How to Get a Marriage License in Fort Worth

Getting a marriage license in Fort Worth, Texas, is a foundational legal step for couples planning to marry in the city. Whether you’re a local resident or traveling from out of state, understanding the process ensures your wedding day proceeds without unnecessary delays or complications. A marriage license is not merely a formality—it’s a legally binding document that authorizes your union and is required for your ceremony to be recognized by the state and federal government. Without it, your marriage cannot be legally recorded, which may impact everything from tax filings and insurance benefits to inheritance rights and spousal privileges.

The City of Fort Worth, located in Tarrant County, operates under Texas state law governing marriage licenses. While the process is straightforward, it involves specific requirements regarding documentation, waiting periods, fees, and eligibility. This guide provides a comprehensive, step-by-step breakdown of everything you need to know—from eligibility criteria and required documents to where to apply, how to schedule your appointment, and what happens after you receive your license. By following this guide, you’ll navigate the process with confidence, avoiding common pitfalls that can delay or invalidate your application.

This tutorial is designed for couples planning to marry in Fort Worth, whether they’re residents of Texas or visitors from other states or countries. It’s also useful for wedding planners, family members assisting with arrangements, and anyone seeking accurate, up-to-date information directly from official sources. We’ve compiled this guide using current Tarrant County Clerk’s Office policies as of 2024, ensuring that every detail reflects real-world procedures and legal standards.

Step-by-Step Guide

Step 1: Confirm Eligibility Requirements

Before beginning the application process, both parties must meet Texas state eligibility criteria for marriage. These requirements are non-negotiable and apply uniformly across all counties, including Tarrant County.

First, both individuals must be at least 18 years of age. If either party is between 16 and 17 years old, they must obtain parental consent and a court order. Minors under 16 are not permitted to marry under any circumstances in Texas. Both parties must be unmarried at the time of application. If either person was previously married, they must provide proof of dissolution—such as a divorce decree or death certificate of a former spouse. Failure to disclose prior marriages can result in the license being invalidated and potential legal consequences.

Additionally, both parties must be mentally competent to consent to marriage. This means neither individual can be under the influence of drugs or alcohol at the time of application, nor can they be under legal guardianship that restricts their ability to enter into contracts, including marriage.

Same-sex couples have the same rights as opposite-sex couples under Texas law, following the 2015 U.S. Supreme Court ruling in Obergefell v. Hodges. There are no restrictions based on gender identity or sexual orientation.

Step 2: Gather Required Documentation

Each applicant must present original, government-issued photo identification and proof of age. Acceptable forms of ID include:

• Valid Texas driver’s license or state-issued ID card
• U.S. passport
• U.S. military ID card
• Consular ID card issued by a foreign government (if applicable)
• Permanent resident card (Green Card)

If you do not have a photo ID, contact the Tarrant County Clerk’s Office in advance to discuss alternative documentation options. In some cases, a certified birth certificate combined with another form of identification may be accepted, but this is evaluated on a case-by-case basis.

If either party has been previously married, you must provide the original or certified copy of the divorce decree, annulment papers, or death certificate of the former spouse. Photocopies are not accepted. These documents must clearly show the date the prior marriage was legally dissolved or ended.

For non-U.S. citizens, a valid passport and visa are required. If the passport is not in English, a certified translation must be provided. Naturalized citizens must present their Certificate of Naturalization.

It’s critical to bring original documents. Scanned copies, digital photos, or notarized photocopies will not be accepted. If your documents are damaged, expired, or incomplete, your application may be denied.

Step 3: Schedule an Appointment

The Tarrant County Clerk’s Office no longer accepts walk-in applications for marriage licenses. All applicants must schedule an appointment in advance. Appointments can be booked online through the official Tarrant County Clerk’s website: https://www.tarrantcounty.com/en/county-clerk/marriage-licenses.html.

When scheduling, you’ll be asked to provide basic information: full names, dates of birth, and preferred appointment date and time. Appointments are available Monday through Friday, from 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., excluding state holidays. Weekday appointments fill quickly, especially during peak wedding seasons (April through October), so it’s advisable to book at least two to four weeks in advance.

If you require an appointment outside regular business hours or on a weekend, special accommodations may be available for military personnel or individuals with documented emergencies. Contact the office directly through their online inquiry form to request such arrangements.

Both parties must attend the appointment together. No proxy applications are permitted. If one party is unable to appear due to medical emergency, illness, or incarceration, you must contact the Clerk’s Office immediately to discuss possible alternatives. In rare cases, a notarized affidavit and court petition may be required.

Step 4: Complete the Application Form

At your scheduled appointment, you’ll be asked to complete a marriage license application form. While some sections can be filled out online in advance via the Tarrant County Clerk’s website, the final submission must be done in person with both parties present.

