Getting Married in Travis County: License, Waiting Period, and Officiant Basics
If you are getting married in Austin, the first official thing you need is a marriage license. Here is a plain English rundown of what the Travis County Clerk lists, plus the basics on who can officiate. I'm a photographer, not a lawyer, so treat this as a starting point and confirm the details with the county before you go.
Who has to show up
According to the Travis County Clerk, both people must appear together at the Civil Family Courthouse. You need approved state-issued identification, as described in Texas Family Code Section 2.002.
What it costs
The clerk lists a standard license fee of $80. The fee drops to $20 if you complete a premarital education course. Active duty military on deployment are listed as exempt from the fee.
The waiting period
There is a mandatory 3 day waiting period between the day the license is issued and the ceremony. The clerk lists three ways it can be waived: military service, a court order, or completing a premarital course. That means you can't pick up a license and get married the same afternoon unless you qualify for a waiver.
How long it is valid
The clerk says a license is valid for 89 days from the date it is issued and expires on day 90 if unused. If your wedding is more than three months away, wait to apply.
Other requirements the clerk lists
You must be at least 18, not currently married to someone else, and not related to the person you are marrying. If you have been divorced within the last 30 days, the clerk lists that as an issue unless it is waived.
After the ceremony
The completed license has to be returned to the county clerk within 30 days after the ceremony. Ask your officiant who is handling that, so it does not get lost in the excitement.
Who can officiate in Texas
Texas Family Code Section 2.202 lists who is authorized to conduct a marriage ceremony. According to the Texas State Law Library, that includes licensed or ordained Christian ministers or priests, Jewish rabbis, officers of religious organizations authorized to conduct ceremonies, and current, former, or retired federal or state judges. The law library also notes there is no official registration for people who are authorized.
If you are thinking about asking a friend or family member to officiate, check with the county clerk first to make sure they qualify. That is a 5 minute phone call that can save you a real headache.
Where to read the official rules
The Travis County Clerk marriage license page has the current requirements and fees. The State Law Library guide on conducting the ceremony covers officiants and returning the license.
A simple timeline
Four to six weeks out: choose your date and your officiant. At least a week before: apply for the license together so the 3 day waiting period is covered. Day of: hand the license to your officiant. Within 30 days: make sure it gets returned.
If you are planning an elopement, my step by step Austin elopement guide walks through the rest, from permits to timing. And if you are ready to talk photos, you can send me a note on the contact page.
Ready to talk about your day?
Send me a message through the contact page with your date and location, and I will get back to you. If you want more Austin wedding and engagement ideas, follow me on social media. And if this guide helped, please share it with a friend who is planning a wedding.