Created by FindLaw's team of legal writers and editors | Last reviewed March 28, 2018
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All but three states require individuals to be of a certain age in order to get married, although these laws typically allow minors with extenuating circumstances to tie the knot. For instance, minors (in most cases) can seek court approval for a marriage license if there is a pregnancy or a child involved. Marriage age limits are intended to protect young people from being coerced into marriage, but also to ensure that individuals have the maturity required for such a commitment.
Texas law permits individuals who have reached the age of majority (18) to get married without parental consent. However, those 14 and older may get married with the consent of their parents or legal guardians. In those instances, consent must be given within 30 days prior to applying for a marriage license.
In order to apply for a marriage license in Texas, visit your corresponding county clerk's office. You will be asked for a valid, government-issued picture I.D. and will be required to pay $71 (or $11 for couples who attend the state-approved marriage education class). The websites for select Texas counties are listed below:
Marriage rarely requires the help of a lawyer, unless there are unusual circumstances involved. And if you plan to sign a prenuptial agreement, it is a good idea to consult an attorney first.
Learn about the basics of Texas marriage age requirements in the following table, with links to related materials. See Marriage Requirements Basics: Consent, Age, and Capacity for more information, and check FindLaw's extensive Marriage Law section for more articles and resources.
| Code Section | §2.102 §2.101, 2.103 |
| Minimum Legal Age With Parental Consent | Male: 14; Female: 14; (consent must be given during 30 day period immediately preceding the date of application for license) |
| Minimum Legal Age Without Parental Consent | Male: 18; Female: 18 |
| Comments | Minors under 18 can petition court in his own name for permission to marry |
Note: State laws are constantly changing -- contact a Texas family law attorney or conduct your own legal research to verify the state law(s) you are researching.
Texas marriage age requirement laws are fairly straightforward, but every situation is unique. If you have additional questions or concerns about this or any other family-related issue, you may need to consult with a local attorney. Get a head start today by meeting with a Texas family law attorney near you.
Meeting with a lawyer can help you understand your options and how to best protect your rights. Visit our attorney directory to find a lawyer near you who can help.
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