How to Get Married in Texas: A Guide to Lone Star Weddings

For couples considering wedding in any part of the Lone Star state, you’ll definitely want to check out this guide to how to get married in Texas.

Whitney Teal

January 24, 2020

Svetlana Photography

Answering the question of how to get married in Texas really depends on where in the Lone Star State you’d like to celebrate. Getting married in Texas is different for couples who want to wed in, say, Dallas, than it is for couples who are planning a Lubbock wedding. Regardless of where you’d like your wedding to take place, this guide to how to get married in Texas is the perfect first step. We’ve scoured the Lone Star state to find the most beautiful Texas wedding venues, from the Panhandle to the Gulf Coast and all parts in between. You’ll also find essential information about obtaining a marriage license in different regions, so you’re sure your special marriage ceremony is also a legal one. Finally, be sure to find some of our favorite Texas wedding inspiration from real couples.

From the Hill Country to Houston, Dallas to El Paso, find out how to get married in Texas.

Svetlana Photography

The Basics

Texas is a humongous state of more than 28 million people, so there aren’t too many wedding basics that apply broadly. Weddings here represent a variety of tastes and cultures, from the bohemian celebrations of ATX to the chic bashes of H-Town and the minimalist affairs of Big Bend.

According to WeddingWire data, October is the most popular month to wed in most of the major cities in Texas, including Dallas, Houston, San Antonio, and Austin. Guest count is also pretty consistent, with most Texan couples inviting between 110 and 128 wedding guests. Between 12 and 15 wedding vendors assist couples in getting married in Texas. (Dallas and Houston couples employ fewer vendors while Austin couples hire more.)

Weather

Climate varies depending on where you’ll be wed. As you’re deciding how to get married in Texas, weather conditions should definitely be considered, even if you’re having an indoor wedding. Eight climate types are represented in Texas, from humid and subtropical on the eastern border to arid desert in the west.

The Panhandle & South Plains: This region, which includes Amarillo and Lubbock, is part of the high plains region with a semi-arid climate. Weather here includes hot summers, mild winters, very little rain or snow, and the occasional tornado risk.
West Texas: Three climate zones are dominant in this part of the state, which includes El Paso — cold desert, hot desert, and semi-arid. Summers are very hot and mostly dry, except for July and September, when most of the annual rainfall occurs. The winters are mild and sunny.
North Texas: Dallas, Fort Worth, and Denton are all part of this Texas region, which falls in the humid subtropical climate zone. Compared to the rest of the state, there’s more rainfall, mainly in the spring. Thunderstorms and tornadoes both develop frequently in the spring as well. Summers can be very hot and humid while winters are generally mild and dry.
Central Texas: San Antonio, Austin, and the rest of the Hill Country fall into this group, which experiences a mix of semi-arid and humid subtropical climate patterns. The wettest months are April and May, and the weather is hot and humid in the summer and mild and drier in the winter.
Gulf Coast: As part of the Piney Woods region, the Gulf Coast of Texas is within the humid subtropical climate zone. This weather applies to Houston and the Golden Triangle cities of Southeast Texas, along the Louisiana border. Because of the proximity to the Gulf, it’s humid and rainier than other parts of Texas with annual hurricanes in late summer.

Marriage License

Statewide, both parties need to be present with a valid photo ID, like a drivers license, to obtain a Texas marriage license. There are more than 250 counties in Texas, and licenses are administered through county clerk departments. You’ll have to research a bit to learn how to get married in Texas based on the county where your wedding will take place. You won’t need to be a Texas resident and you won’t need witnesses. Regardless of the county, there’s a 72-hour waiting period between when a Texas marriage license is issued and when you can be married.

How to Change Your Name in Texas

If you’re wondering how to get married in Texas, you may also be researching changing your name in the Lone Star State. Turns out it’s a bit of an involved process, but if you’re prepared, it’s totally doable. You’ll want to start out by getting your certified marriage certificate, and then heading to the Social Security Office to officially change your name. After this, you’ll need to alert your employer, go to the DMV, apply for a new passport, and more. If this is all feeling a bit overwhelming, check out HitchSwitch, which can fill out most of the name change paperwork for you.

Station 3

Houston & Southeast Texas Weddings

For Houston area couples figuring out how to get married in Texas, your options are nearly endless. This sprawling metropolitan region is the largest in the state, and the fourth largest in the nation, so just about every venue type and wedding service is at your disposal. These are some of our favorite Gulf Coast wedding venues:

Find out more about weddings in Houston with this local guide »

The Joule

Dallas & Fort Worth Weddings

Getting married in Texas’ Dallas-Fort Worth region is as unique as you are. Between the two major cities and their suburbs, there are a host of wedding venue options. Glam couples will love the region’s chic museum venues, while traditional couples might fall for some of the chapels or outdoor options. Here are a few of our favorite North Texas wedding venues:

Click for even more about how to get married in Texas’ Dallas-Fort Worth region »

Barrera Photography

Hill Country Weddings

Central Texas and its verdant hills have inspired many couples in their quest for a beautiful and meaningful wedding location. Whether you’re a recent Austin transplant or native Texan, you’ll find many of the most special Texas wedding venues in Hill Country. We’ve rounded up our favorite Austin and San Antonio venues:

Plus, here’s a guide to getting married in Austin and a guide to getting married in San Antonio »

Photos by Ashley Renee

West Texas & Panhandle Weddings

The sprawling northern and western edges of Texas are perfect for modern, minimalist couples looking for sparse venues. Couples figuring out how to get married in Texas’ deserts are privy to scenic mountainous terrain, tons of succulents, and unique experiences for their guests. These are some of our favorite West Texas and Panhandle wedding venues:

Also, check out this guide to West Texas wedding venues for some gorgeous desert inspo »