{"id":6752,"name":"Austin","state_id":55,"county_id":2877,"created_at":"2019-08-20T10:33:39.884-07:00","updated_at":"2026-08-11T14:02:50.146-07:00","meta_description":"Learn how to perform weddings in Austin Texas as an AMM Minister","head_tag":"A guide to officiating weddings and getting married in Austin, Texas","tagline":"Wonderful Weddings Weird City","intro_section":"\u003cp\u003eIf you\u0026rsquo;re planning to \u003cstrong\u003eget married in\u0026nbsp;Austin, Texas\u003c/strong\u003e, or were asked to \u003cstrong\u003eofficiate a friend\u0026#39;s wedding there\u003c/strong\u003e -- you\u0026#39;ve come to the right place for information on how to make it happen! And we couldn\u0026#39;t be more excited about your Austin wedding, after all, this city has it all. Southern charm? Check. Hipster coffee shops? Check. Amazing barbeque? Nude beach? Junk museum?\u0026nbsp;Uh\u0026hellip; check, check, check. (There\u0026rsquo;s a reason the city\u0026rsquo;s slogan is \u0026ldquo;Keep Austin Weird.\u0026quot;)\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\u003e, including tips on writing a wedding ceremony script and signing the marriage license correctly.\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cbr /\u003e\r\nThen, we turn our attention to the lovebirds \u0026ndash; with advice on\u003cstrong\u003e getting a marriage license in Texas\u003c/strong\u003e, a list of popular wedding venues in Austin and surrounding areas to help you plan the perfect day, and more.\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cbr /\u003e\r\nReady to get started? Let\u0026rsquo;s get the legal and logistical parts out of the way first.\u003c/p\u003e\r\n","officiant_section":"\u003ch3\u003eStep\u0026nbsp;1: Get Ordained with American Marriage Ministries\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 perform weddings in Texas is to first become an ordained minister online, through a reputable church like\u0026nbsp;\u003cstrong\u003eAmerican Marriage Ministries (AMM).\u0026nbsp;\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\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\nUnder this law, ministers ordained online with American Marriage Ministries have the legal authority to perform weddings anywhere in the State of Texas \u0026ndash; including Austin and surrounding areas.\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cbr /\u003e\r\n\u003cstrong\u003eNo additional registration or confirmation is needed, however\u0026nbsp;\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 Travis County 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\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003ch3\u003eStep\u0026nbsp;2: Prepare for the Wedding Ceremony in Travis County\u003c/h3\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003eNow that this important legal step\u0026nbsp;is out of the way, we can help you prepare for the wedding ceremony itself.\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003eBeing asked to officiate a ceremony is an honor, but it can feel like a lot of pressure for first-time officiants. Take advantange of our\u0026nbsp;\u003ca href=\"https://theamm.org/officiant-training\"\u003ewedding officiant training pages\u003c/a\u003e\u0026nbsp;to master the basics of officiating.\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003eThen, dive into the rest of our helpful resources to personalize the ceremony, practice your delivery, and gain confidence before the wedding day:\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cul\u003e\r\n\t\u003cli\u003e\u003ca href=\"https://theamm.org/articles/2897-the-ultimate-guide-for-first-time-wedding-officiants-all-our-best-resources-in-o\"\u003eThe Ultimate Guide for First-Time Wedding Officiants: All Our Best Resources in One Place!\u003c/a\u003e\u003c/li\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\u0026nbsp;\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\u003cp\u003eThe resources linked above include everything from sample wedding ceremony scripts, to brainstorming prompts, advice on public speaking and how to collaborate with the couple, and more. The fact that you\u0026#39;re here, doing your research bodes well for the wedding day -- and as always, practice makes perfect!\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003ch3\u003eStep\u0026nbsp;3: Officiate the Wedding and Complete the Texas Marriage License\u003c/h3\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003eOfficiate the Wedding:\u0026nbsp;\u003cbr /\u003e\r\n\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAs the wedding officiant, it\u0026#39;s important to verify that the marriage license is valid before the wedding ceremony starts.