With the prices for weddings continuing to increase, many young couples are skipping the traditional wedding ceremonies and choosing court marriage in San Antonio instead. Many use the money they save on the pomp and circumstance to hold a nice wedding reception for their friends and family to attend in celebration of their big day. If you choose a court marriage, here are the requirements for being married in the state.
Getting Married in Texas
The state of Texas makes a good destination wedding location because they do not have any residency requirements for getting married there. As long as you have the correct documentation, you can go to the county clerk’s office and get a marriage license.
There is a 72-hour waiting period in order to get married in Texas, so if you plan on visiting San Antonio and want to tie the knot, plan to spend a long weekend. However, if one of you is a member of the military, the 72-hour waiting period can be waived and you can proceed with your wedding day.
If you have been divorced within 30 days and wish to remarry, there is usually a 30-day waiting period before you can marry again. However, if you bring a certified copy of a divorce decree with you, the waiting period can be waived and you will be free to marry.
What to Bring with You
Although you will want to verify the information for any changes to the law, the only documentation required when applying for a marriage license is some form of identification. The ID can be in the form of a state driver’s license, a certified copy of your birth certificate, a U.S. passport, a military ID and your Social Security Number.
Unlike many other states, you don’t have to take a blood test or any other type of medical test in order to get married in the state. While they do recommend a four-hour premarital education course, the course is not a necessity in order to be married within the state.
Who Can Marry You?
When you do have a court marriage, you can bring your own officiant to perform the ceremony, you do not have to use a court judge or justice of the peace. If you wish to have a minister or a priest or rabbi marry you, it is allowed under the law. Otherwise, the justice of the peace or any type of judge can perform the wedding instead.
If costs are a concern, having a court marriage is a cheap way to marry your significant other. For less than $100, you can get a marry license and become husband and wife in the state of Texas.