The application collects:

• Full legal names of both applicants
• Current addresses
• Place and date of birth
• Parents’ full names (including mothers’ maiden names)
• Previous marriages (with dates and outcomes)
• Social Security numbers (optional but strongly recommended)

Providing Social Security numbers is not mandatory, but it helps prevent errors in record-keeping and ensures smoother processing of post-marriage documents such as name changes with the Social Security Administration and DMV.

Both applicants must sign the form under penalty of perjury. Falsifying information on a marriage license application is a Class A misdemeanor in Texas and can result in fines, legal penalties, or even criminal charges.

Step 5: Pay the License Fee

The standard fee for a marriage license in Tarrant County is $81. This fee covers processing, record-keeping, and issuance of the official license. Payment must be made at the time of application and is non-refundable, even if the marriage does not occur.

Accepted payment methods include cash, credit card (Visa, Mastercard, Discover, American Express), and debit card. Personal checks and money orders are not accepted. If you’re paying by card, be aware that a small convenience fee may be added by the payment processor.

There is a discount available for couples who complete a state-approved premarital education course. The fee is reduced to $11 if you present a valid Certificate of Completion from a qualified provider. These courses are often offered by religious institutions, community centers, or online platforms certified by the Texas Department of State Health Services. The certificate must be dated within one year of your application date and must include the names of both applicants.

Always ask for a receipt. You’ll need it to confirm payment and to reference if there are any discrepancies in your records later.

Step 6: Receive Your Marriage License

Once your application is approved and payment is processed, you’ll receive your marriage license immediately. The license is printed on official security paper with a raised seal and unique serial number. It includes the names of both parties, the date of issuance, the expiration date, and the signature of the County Clerk.

Marriage licenses in Texas are valid for 90 days from the date of issuance. You must perform your ceremony within this window. If you do not marry within 90 days, the license expires and becomes void. You will then need to reapply and pay the fee again.

There is no mandatory waiting period in Texas. Unlike some states, you can get married the same day you receive your license. This makes Fort Worth an attractive destination for couples seeking a quick or spontaneous wedding.

However, if either party is under 18 and has obtained court approval, there is a mandatory 72-hour waiting period before the license can be used. This rule does not apply to those 18 or older.

Step 7: Complete the Marriage Ceremony

Your marriage license must be presented to the officiant performing your ceremony. The officiant can be:

• A licensed or ordained minister, priest, or rabbi
• A justice of the peace
• A judge (including retired judges)
• A commissioned officer of the U.S. Armed Forces

Notaries public are not authorized to perform marriages in Texas. If you’re unsure whether your chosen officiant is qualified, verify their credentials with the Tarrant County Clerk’s Office.

The ceremony must be conducted in person. Virtual or remote ceremonies are not legally recognized in Texas. Both parties, the officiant, and at least two witnesses over the age of 18 must be physically present. Witnesses must sign the license after the ceremony.

The officiant is responsible for completing the license by filling in the date, location, and signature. They must then return the completed license to the Tarrant County Clerk’s Office within 30 days of the ceremony. Failure to do so may delay the official recording of your marriage.

Step 8: Obtain Your Certified Marriage Certificate

After the officiant returns the signed license, the Tarrant County Clerk’s Office will process and record your marriage. This typically takes 7 to 14 business days. Once recorded, you can request certified copies of your marriage certificate.

There are two ways to obtain certified copies:

1. Online: Visit the Tarrant County Clerk’s website and use the online request portal. You can order one or multiple copies and choose expedited shipping.
2. In person: Visit the Clerk’s Office at 200 W. Weatherford St., Fort Worth, TX 76196. Bring your photo ID and the license number.

Each certified copy costs $21. These documents are required for changing your name on bank accounts, passports, Social Security records, insurance policies, and other legal documents. It’s recommended to order at least two copies—one for your personal records and one for official use.

You cannot use the original marriage license as proof of marriage after the ceremony. Only the certified copy issued by the county clerk is legally valid for official purposes.

Best Practices

Plan Ahead, Especially During Peak Seasons

Fort Worth is a popular wedding destination, and the Tarrant County Clerk’s Office processes hundreds of applications each week. During spring and early fall, appointments can be booked weeks in advance. To avoid last-minute stress, begin planning at least two months before your intended wedding date. This gives you time to gather documents, complete any required courses, and secure your preferred ceremony venue.

Double-Check All Documents Before Your Appointment

One of the most common reasons for application delays is incomplete or incorrect documentation. Before leaving for your appointment, lay out all your documents and verify:

• Each ID is current and not expired
• Divorce decrees or death certificates are certified originals
• Names match exactly across all documents (including middle names and spellings)
• Birth certificates show full names of parents

Even minor discrepancies—such as a middle initial missing on one document but present on another—can trigger a review that delays issuance. If you’ve legally changed your name in the past, bring documentation of that change as well.

