{"id":5114,"name":"Arlington","state_id":55,"county_id":2870,"created_at":"2019-08-20T10:33:11.910-07:00","updated_at":"2026-08-12T13:39:20.891-07:00","meta_description":"Learn about officiating weddings and planning wedding ceremonies in Arlington, Tarrant County Texas, For couples, wedding officiants, and family members looking for tips and inspiration.","head_tag":"An Arlington Texas Wedding Planning Guide for Couples and Ministers","tagline":"Agg-Town Wedding Planning Tips","intro_section":"\u003cp\u003eSo, you\u0026rsquo;ve been asked to officiate a wedding in Arlington, Texas, or maybe your sweetheart just proposed and now you\u0026rsquo;re planning a wedding in Arlington! Whichever happy event has brought you to this page, congratulations! A great wedding\u0026nbsp;starts with a knowledgeable officiant, an imaginative couple, and lots of love -- and AMM\u0026#39;s here to help you bring these elements together for a one-of-a-kind celebration!\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003eFirst, we\u0026#39;ll show you \u003cstrong\u003ehow to become a wedding officiant in Texas, \u003c/strong\u003eincluding tips on how to write your first wedding script, deliver the ceremony in front of guests, and return the marriage license on time.\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003eThen, we\u0026#39;ll show you \u003cstrong\u003ehow to apply for a marriage license in Tarrant County\u003c/strong\u003e and other\u0026nbsp;helpful advice on planning a wedding in Arlington.\u0026nbsp;Located in the sweet spot between Dallas and Fort Worth, the City of Arlington is close to everything this bustling metro area has to offer. We recommend you take advantage of the city\u0026#39;s incredible\u0026nbsp;arts and culture, fine dining and nightlife, nature beauty, and historical sites as you choose your wedding venue.\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003eBut first, let\u0026#39;s get the legal and logistical items out of the way, starting with online ordination for wedding officiants.\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\r\n","officiant_section":"\u003ch3\u003eStep 1: Get Ordained with the American Marriage Ministries\u0026nbsp;\u003c/h3\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003eFor many people, the easiest and most affordable way to become a wedding officiant in Texas is through online minister ordination with a reputable church like \u003cstrong\u003eAmerican Marriage Ministries (AMM). \u003c/strong\u003eOnce you\u0026rsquo;ve been ordained with AMM, you meet the legal requirements for performing weddings in Texas. Just click the link below to get started \u0026ndash; it only takes a minute or two.\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cul\u003e\r\n\t\u003cli\u003e\u003ca href=\"https://theamm.org/weddings-by-state/texas/get-ordained\"\u003eGET ORDAINED WITH AMM IN TEXAS\u003c/a\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/li\u003e\r\n\u003c/ul\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003ch3\u003eWho can officiate a wedding in Texas?\u003c/h3\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cbr /\u003e\r\nAccording to Texas marriage laws, the following people may officiate weddings and sign the marriage license, (1) a licensed or ordained Christian minister or priest; (2) a Jewish rabbi; (3) a person who is an officer of a religious organization and who is authorized by the organization to conduct a marriage ceremony; and (4) Judges\u0026hellip; (\u003ca href=\"https://theamm.org/marriage-laws/texas/88\"\u003eTexas Family Code \u0026sect;2.202\u003c/a\u003e)\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cbr /\u003e\r\nAs you can see, this includes ministers ordained with American Marriage Ministries. AMM Ministers have the legal authority to perform weddings anywhere in Texas,\u0026nbsp;including within the vibrant\u0026nbsp;Dallas\u0026ndash;Fort Worth\u0026ndash;Arlington metro area.\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003ef\u003cbr /\u003e\r\n\u003cstrong\u003eNo additional registration or confirmation is needed, however \u003c/strong\u003ewe do recommend that all ministers order official copies of their ordination certificate and ministry credentials. These documents can be useful to have in case government officials, wedding couples, and other wedding professionals ask to see them.