit your application online or in-person
- The application is usually available on the county website or at the county clerk's office
- Make sure to fill it out completely and accurately
- Use the online application for the county where you’re applying for your marriage license.
- It’s a super easy form, so it only takes a few minutes.
3
Bring your social security card and an approved form of ID.
In Texas, you have to prove who you are and how old you are before you can get a marriage license. Luckily, you probably have the documents you need within easy reach. Take your social security card and one of the following:
- Valid government-issued ID (driver's license or state ID)
- Social Security card
- Divorce or death certificate (if applicable)
- In Texas, you have to prove who you are and how old you are before you can get a marriage license.
- Luckily, you probably have the documents you need within easy reach.
4
Get a court-order if either partner is under the age of 18.
Texas has laws to protect children who are being pressured into marriage. As of 2017, people who are under age 18 must get a court-order for emancipation from a judge before they can get married, even if they have permission from their parents. To be emancipated, you must be 17 years old or 16 years old but living separately from your parents.
- Emancipation is required for minors under 18
- You must appear in court to request emancipation
- The court will review your case and make a decision on whether you can get married
- Texas has laws to protect children who are being pressured into marriage.
- As of 2017, people who are under age 18 must get a court-order for emancipation from a judge before they can get married, even if they have permission from their parents.
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References
- https://www.dentoncounty.gov/330/Marriage-Licenses
- https://www2.texasattorneygeneral.gov/files/cs/8marriage.pdf
- https://texaslawhelp.org/article/same-sex-marriage-in-texas
- https://capitol.texas.gov/tlodocs/85R/billtext/pdf/SB01705F.pdf
- https://statutes.capitol.texas.gov/Docs/FA/htm/FA.31.htm
- https://guides.sll.texas.gov/marriage-in-texas/marriage-licenses
- https://www.mctx.org/departments/departments_a_-_c/county_clerk/marriage_licenses.php
- https://bellcountytx.com/county_government/county_clerk/marriage_licenses.php
- https://twogetherintexas.com/UI/HomePage.aspx
- https://www.co.midland.tx.us/181/Marriage-License
- https://guides.sll.texas.gov/marriage-in-texas/conducting-the-ceremony
- https://www.bexar.org/2957/Marriage-Licenses
- https://www.houstontx.gov/courts/weddings.html
- https://www.traviscountytx.gov/justices-of-peace/jp1/weddings
- https://www.dallascounty.org/government/jpcourts/3-2/wedding-ceremonies-marriage-license-information.php
- https://guides.sll.texas.gov/common-law-marriage
- https://www.co.grayson.tx.us/page/cclk.marriage
- https://www.fortbendcountytx.gov/government/departments/county-clerk/birth-death-marriage/marriage-licenses
- https://texaslawhelp.org/article/void-marriages-answers-to-common-questions
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