There is a big change coming to Texas’ marriage license laws that not only might save you money, but possibly also save your marriage.

While a new law, passed by the 80th Texas Legislature, doubles the marriage license fee, it also provides an avenue to get your marriage license almost free. Beginning September 2008, the cost for a marriage license doubles from $30 to $60, plus local fees which range from $6 to $12.

However, couples taking a state-approved, 8-hour premarital course will have the $60 license fee waived. The course must be completed within one year before the wedding to qualify. Courses will cover topics such as conflict management, communications skills and other key components of a successful marriage.

The goal of the new law is to hopefully reduce the number of divorces in Texas. Couples who do not take a course will still be able to get a license, but will have to pay the full $60 plus local fees.

Marriage licenses will continue to be issued by each of the county courthouses and be valid throughout the state of Texas.

To receive your license you must...

Both apply in person with proper I.D. (i.e. Driver’s License, Birth Certificate, passport)

No blood test is necessary

Pay cash only.

Legal age is 18; if under 18 bring a certified copy of your birth certificate and a parent or legal guardian with their proof of I.D.

You must wait 30 days until after your divorce is final but do not need to bring your divorce decree.

Your marriage license is valid for 30 days

There is a 72-hour waiting period after your license is issued before you may be married. Exceptions are if you are an active duty military person, have completed the premarital course or for any one who receives a waiver from any district judge.

Below is a list of County Clerk Offices for many of the counties in Texas:

Bastrop County
County Recorders Office
803 Pine St 1st Floor
Bastrop, TX 78602
512-321-4444

 

Bexar County Clerks
County Courthouse
100 Dolorosa
San Antonio, TX 78205
210-335-2223

Comal County Clerk
100 Main Plaza, Room 104
New Braunfels, TX 78130
830-620-5513

Gillespie County
101 Main St
Fredericksburg, TX 78624
830-997-6515

 

Guadalupe County Clerk
101 East Court St
Seguin, TX 78155
830-303-8863 

Hays County Clerk
137 N Guadalupe St
San Marcos, TX 78666
512-393-7330

 

Travis County Clerk
5501 Airport Blvd
Austin, TX 78751
512-854-9188

 

Williamson County Clerk
405 Martin Luther King
Georgetown, TX 78626
512-943-1515