\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cul\u003e\r\n\t\u003cli\u003e\u003ca href=\"https://theamm.org/store#credentials\"\u003eORDER YOUR TEXAS MINISTER ORDINATION PACKAGE\u003c/a\u003e\u0026nbsp;(0 UN\u0026nbsp;\u003ca href=\"https://theamm.org/store/products/minister-ordination-package-en-espanol\"\u003eAMM\u0026nbsp;PAQUETE DE ORDENACION MINISTERIAL, EN ESPA\u0026Ntilde;OL\u003c/a\u003e)\u0026nbsp;\u003c/li\u003e\r\n\u003c/ul\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cbr /\u003e\r\n(And if you want to officiate a wedding in neighboring Arkansas or Louisiana in the future, where registration is required, you will need to file credentials in those states before the ceremony.)\u003cbr /\u003e\r\n\u0026nbsp;\u003cbr /\u003e\r\nSo go on ahead and fill out the online ordination application now \u0026ndash; then head on back for tips on preparing for the wedding! \u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003ch3\u003eStep 2: Prepare for the Wedding in Arlington, Texas\u003c/h3\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003eAfter completing the simple online ordination process,\u0026nbsp;it\u0026rsquo;s time to prepare for your first time performing a wedding ceremony!\u0026nbsp;Being asked to officiate a wedding is a great honor, and we have everything you need to prepare for a memorable ceremony.\u0026nbsp; Start with AMM\u0026rsquo;s \u003ca href=\"https://theamm.org/officiant-training\"\u003ewedding officiant training pages\u003c/a\u003e\u0026nbsp;to learn the basics, then dive into these additional resources to write your script, collaborate with the couple, fine-tune your public speaking skills, and sign the marriage license with confidence:\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cul\u003e\r\n\t\u003cli\u003e\u003ca href=\"https://theamm.org/ceremony-scripts\"\u003eAMM\u0026#39;s Wedding Ceremony Script Library\u003c/a\u003e\u0026nbsp;(100s of sample wedding officiant scripts)\u003c/li\u003e\r\n\t\u003cli\u003e\u003ca href=\"https://theamm.org/officiant-training\"\u003eWedding Officiant Training\u003c/a\u003e\u0026nbsp;(Free training guides)\u003c/li\u003e\r\n\t\u003cli\u003e\u003ca href=\"https://theamm.org/blog\"\u003eAMM\u0026#39;s American Weddings Blog\u0026nbsp;\u003c/a\u003e(thousands of helpful articles,\u0026nbsp;incluidos \u003ca href=\"https://theamm.org/articles/tags/espanol#begin\"\u003emuchos art\u0026iacute;culos en espa\u0026ntilde;ol\u003c/a\u003e)\u003c/li\u003e\r\n\t\u003cli\u003e\u003ca href=\"https://theamm.org/articles/2848-the-ultimate-guide-to-wedding-unity-ceremony-ideas-all-in-one-resource\"\u003eThe Ultimate Guide to Wedding Unity Ceremony Ideas: All-In-One Resource\u003c/a\u003e\u003c/li\u003e\r\n\t\u003cli\u003e\u003ca href=\"https://theamm.org/store/products/asked-to-officiate\"\u003eAsked To Officiate: Your Complete Guide to a Perfect Ceremony\u0026nbsp;\u003c/a\u003e(wedding officiant guide book)\u003c/li\u003e\r\n\t\u003cli\u003e\u003ca href=\"https://theamm.org/store/products/the-book-of-wedding-vows-and-ceremonies\"\u003eThe Book of Wedding Vows and Ceremonies\u0026nbsp;\u003c/a\u003e(printed collection of ceremony scripts)\u003c/li\u003e\r\n\t\u003cli\u003e\u003ca href=\"https://theamm.org/store/products/amm-manual-de-ministro\"\u003eAMM Manual de ministro (espa\u0026ntilde;ol)\u003c/a\u003e\u003c/li\u003e\r\n\u003c/ul\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003ch3\u003eStep 3: Officiate the Wedding \u0026amp; Complete the Texas Marriage License\u003c/h3\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eBefore the wedding, \u003c/strong\u003etake a look at the marriage license to confirm the couple\u0026#39;s identities and that the date on the form is still valid. Make sure the mandatory 3-day waiting period has passed, and that the license hasn\u0026#39;t expired. If the couple participated in an approved \u003ca href=\"https://twogetherintexas.com/\" target=\"_blank\"\u003eTwogether in Texas \u003c/a\u003epremarital education class, or are active-duty members of the U.S. armed forces, the waiting period may be waived (TFC\u0026nbsp;\u003ca href=\"https://theamm.org/marriage-laws/texas/90\"\u003e\u0026sect; 2.204\u003c/a\u003e).\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003eOnce these legal steps are completed, you\u0026rsquo;re free to perform a beautiful, meaningful wedding, elopement, or license-signing ceremony!\u0026nbsp;Remember to take your time, don\u0026rsquo;t rush, and keep your attention on the couple. Don\u0026rsquo;t forget to guide them through the\u003ca href=\"https://theamm.org/officiant-training/ceremony-parts/the-declaration-of-intent\"\u003e declaration of intent\u003c/a\u003e, and pronounce them married. You will do a wonderful job!