\u0026nbsp;\u003c/strong\u003eFirst, confirm the couple\u0026rsquo;s identities: make sure the names on their IDs match the names on the license. Then,\u0026nbsp;make sure that Texas\u0026#39;s mandatory\u0026nbsp;three\u0026nbsp;\u003ca href=\"https://theamm.org/officiant-training/marriage-license-waiting-period-expiration-and-return\"\u003e(3) day marriage \u0026ldquo;waiting period\u003c/a\u003e.\u0026quot; This waiting period may be waived if the couple completes an approved\u0026nbsp;\u003ca href=\"https://twogetherintexas.com/UI/Faq.aspx\" target=\"_blank\"\u003eTwogether in Texas\u003c/a\u003e premarital education class, however.\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cbr /\u003e\r\nIf the paperwork looks good, you\u0026#39;re free to perform a beautiful, meaningful wedding, elopement, or license-signing ceremony!\u0026nbsp;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\u0026nbsp;declaration of intent\u003c/a\u003e, and pronounce them married. \u0026nbsp;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:\u0026nbsp;\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\u003eAfter the wedding ceremony, 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\u0026nbsp;\u003cstrong\u003ewithin 30 days of the wedding ceremony. It is the officiant\u0026#39;s responsibility to return the marriage license in Texas.\u0026nbsp;\u003c/strong\u003e(TFC\u003ca href=\"https://theamm.org/marriage-laws/texas/92\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\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\u003cp\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cul\u003e\r\n\t\u003cli\u003eGeneral Advice:\u0026nbsp;\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:\u0026nbsp;\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\u003eLet the newlyweds\u0026nbsp;know that they will receive a copy of the submitted license in about 1-2 weeks after you return it. If they don\u0026#39;t get their copy in the mail after a few weeks, they should contact the clerk\u0026#39;s office in the county where the license was returned.\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003eOnce the license is returned, you\u0026#39;ve done your job! Congratulations!\u003c/p\u003e\r\n","couple_section":"\u003ch3\u003eApply for a Marriage License in Austin, Texas (The Travis County Clerk\u0026nbsp;Office)\u003c/h3\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003eTo obtain your marriage license, you can \u003ca href=\"http://tccsearch.org/Marriage/MarriageApplication.aspx?type=PUBLIC\u0026amp;lang=ENU\"\u003estart the process online here\u003c/a\u003e. Both members of the couple will have to visit the county clerk\u0026#39;s office in person to complete the application process.\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003ch4\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eTexas Marriage License Requirements (per \u003ca href=\"https://countyclerk.traviscountytx.gov/departments/recording/marriage-license/\" target=\"_blank\"\u003eTravis County Clerk\u003c/a\u003e):\u0026nbsp;\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/h4\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cul\u003e\r\n\t\u003cli\u003eComplete a\u0026nbsp;\u003ca href=\"https://www.tccsearch.org/Marriage/MarriageApplication.aspx\" rel=\"noopener\" target=\"_blank\"\u003eTexas marriage license application online\u003c/a\u003e\u0026nbsp;or in person at the office;\u003c/li\u003e\r\n\t\u003cli\u003eBoth parties must appear together at the county clerk\u0026rsquo;s office to complete the application process;\u0026nbsp;\u003c/li\u003e\r\n\t\u003cli\u003eProvide a proof of identity using documents approved by state law,\u0026nbsp;\u003ca href=\"https://statutes.capitol.texas.gov/Docs/FA/htm/FA.2.htm\" rel=\"noopener\" target=\"_blank\"\u003eSee list\u003c/a\u003e;\u003c/li\u003e\r\n\t\u003cli\u003eNot be divorced within the last 30 days (or provide a waiver);\u003c/li\u003e\r\n\t\u003cli\u003eNot presently married to someone other than the other applicant;\u003c/li\u003e\r\n\t\u003cli\u003eNot related to the other applicant;\u003c/li\u003e\r\n\t\u003cli\u003eBe 18 years or older to obtain a marriage license.\u0026nbsp;\u003cstrong\u003eEffective September 1, 2017\u003c/strong\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e,\u0026nbsp;\u003c/strong\u003eTexas Family Code 2.003 states, A person under the age of 18 years of age may not marry unless the person has been granted by this state or another state a court order removing the disabilities of minority of the person for general purposes.