Consider the Premarital Education Discount

Completing a premarital education course not only reduces your license fee from $81 to $11 but also provides valuable tools for building a strong marriage. Many courses cover communication, conflict resolution, financial planning, and emotional intimacy. These are often offered by churches, nonprofit organizations, or through approved online platforms like Marriage Savers or Prepare/Enrich.

Be sure the course is certified by the Texas Department of State Health Services. You can verify certification by visiting the department’s website and searching for approved providers. Save your certificate in a digital and physical format—you’ll need to present it at the time of application.

Coordinate with Your Officiant and Witnesses

Don’t assume your officiant knows the legal requirements. Provide them with a copy of the license and explain the process: they must complete all sections, sign in the correct places, and return the document within 30 days. Confirm their availability and preferred method of returning the license—some will mail it, while others may drop it off in person.

Choose witnesses who are reliable and understand their role. They must be at least 18 years old and physically present during the ceremony. Avoid using minors or individuals who may be unavailable after the event.

Keep Copies of Everything

Make photocopies or digital scans of your completed marriage license, payment receipt, premarital certificate, and any correspondence with the Clerk’s Office. Store these in a secure location. In the event of a lost or misplaced original, these copies can help expedite replacement requests.

Understand the Difference Between License and Certificate

Many couples confuse the marriage license with the marriage certificate. The license is the document you receive before the wedding that authorizes the ceremony. The certificate is the official record issued after the wedding, confirming that the marriage was legally performed and recorded. You need both, but only the certificate serves as legal proof of marriage for government agencies and financial institutions.

Be Aware of Legal Restrictions

Texas law prohibits marriage between close blood relatives (parents, children, siblings, aunts/uncles and nieces/nephews). Marriages involving individuals under the influence of alcohol or drugs are invalid. If either party is under a court order restricting marriage (such as a protective order), you must obtain court permission before proceeding.

Tools and Resources

Official Tarrant County Clerk’s Website

The primary resource for all marriage license information in Fort Worth is the Tarrant County Clerk’s Office website: https://www.tarrantcounty.com/en/county-clerk/marriage-licenses.html. Here, you can:

• Schedule appointments
• Download application forms in advance
• View office hours and location
• Check for holiday closures
• Order certified marriage certificates

The site also provides downloadable PDF guides, FAQs, and a list of approved premarital education providers.

Texas Department of State Health Services (DSHS)

For information on state-mandated premarital education courses and approved providers, visit: https://www.dshs.texas.gov/marriage. This site lists free and low-cost options, including online courses that can be completed from home.

Marriage License Fee Calculator

Use the Tarrant County Clerk’s online fee calculator to estimate your total cost based on whether you qualify for the premarital discount. This tool is embedded in the appointment scheduler and updates in real time.

Document Checklist Template

Create or download a printable checklist to ensure you don’t miss anything. A sample checklist includes:

• Photo ID for both parties
• Birth certificates (if requested)
• Divorce decree or death certificate (if applicable)
• Premarital certificate (if applying for discount)
• Payment method (credit/debit card or cash)
• Wedding date and officiant contact info
• Witness names and contact details

Online Appointment Reminder Tools

Set calendar alerts for your appointment date, the 90-day expiration window, and the 30-day deadline for the officiant to return the license. Use Google Calendar, Apple Calendar, or a wedding planning app like The Knot or WeddingWire to automate reminders.

Local Marriage Support Organizations

Several nonprofit organizations in Fort Worth offer free or low-cost premarital counseling and workshops. Examples include:

• Fort Worth Marriage and Family Counseling Center – Offers faith-based and secular counseling
• United Way of Tarrant County – Connects couples with community resources
• Marriage Savers Texas – Provides state-certified premarital courses

These organizations often host open houses or information sessions for couples planning to marry. Attending one can provide additional context and emotional support as you prepare for marriage.

Real Examples

Example 1: Local Couple – Sarah and Marcus

Sarah and Marcus, both 27 and residents of Arlington, planned to marry in Fort Worth on a Saturday in June. They scheduled their appointment for a Monday two weeks prior to their wedding date. Both had valid Texas driver’s licenses and their birth certificates. Sarah had been previously married and brought her certified divorce decree. They completed a state-approved online premarital course through Marriage Savers and saved their certificate.

At their appointment, they paid the reduced fee of $11. They received their license immediately and handed it to their officiant—a justice of the peace they had booked for their ceremony. Two friends served as witnesses. The officiant returned the completed license within two weeks. Sarah and Marcus ordered two certified copies of their marriage certificate through the online portal and received them by mail in 10 days. They used one to update Sarah’s name on her bank account and the other for their passport applications.