\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cul\u003e\r\n\t\u003cli\u003eLearn more about the parts of a wedding ceremony in AMM\u0026rsquo;s Officiant Training Pages: \u003ca href=\"https://theamm.org/officiant-training/ceremony-parts\"\u003eWedding Ceremony Parts\u003c/a\u003e\u003c/li\u003e\r\n\u003c/ul\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003ch3\u003eWhat to do with marriage license after a wedding in Texas\u003c/h3\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAfter the wedding ceremony,\u003c/strong\u003e you must complete and sign the officiant\u0026rsquo;s portion of the marriage license. Then, return it to the same\u0026nbsp;clerk\u0026rsquo;s office that issued it \u003cstrong\u003ewithin 30 days of the wedding ceremony. It is the officiant\u0026#39;s responsibility to return the marriage license in Texas. \u003c/strong\u003e(TFC\u003ca href=\"https://theamm.org/marriage-laws/texas/92\"\u003e \u0026sect; 2.206\u003c/a\u003e)\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cbr /\u003e\r\nWe have two great resources to help you with this responsibility, which are linked below. However, we strongly recommend contacting the local clerk\u0026rsquo;s office with specific questions \u0026ndash; clerks are generally friendly folks and will be happy to answer any questions you have for your unique circumstance.\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cul\u003e\r\n\t\u003cli\u003eGeneral Advice: \u003ca href=\"https://theamm.org/officiant-training/how-to-fill-out-a-marriage-license\"\u003eWedding Officiant Guidelines for Completing Marriage Licenses.\u003c/a\u003e\u003c/li\u003e\r\n\t\u003cli\u003eState-Specific Advice: \u003ca href=\"https://theamm.org/articles/2761-how-to-fill-out-a-texas-marriage-license-with-examples-faqs\"\u003eHow to Fill out a Texas Marriage License with Examples \u0026amp; FAQs\u003c/a\u003e\u003c/li\u003e\r\n\u003c/ul\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003eAfter the completed license is received by the County Clerk\u0026rsquo;s office, a copy of the marriage license can take anywhere from 1-2 weeks to be sent to the couple. If the couple does not\u0026nbsp;receive a copy of their license within a few weeks of filing, please ask them to contact the County Clerk\u0026rsquo;s Office directly.\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\r\n","couple_section":"\u003cp\u003eFor a standard wedding, you will need to file for your formal marriage license. The requirements are:\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cul style=\"margin-left: 40px;\"\u003e\r\n\t\u003cli\u003eBoth parties must appear in person.\u003c/li\u003e\r\n\t\u003cli\u003eBoth parties must be at least 18 years of age.\u003c/li\u003e\r\n\t\u003cli\u003eMust have a valid, government-issued picture identification.\u0026nbsp;\u003c/li\u003e\r\n\t\u003cli\u003eSocial Security number.\u003c/li\u003e\r\n\u003c/ul\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cbr /\u003e\r\nLicensing office:\u003cbr /\u003e\r\n\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003eTarrant County Clerk\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003e200 Taylor Street, Suite 301\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003eFort Worth, TX 76196\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003eA formal marriage license can be obtained from any county in Texas and the marriage can be performed anywhere.\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003eThere is a 72-hour waiting period after the license is issued before the marriage ceremony can take place. The 72-hour waiting period can be waived by meeting one of three criteria.\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003col style=\"margin-left: 40px;\"\u003e\r\n\t\u003cli\u003eOne or both of the couple are members of the armed forces of the United States and on active duty.\u003c/li\u003e\r\n\t\u003cli\u003eThe applicant obtains a 72-hour waiver signed by a District Judge.\u003c/li\u003e\r\n\t\u003cli\u003eApplicants possess a valid Twogether in Texas Certificate. Certificate must be shown to the person who performs the ceremony.\u003c/li\u003e\r\n\u003c/ol\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003eThe marriage must take place within 90 days from the date of issuance--no exceptions.\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cbr /\u003e\r\nThe fee is $75 cash, Visa, Mastercard, American Express or Discover. \u0026nbsp;The fee is $15 for couples who attend the State of Texas approved Marriage Education Class and present a valid Twogether in Texas Certificate.