\u003c/li\u003e\r\n\u003c/ul\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003eTo get a marriage license discount in Texas and skip the 3-day waiting period to marry, take the\u0026nbsp;county\u0026rsquo;s \u0026ldquo;\u003ca href=\"http://www.twogetherintexas.com/\"\u003eTwogether in Texas\u003c/a\u003e\u0026rdquo; premarital education class. Completed an approved class can save you up to $60 and three days of waiting!\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\u003eAustinites like their festivals, so when you\u0026rsquo;re planning your wedding, try to choose a day where a major event isn\u0026rsquo;t happening near your venue. For instance, the highly attended film and music festival South by Southwest (SXSW) take place in March. It draws in more than 150,000 people. You\u0026rsquo;ll want to avoid the higher hotel prices and traffic that come with the crowds. You can find a list of the city\u0026rsquo;s major annual events \u003ca href=\"https://www.tripsavvy.com/top-annual-events-in-austin-texas-4582569\"\u003ehere\u003c/a\u003e.\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003eAs for wedding venues, whatever your vision, you\u0026rsquo;ll find it in Austin. The city has everything from old Victorian mansions to urban, minimalist spaces to old west-style ranches.\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\u003eThe bus and rail system in Austin Capital Metro is pretty decent, so if you\u0026rsquo;re from out of town and you\u0026rsquo;re just trying to get around in the city limits, you may want to utilize it. Lyft and Uber are also good options if you want to avoid renting a car.\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\u003eAustin may be weird, but it\u0026rsquo;s still Texas. Summers are long and hot, and the city typically gets about 16 days in which temps rise of 100 degrees. During the summer, you\u0026rsquo;ll be grateful you rented a venue with A/C. If you\u0026rsquo;re planning an outdoor wedding, spring and fall are ideal.\u003c/p\u003e\r\n","faq":"\u003ch4\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCan you get married the same day that you apply for a marriage license in Austin, Texas?\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/h4\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003eIn general, no, there is a mandatory three (3) day waiting period in Texas (72 hours). However, active duty military members and couples who complete an approved\u0026nbsp;\u0026ldquo;\u003ca href=\"http://www.twogetherintexas.com/\"\u003eTwogether in Texas\u003c/a\u003e\u0026rdquo; premarital education class may qualify for a waiting period waiver, allowing them to marry the same day the marriage license is issued. Ask your clerk for more details.\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003ch4\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eDo I need witness for signing the marriage license in Texas?\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/h4\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003eTexas does not require a witness to sign the marriage license. That said, some wedding license still have a space on the license for witness to sign if you would like.\u003c/p\u003e\r\n","content_live":true,"marriage_licensing_info":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eIssuance Offices:\u0026nbsp;\u003cbr /\u003e\r\nMain Location:\u0026nbsp;\u003c/strong\u003e\u003cbr /\u003e\r\nTravis County Civil \u0026amp; Family Courts Facility\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003e1700 Guadalupe St.\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003e4th Floor, Ste 4.300\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003eAustin, Texas 78701\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eSecondary Location (call first to confirm):\u003c/strong\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003eRay Martinez Office Building, Pct 4 Substation\u003cbr /\u003e\r\n4011 Mckinney Falls Pkwy Ste 1200\u003cbr /\u003e\r\nAustin, Texas 78744\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cbr /\u003e\r\n\u003cstrong\u003eFee:\u003c/strong\u003e $21-81\u0026nbsp;\u003cbr /\u003e\r\n\u003cstrong\u003eWaiting Period: \u003c/strong\u003e72 Hours\u003cbr /\u003e\r\n\u003cstrong\u003eExpiration:\u003c/strong\u003e 90 Days\u003cbr /\u003e\r\n\u003cstrong\u003eReturn: \u003c/strong\u003eBy Officiant within 30 Days of the 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":""}