Getting married is one of the most life-changing decisions that you will make. After you've decided that you're ready to walk down the aisle, there are some practical legal considerations to keep in mind. Regardless of where you marry in the country, each state has its own requirements for getting married. This includes specific age, consent, and capacity requirements, in addition to additional steps that you must take to make your marriage valid.
Texas Marriage Laws at a Glance
Although an attorney's contributions are preferable when you must know every facet of the law, a plain language explanation is a great starting place. See the chart below for a brief overview of marriage laws in Texas.
Statutes |
|
Validity of Marriage |
Age Requirements In Texas, you must be at least 18 to marry without consent; persons that are over age 16, but under 18 must obtain consent to marry. All states including Texas have specific marriage license requirements. Marriage Licenses
72 Hour Waiting Period You must wait 72 hours after getting the license to marry unless the following conditions apply:
|
Marriage Ceremony |
The following persons are authorized to conduct a valid marriage ceremony in Texas:
Penalties for Committing Unauthorized Marriage Ceremony
Marriage Ceremony by Proxy A proxy marriage is only allowed if the absent party is:
Prohibition of Discrimination An authorized person conducting a marriage ceremony cannot discriminate based on race, religion, or national origin against an applicant who is otherwise competent to be married. Although the statute doesn't address sexual orientation, same sex marriage is legal in all states including Texas. |
Note: State laws are always subject to change through the passage of new legislation, rulings in the higher courts (including federal decisions), ballot initiatives, and other means. While we strive to provide the most current information available, please consult an attorney or conduct your own legal research to verify the state law(s) you are researching.
Related Resources for Texas Marriage Laws:
Have Questions about Texas Marriage Laws? Contact an Attorney
If you're getting ready to take the next step towards matrimony, then you might have questions about the law. Talking to an experienced attorney can address your concerns so that you can concentrate on your future. Contact a Texas family law attorney located near you to learn more.
Contact a qualified attorney.