John BlessingA marriage license is a legal requirement for couples wishing to marry in Texas. While the fee itself is modest compared to other wedding expenses, the cost varies by county and can be reduced significantly through participation in a state-approved premarital education course.
Understanding the fee structure, available discounts, and additional costs such as certified copies helps couples plan effectively for this administrative step.
The base cost of a formal marriage license in Texas typically ranges from $71 to $87, depending on the county issuing the license. A significant discount of $60 is available to couples who complete the Twogether in Texas premarital education program, reducing the fee to approximately $11 to $22 in most counties. Informal marriage licenses, also known as common law marriage declarations, cost less, generally ranging from $36 to $52.
Cost of a Marriage License in Texas
Base Marriage License Fees
The standard fee for a formal marriage license is set at the county level, with most Texas counties charging between $71 and $87. The fee consists of several statutory components, including a county marriage license fee, a state marriage license fee, record management fees, record archive fees, and a vital records preservation fee.
Specific county examples illustrate this range. Tarrant County charges $76 for a marriage license. Brazoria County charges $82. Grimes County charges $81. Hays County charges $82. Anderson County charges $81. Harrison County charges $71. Gonzales County charges $81. Wise County charges $87. Crane County charges $82 . Nolan County charges $81.
The variation between counties reflects differences in local fee structures and administrative costs. Couples should check with the county clerk’s office in the county where they plan to obtain their license for the exact fee.
The Twogether in Texas Discount
Texas offers a substantial discount to couples who complete a state-approved premarital education course through the Twogether in Texas program. Couples who present a valid Twogether in Texas certificate at the time of application pay a reduced fee of $21 to $22 in most counties, a savings of approximately $60.
Tarrant County reduces the fee to $16 for couples who attend the approved marriage education class and present a valid certificate. Harrison County reduces the fee to $11. Hays County and Crane County reduce the fee to $22. Anderson County, Gonzales County, and Nolan County reduce the fee to $21 . Grimes County lists the discounted fee at $21.
In addition to the fee reduction, completing the Twogether in Texas course also waives the 72-hour waiting period that normally applies after the license is issued. The certificate must be presented at the time of application and is valid for one year from issuance.
Informal Marriage License Fees
An informal marriage license, also known as a Declaration of Informal Marriage or common law marriage license, is a separate filing that costs less than a formal marriage license. The fee for an informal marriage license ranges from $36 to $52 across Texas counties.
Tarrant County charges $41 for a declaration and registration of an informal marriage. Grimes County charges $46. Anderson County charges $45 . Harrison County charges $36. Gonzales County charges $46. Wise County charges $52. Nolan County charges $46.
The informal marriage license serves a different legal function than a formal marriage license. It allows a couple to declare themselves married without a ceremony, and the declaration is filed with the county clerk.
Out-of-State Applicant Surcharge
Texas imposes an additional $100 fee on couples where neither applicant can prove Texas residency. Tarrant County assesses this fee effective January 1, 2019, for applicants who cannot establish residency. Grimes County lists the out-of-state applicant charge as an additional $100.
To prove Texas residency, applicants typically need to provide a valid Texas driver’s license, Texas identification card, or other documentation showing a Texas address. Couples who are both Texas residents avoid this surcharge entirely.
Payment Methods and Convenience Fees
County clerks in Texas generally accept cash, credit cards, and debit cards for marriage license fees. However, credit card transactions typically incur a convenience fee.
Tarrant County accepts cash, Visa, Mastercard, American Express, and Discover, with credit card use adding a 1.73 percent fee . Hays County accepts cash and debit or credit cards, with card transactions incurring a 2.5 percent convenience fee. Brazoria County notes that a convenience fee applies for all credit card transactions.
Some counties, such as Anderson County and Nolan County, accept cash only for marriage license fees . Couples should verify accepted payment methods with their county clerk before arriving to apply.
Certified Copies of Marriage License
After the marriage is solemnized and the license is returned to the county clerk, couples often need certified copies for name changes, insurance, and other legal purposes. The fee for certified copies varies by county.
Tarrant County charges $21 for the first certified copy and $11 for each additional copy, effective September 1, 2024. Brazoria County charges $20 for a certified copy. Grimes County charges $11. Harrison County charges $7 for a one-page license and $8 for a two-page license. Nolan County charges $1 per page plus $5 for certification. Gonzales County lists a replacement of an unexecuted marriage license at $4.
Military Fee Waivers
Certain military personnel are exempt from marriage license fees entirely. Hays County waives all fees for members of the National Guard on federal active duty and members of the United States armed forces on active duty who are preparing to be deployed to serve in a hostile fire zone. Documentation of deployment is required.
Nolan County similarly exempts members of the armed forces on active duty preparing to deploy to a hostile fire zone from marriage license fees. This waiver applies to the formal marriage license fee and requires appropriate military documentation.
Conclusion
The cost of a marriage license in Texas ranges from approximately $71 to $87 for a standard formal license, with the exact fee determined by the county clerk’s office. Couples who complete the Twogether in Texas premarital education program can reduce the fee to approximately $11 to $22, a savings of about $60, and also waive the 72-hour waiting period. Informal marriage licenses cost between $36 and $52 depending on the county.
An additional $100 surcharge applies when neither applicant can prove Texas residency. Payment methods vary by county, with some accepting only cash and others accepting credit cards with a convenience fee. Certified copies of the completed license cost between $7 and $21 depending on the county.
Military personnel preparing for deployment to a hostile fire zone may qualify for a full fee waiver. Couples should contact the county clerk’s office where they intend to apply for the most current fee information and accepted payment methods.
Disclaimer
This article is provided for general informational purposes only and does not constitute legal, financial, or marital advice. The fees, surcharges, and requirements described herein are based on publicly available information and may vary depending on the specific county, time of application, and changes in applicable law or administrative rules.
Nothing in this article creates a professional relationship of any kind. Readers should consult the relevant county clerk’s office or a qualified professional for advice regarding their specific situation.