Example 2: Out-of-State Couple – Priya and David

Priya, a U.S. citizen from California, and David, a Canadian citizen living in Houston, chose Fort Worth for their destination wedding. Priya brought her U.S. passport and birth certificate. David presented his Canadian passport and valid U.S. visa. They had no prior marriages. They booked their appointment three weeks in advance and completed the application form online before arriving.

At the office, they paid the full $81 fee. They were advised that since David’s passport was in English, no translation was needed. They chose a courthouse ceremony with a justice of the peace and invited two colleagues as witnesses. The officiant returned the license on time. Six weeks later, they received their certified marriage certificate and used it to file for David’s spousal visa adjustment with U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS).

Example 3: Teen Couple with Court Approval

At 17, Emily and Jake, both Fort Worth high school students, wanted to marry after graduation. Their parents consented in writing, and they petitioned the Tarrant County Probate Court for approval. The court granted their request and issued an order allowing them to apply for a license. Because they were under 18, they were subject to the 72-hour waiting period after receiving the license.

They scheduled their appointment, paid the $81 fee, and received their license on a Thursday. They waited until Sunday to hold their ceremony. Their parents signed as witnesses. The license was returned promptly, and they received their certified certificate within two weeks. Their case highlights that while underage marriage is rare, it is legally possible with proper court intervention.

FAQs

Can I get a marriage license in Fort Worth if I’m not a Texas resident?

Yes. Texas law allows non-residents to obtain a marriage license in any county. You do not need to be a resident of Texas or Fort Worth to apply. However, the license can only be used for a ceremony performed within Texas.

Do I need to take a blood test?

No. Texas eliminated the mandatory blood test requirement for marriage licenses in 1997. No health screenings are required.

Can I get married the same day I receive the license?

Yes. There is no waiting period for individuals who are 18 or older. You can have your ceremony immediately after receiving your license. Only minors under 18 are subject to a 72-hour waiting period.

What if I lose my marriage license before the ceremony?

If the original license is lost, stolen, or damaged, you must return to the Tarrant County Clerk’s Office to request a duplicate. You’ll need to provide photo ID and pay a $5 fee. The office will reissue a new license with the same expiration date.

Can I change my name on the marriage license application?

You can indicate your desired name change on the application, but the license itself will reflect your current legal name. Your new name will be officially recorded on your marriage certificate. You’ll need to use that certificate to update your name with the Social Security Administration, DMV, banks, and other institutions.

Is a religious ceremony required?

No. A religious ceremony is not required. You can have a civil ceremony performed by a justice of the peace, judge, or other authorized official. Many couples choose courthouse weddings for their simplicity and affordability.

How long does it take to get my marriage certificate after the wedding?

Typically, it takes 7 to 14 business days after the officiant returns the completed license. Expedited processing is available for an additional fee through the online portal.

Can I use my marriage license in another county in Texas?

Yes. A marriage license issued in Tarrant County is valid anywhere in the state of Texas. You can be married in Dallas, Austin, Houston, or any other Texas county.

What happens if the officiant doesn’t return the license?

If the license is not returned within 30 days, your marriage will not be officially recorded. You must contact the officiant to have them complete and submit it. If they are unresponsive, you may need to file a petition with the court to validate your marriage, which can be costly and time-consuming. Always confirm the return process with your officiant in advance.

Do I need to make an appointment for a renewal or replacement?

Marriage licenses are not renewable. If your license expires, you must reapply. If you need a replacement certified marriage certificate, you can request one online or in person—no appointment is required for this service.

Conclusion

Getting a marriage license in Fort Worth is a simple, well-structured process when approached with preparation and attention to detail. By understanding the eligibility requirements, gathering the correct documents, scheduling your appointment early, and coordinating with your officiant, you can ensure your marriage is legally recognized without unnecessary delays or complications.

This guide has provided you with a comprehensive roadmap—from the initial steps of confirming your eligibility to obtaining your certified marriage certificate. Whether you’re a local resident or traveling from afar, the tools, resources, and real-world examples shared here are designed to empower you with confidence and clarity.

Marriage is a profound commitment, and the legal foundation you build at the outset sets the tone for your future together. By following the best practices outlined in this guide, you honor not only the law but also the significance of your union. Take the time to plan thoughtfully, ask questions when unsure, and don’t hesitate to reach out to official sources for verification.

With the right preparation, your journey from applying for your license to celebrating your marriage in Fort Worth will be seamless, memorable, and legally sound. Congratulations on this new chapter—may your life together be filled with joy, understanding, and enduring love.