\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003ch3\u003eONLINE APPLICATIONS\u003c/h3\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003eMarriage license applications may be \u003ca href=\"https://countyfusion.tarrantcounty.com/countyweb/loginDisplay.action?countyname=TarrantTX\"\u003efilled out and saved online\u003c/a\u003e. However, applicants must appear in person to sign and purchase the marriage license.\u003c/p\u003e\r\n","wedding_tips":"\u003ch3\u003eThe Basics\u003c/h3\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003ePlanning a wedding in Arlington Texas can be overwhelming given the sheer volume of venues, wedding professionals, and seasonal factors. That said, our advice is to start well in advance and to look at local event calendars before locking in your date.\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003ch3\u003eWeather\u003c/h3\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003eTexas has a reputation for heat, and in the summers, Arlington can get downright hellish. Make sure your guests dress appropriately if you are planning an outdoor wedding during the summer months. Central Texas doesn\u0026rsquo;t get much rain, so you don\u0026rsquo;t have to worry about rainstorms passing through very often. It\u0026rsquo;s the heat that you want to be aware of, especially if you\u0026rsquo;re the outdoors type. Most venues come with A/C, so your guests and the bridal party should be comfortable during the ceremony and reception.\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003ch3\u003eTransportation\u003c/h3\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003eThere are a number of ways to get around town. With local bus systems, Lyft, Uber, and local highways; guests should able to make their way to the local of the wedding with ease. Traffic can get gnarly though, so be aware of congestion. If you need to move crowds, or want to step things up a bit, the bridal party may be more comfortable in limos, or large busses that cater to weddings.\u003c/p\u003e\r\n","faq":"\u003ch4\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCan I still apply for a marriage license in Arlington, TX if I live out of state?\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/h4\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003eYes, you\u0026rsquo;re able to do so, just bring the required documents and $100.\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003ch4\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eHow long do I have once I apply for the license to get married?\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/h4\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003eYou have up to 90 days to use the license before it expires once you apply and are provided with it.\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003ch4\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eDoes my identification have to have a photo on it?\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/h4\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003eYes, in order to verify your identity, the picture has to be on the ID. This can be on a driver\u0026rsquo;s license, passport, military ID, or other form of valid identification.\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003ch4\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eHow much does it cost to get a marriage license if I live in Arlington TX or the state of Texas?\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/h4\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003eIt is $75 for those that live in the state of Texas to apply for a marriage license.\u003cbr /\u003e\r\n\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\r\n","content_live":true,"marriage_licensing_info":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eIssuance Office:\u003c/strong\u003e Tarrant County Clerk, 200 Taylor Street, Suite 301, Fort Worth, TX 76196\u003cbr /\u003e\r\n\u003cstrong\u003eFee:\u003c/strong\u003e $75\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u003cbr /\u003e\r\n\u003cstrong\u003eWaiting Period: \u003c/strong\u003e72-hours\u0026nbsp;\u003cbr /\u003e\r\n\u003cstrong\u003eExpiration:\u003c/strong\u003e 90 days\u003cbr /\u003e\r\n\u003cstrong\u003eReturn: B\u003c/strong\u003ey Officiant within 30 days of wedding\u003c/p\u003e\r\n","meta_description_esp":null,"head_tag_esp":null,"tagline_esp":null,"intro_section_esp":"","officiant_section_esp":"","couple_section_esp":"","wedding_tips_esp":"","faq_esp":"","content_live_esp":false,"marriage_licensing_info_esp":""}