Rev. William Sanders & Associates (210) 667-6503

Coples wishing to marry in Texas must first obtain a valid Texas marriage license from the office of the County Clerk. You may obtain your license from any Texas County. The Bexar County Clerk's office is open Monday through Friday 8:00am - 5:00pm and is located at 100 Dolorosa Suite #104 San Antonio, Texas 78205 Office: (210) 335-2216 Fax: (210) 335-2197.

A marriage license is valid only for a period of 30 days from the date of purchase. There is a mandatory waiting period of 72 hours from the time a marriage license is purchased until the time the wedding ceremony can legally be performed. Make sure to purchase your marriage license a minimum of 3 days prior to your wedding date, and no sooner than 30 days prior to your wedding date. Under certain situations you can apply for exemption from the mandatory 72 hour waiting period, however this must be by signed order of the Judge. 

ID Requirement: Certified copy of birth certificate; or valid driver's license or other acceptable I.D. issued by the state, another state, the United States, or a foreign government.

•  Either bring your Social Security card or know your Social Security number.

•  If you want to use your maiden name on the license bring a certified copy of your birth certificate or a certified copy of your divorce decree that states name is to be changed to maiden name.

Residency Requirement: Do not have to be a resident of Texas.

If previously married: If your divorce was finalized within 30 days, bring certified copy of the divorce decree stating the 30 day waiting period is waived.

Application Requirement: Both parties must appear, together or separately, to apply. (Portions of the application process may be completed by absentee application if one party is unable to appear in person).

Fees: $36+ - Cash Only.

Waiting Period: Marriage licenses have a 72 hour waiting period -- unless waived due to active duty military status.

Blood Tests: No blood test requirement.

Under 18: If either party is under the age of 18, they must be accompanied by parents.

•  If under the age of 16, Tennessee law requires that the couple receives a court order before being allowed to marry.

Proxy Marriages: Yes.

Common Law Marriage: Yes.

Cousin Marriage: No.

Same Sex Marriage: No.

Officiants: All regular ministers of the gospel of every denomination, and Jewish rabbis, more than 18 years of age, having the care of souls may perform marriages. Ministers must endorse the marriage license and return it to the clerk of the county court within three days after the marriage.

Valid: License is valid for 30 days.
The license can only be used within the State of Texas.

Please Note: As of September 1995 Texas Law requires that a notorized statement pertaining to child support be submitted by all marriage license applicants. This form may be obtained at the same time you apply for your marriage license. It must be signed and completed in the presence of two witnesses and a notary public. No applications can be processed without the proper submission of this statement.

Miscellaneous: State and county marriage license requirements often change. The above information is for guidance only and should not be regarded as legal advice.

Your wedding officiant or wedding minister is the single most important service provider you will hire for your wedding day. Without the services of a qualified officiant all your hard work and planning for your wedding can come to an abrupt halt. It is important to reserve your officiant as early as possible, occasionally officiants are available on short notice, however, most wedding officiants schedules fill up quickly and many dates are reserved by as much as a year or more in advance. Contact your officiant early on to avoid a potential wedding planning headache later.

Social Security - Complete Social Security Administration Form SS-5 (this link requires the free Adobe Acrobat Reader)and either mail it or take it to your nearest Social Security office. Include a certifed copy of your marriage record (see below). There is no fee for filing Form SS-5. You should receive your new social security card within four weeks, and your social security number will not change. (For more information about changing your social security records, click here.)

Driver's License - Bring your driver's license, social security card and a certified copy of your marriage record the Department of Motor Vehicles office nearest you.

Voter Registration - Notify your local Registrar's Office of your name change.

Other - Don't forget to notify other agencies, businesses and associates that your name has changed.