THRILLED YOU’RE HERE! Let’s walk through everything you need to know about getting married in Austin, Texas!
How to Get Married in Austin, Texas
Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to get married
- Fill out the Marriage License application online link.
- Schedule an appointment at the Travis County Clerk’s Office.
- Both parties must appear together with proof of identity, such as a valid driver’s license or passport.
- Pay the $80 Fee. The fee is reduced to $20 if you’ve completed the Texas Twogether Program.
- Obtain a Texas Marriage License Once your application is processed, you’ll receive your marriage license.
- Wait for the 72-Hour Waiting Period The waiting period can be waived under certain circumstances, such as military deployment or completion of a premarital education course.
- Attend Your Ceremony You can schedule a courthouse ceremony or hire an officiant for a location of your choice.
- Congrats, You’re Married! 🎉
Getting Your Marriage License in Austin
Here’s what you need to know:
- Apply at the Travis County Clerk’s Office.
- Bring a valid photo ID, your Social Security number, and $80 (or $20 with a Texas Twogether Program certificate).
- There’s a 72-hour waiting period before you can get married, but it can be waived for military service or if you’ve completed a premarital education course.
- Your license is valid for 90 days.
Getting Married in Travis County, Texas
There's two ways you can get married in Austin, Texas. You either hire an officiant or get married at the Courthouse.
Officiants typically costs between $300-$700 depending on your budget.
Most officiants will offer religious and non-religious ceremonies. They also offer guidance on writing vows if you want to write your own, or you can opt out of it and do it traditionally.
After the ceremony, return the completed marriage license to the Travis County Clerk’s Office for processing.
Obtain Certified Copies: Certified copies of your marriage certificate can be requested after the marriage license is returned.
Hire an Officiant + Elopement Photographer in Austin
Hey! I’m Glenn, thanks for checking out my guide on “How to Get Married in Austin.”
If you’re planning an intimate ceremony or elopement in Austin, I’d love to be part of your special day! Whether you need a photographer to capture every moment or an officiant to lead your ceremony, I’m here to help.
Reach out below to start planning your unforgettable Austin elopement!
The best decision we made for our small Austin wedding was hiring Glenn! He’s so kind, professional, and easy to work with. He officiated our ceremony at Mount Bonnell, and the photos he took captured the love and laughter of our day perfectly. Everything was seamless from start to finish!
– Jessica & Mark
Travis County Clerk’s Office, 5501 Airport Boulevard, Austin, TX 78751
Frequently Asked Questions
Can we get married on the same day we apply for our marriage license?
No, Texas requires a 72-hour waiting period after the license is issued unless you receive a waiver.
What is the cost of a marriage license in Travis County?
The cost is $80, or $20 with a completed Texas Twogether Program certificate.
How do we get the waiting period waived?
Certain circumstances, like military service or completion of a premarital education course, may allow for a waiver of the 72-hour waiting period.
What should we do after the wedding?
Return the completed marriage license to the Travis County Clerk’s Office for processing. Certified copies can be requested for an additional fee.
Can we change our names after marriage?
Yes, use your marriage certificate to change your name with the Social Security office and other agencies.
Where do we apply for a marriage license in Austin?
Marriage licenses are issued by the Travis County Clerk’s Office. You can apply at any of their locations, including the Downtown Office at 5501 Airport Blvd, Austin, TX 78751.
Do we both need to be present to apply for the marriage license?
Yes, both applicants must be present when applying for a marriage license in Texas.
What documents do we need to bring to apply for a marriage license in Travis County?
You’ll need:
• A valid government-issued photo ID (driver’s license, passport, or state ID).
• Your Social Security number (you don’t need to bring the card).
Is there an expiration date for the marriage license?
Yes, a marriage license in Texas is valid for 90 days from the date of issuance.
Can we get married without a ceremony in Austin?
No, Texas requires a formal ceremony conducted by a recognized officiant to legally marry.
Are witnesses required for our ceremony?
No, witnesses are not required for marriage ceremonies in Texas.
Can we have an outdoor wedding in Austin?
Absolutely! Austin offers many beautiful outdoor wedding locations, including Zilker Botanical Garden, Mount Bonnell, and Lady Bird Lake.
What happens if our marriage license expires before we get married?
If your license expires after 90 days and you have not had your ceremony, you’ll need to apply for a new one.
Can we have a courthouse wedding in Austin?
Yes, you can arrange a ceremony with a Travis County Justice of the Peace. Call ahead to schedule an appointment and confirm availability.
How much does it cost to request certified copies of the marriage certificate?
Certified copies are $21 each and can be obtained from the Travis County Clerk’s Office after your marriage license is filed.