Full question:
I live in Texas. I got a marriage license from the authority today. I would like to conduct the marriage ceremony tomorrow. Is it permissible under Texas law to conduct the marriage ceremony soon after the marriage license is obtained?
- Category: Marriage
- Subcategory: License
- Date:
- State: Texas
Answer:
In Texas, there is a 72-hour waiting period after a marriage license is issued before you can conduct the marriage ceremony. If the ceremony occurs within this period, it may be annulled (Tex. Fam. Code § 6.110). However, there are exceptions: 1. Members of the armed forces on active duty are exempt from the waiting period. 2. Individuals who work for the U.S. Department of Defense may also qualify for an exemption. 3. You can obtain a waiver from a District Judge if you have good cause. 4. Completing a premarital education course may also allow you to bypass the waiting period, provided you submit a completion certificate to the county clerk. Therefore, unless you meet one of these exceptions, you cannot conduct your marriage ceremony until after the 72-hour waiting period.This content is for informational purposes only and is not legal advice. Legal statutes mentioned reflect the law at the time the content was written and may no longer be current. Always verify the latest version of the law before relying on it.