South Padre Island Photography

Getting a Marriage License for a South Padre Island Wedding.

Cameron County Courthouse
Phone:956-544-0817

Where do you get a Marriage License?
A couple that intends to be married in Texas must apply in person for a marriage license at a Texas County Clerk’s Office. The application for a license must be signed by both the bride and the groom in the presence of the County Clerk. If this is not possible, any adult or one of the applicants may apply on behalf of the absent applicant. Certain terms must be met:

1. Applications must be filled out with Social Security numbers, proof of age, and identification shown (Certified Birth Certificate or Driver’s License)
2. A filing fee of $41.00 dollars in cash will be charged

How long must I wait between the time I get my License and the actual ceremony?
There must be at least 72 hours between the time of issuance of a license and the time the ceremony occurs unless one applicant is on active duty in the armed forces or a waiver is granted. A marriage license is valid for only 30 days, so with the 72 hour waiting period, there is only a 27 day period in which the marriage ceremony can take place.

What if I am under the age of 18? Can I still get married?
If you are 14 – 17 years of age, you can only get married if one of the following criteria is met:
(A) You have parental consent**
(B) You have been previously legally married, and the applicant provides a certified copy of divorce decree
(C) You obtain an order from the Texas District court where the parent resides
** Parental Consent must be evidenced by a written declaration on a form provided by the County Clerk.


Legal Requirements
Couples are responsible for obtaining a valid marriage license from the State of Texas, with both the bride and groom present. There is a 72-hour waiting period from the time the license is issued. Texas does not require blood tests or other medical records. License is good for 31 days, anywhere in Texas. Check with your home state about its requirements for a blood test, license, and other documents. (Note that a marriage license from your home state may not be valid for a ceremony performed in another state, territory or country. A marriage performed in another state may not be recognized by your home state, unless specific requirements are met.)

	Bring identification (each person): 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.
	Bring cash for the license fee ($30 to $40).
	Both bride and groom must go in person. If your divorce was finalized within 30 days, bring certified copy of the divorce decree stating the 30 day waiting period is waived.
	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.
	The bride and groom must each be 18 years of age to apply for a marriage license without parental consent.
	There are no residency requirements. The marriage license is valid anywhere in the state of Texas.
	A Divorce degree or death certificate is not required, but a license cannot be obtained before 30 days have passed since a divorce or death.
	License must be signed by the wedding officiate, as well as by witnesses. You'll need copies to change your marital status with insurance companies, the Internal Revenue Service, financial institutions and Social Security.

Special assistance for out of state couples may be obtained by calling the Cameron County Court house 956-544-0817 ask for Erica.