How to Get a Marriage License in Texas for Your Elopement or Micro Wedding
If you’re planning to elope in Texas or host a micro wedding in Austin, one of the most important steps is securing your marriage license. In Texas, couples are required to obtain their marriage license at least 72 hours before the ceremony, so it’s important to plan ahead. Without it, your wedding ceremony cannot be legally completed.
You can apply for your license at any county clerk’s office in Texas, no matter where your ceremony takes place. Popular options for couples marrying in Central Texas include the Travis County Clerk in Austin, the Hays County Clerk in San Marcos, the Williamson County Clerk in Georgetown, or even the Bexar County Clerk in San Antonio. This flexibility makes it easy to get your paperwork completed in a location convenient to you.
When applying, both parties must be present and provide valid government-issued identification, such as a driver’s license, passport, or military ID. Once issued, your Texas marriage license is valid for 90 days, giving you plenty of time to schedule your elopement or micro wedding. Remember, you must wait the mandatory 72-hour period after receiving your license before your ceremony can take place, unless you qualify for a waiver.
On your wedding day, be sure to bring your marriage license with you to your ceremony. Your officiant will review and sign it as part of your legal wedding process. Afterward, you’ll be responsible for returning the signed license to the county clerk’s office for official filing.
At Chapel of Love ATX, we’re here to guide you every step of the way. From helping you understand the Texas marriage license requirements to creating the perfect ceremony, our goal is to make your Austin elopement simple, stress-free, and unforgettable.
✅ Step-by-Step Guide: How to Get Your Texas Marriage License
Decide when to apply
Apply for your Texas marriage license at least 72 hours before your wedding ceremony.
Your license will be valid for 90 days, so you can plan your elopement or micro wedding in Austin with flexibility.
Choose your county clerk’s office
You can apply at any county clerk’s office in Texas — not just the county where your ceremony takes place.
Popular Central Texas options:
Travis County Clerk (Austin)
Hays County Clerk (San Marcos)
Williamson County Clerk (Georgetown)
Bexar County Clerk (San Antonio)
Bring the required documents
Both parties must be present.
Bring a valid photo ID (driver’s license, passport, or military ID).
Have your application fee ready (varies by county).
Wait the 72-hour period
Texas requires a three-day waiting period before you can legally marry, unless waived for certain circumstances (such as active military).
Bring your license to the ceremony
Your wedding officiant in Austin (or anywhere in Texas) must review and sign your marriage license on your wedding day.
File your signed license
After the ceremony, return the signed license to the same county clerk’s office for official recording.
You’ll then receive your certified copies for name changes, legal records, and keepsakes.
Travis County (Austin)
Marriage License Fee: $81, payable by cash only.
Address: Travis County Clerk, 5501 Airport Blvd, Austin, TX 78751
Hays County (San Marcos)
Marriage License Fee: $82.
Address: Hays County Government Center, 712 S. Stagecoach Trail, San Marcos, TX 78666
Bell County (Belton)
Marriage License Fee: $67.
Address: Bell County Clerk, 550 E. 2nd Ave, Belton, TX 76513
Bexar County (San Antonio)
Marriage License Fee: $81, payable by cash or credit card.
Address: Bexar County Clerk, 100 Dolorosa St #104, San Antonio, TX 78205
- Note: In Texas, marriage licenses are valid for 90 days from the date of issuance. There is a mandatory 72-hour waiting period before the ceremony can take place, unless waived by completing the “Twogether in Texas” course or under certain other conditions
