No, you generally cannot get married on the same day in Texas. Texas law requires a 72-hour (3-day) waiting period between the time a marriage license is obtained and when the wedding ceremony can legally take place.
Understanding the Texas Marriage License Waiting Period
The State of Texas mandates a waiting period to ensure couples have adequate time to consider their decision after obtaining a marriage license. This rule is part of the Texas Family Code, specifically addressing the requirements for a legal marriage ceremony.
Key Requirements:
- License Acquisition: You must first apply for and receive a marriage license from any county clerk's office in Texas.
- Waiting Period: After the license is issued, there is a mandatory 72-hour waiting period before the marriage ceremony can be performed. This means if you get your license on Monday at 10 AM, the earliest you can get married is Thursday at 10 AM.
- License Expiration: A Texas marriage license is valid for 90 days from the date of issuance. If you don't get married within this timeframe, the license expires, and you'll need to apply for a new one.
Exceptions to the 72-Hour Waiting Period
While the 72-hour waiting period is a standard requirement, there are specific exceptions that can allow a couple to get married sooner:
- Active Military Duty: If one of the applicants is a member of the U.S. armed forces and is on active duty, the waiting period can be waived. Proof of active duty status is typically required.
- Premarital Education Course: Couples who complete a state-approved premarital education course, such as the "Twogether in Texas" program, are exempt from the 72-hour waiting period. Upon completion, they receive a certificate that must be presented when applying for the license. This also offers a discount on the marriage license fee.
- Judicial Waiver: A judge can grant a waiver to the waiting period for good cause. This is typically done in specific, often urgent, circumstances and requires a formal request and approval from a judge.
Steps to Getting Married in Texas
To ensure a smooth marriage process in Texas, follow these general steps:
- Meet Eligibility Requirements: Ensure both parties are at least 18 years old (or meet specific criteria for minors with parental consent/court order). You cannot be currently married to another person, and certain familial relationships are prohibited.
- Apply for a Marriage License: Visit any county clerk's office in Texas with your partner. You will need:
- Valid identification (e.g., driver's license, passport).
- Social Security numbers (though typically not required to be physically present on the application, you'll need to affirm you have one or explain why you don't).
- Payment for the license fee.
- Observe the Waiting Period: Unless you qualify for an exception, wait the mandatory 72 hours after the license is issued.
- Hold the Ceremony: Have an authorized person (e.g., ordained minister, judge, justice of the peace) perform your wedding ceremony within the 90-day validity period of the license.
- Return the License: The person who performs the ceremony must complete the license and return it to the county clerk's office where it was issued. This ensures your marriage is officially recorded.
For more detailed information on marriage requirements and exceptions in Texas, you can consult official state resources, such as the Texas Health and Human Services website or the Texas State Law Library regarding family law.
