How to Officiate a Wedding in Fort Worth, Texas

Fort Worth is prime wedding territory, with its rich history and culture, offering numerous art galleries and halls where large galas are thrown. The city has unique venues to choose from, offering creative ways to tie the knot. Even though its roots are deep in the ranch-style, it is a great place to throw that lasso and draw in your loved one. 

For ministers, the process is straight forward, letting you focus on creating a memorable and meaningful ceremony. 

Learn how to tie the knot the right way. We’ll walk you through getting ordained, submitting your marriage license, and getting everything squared away before the big day. You should only need to focus on the cool details, not the drawn out legal research part. That’s our job.

Step 1: Get Ordained with the American Marriage Ministries 

According to Texas state law, the following are the only ones that are legally able to officiate a marriage:

• Licensed or ordained minister or priest 
• Jewish rabbi
• Officer of a religious organization  
• Justice of the peace, retired judge or justice, judges from numerous courts

Not ordained yet? Click here and get the process started. You may have to show proof and paperwork that certifies and verifies that you’re legally able to perform weddings in the state of Texas. If you got ordained through AMM, it’s easy to get an official copy of our ordination certificate, which never expires, and can be used as often as needed. 

Step 2: Prepare for the Ceremony in Tarrant County

Now that we’ve taken care of the certification part; it’s time to prepare to officiate the wedding. Being asked to officiate a wedding is a great honor, and you should do everything you can to deliver a memorable ceremony. 

Our wedding officiant training offers tips on getting it right, as well as information and guides that can help you reduce your anxiety about officiating, especially if this is your first wedding. Find scripts to practice and get inspired by, training materials, and more; so you are prepared when the big day comes. 

Step 3: Officiate the Wedding and Complete the Marriage License

Check to make sure that the couple has the necessary marriage license because once you sign it, it is a legal document. That means, check that all the names and dates are correct. 

Once signed, your job is done and the couple takes care of the rest!

File for the Marriage License from the Tarrant County Clerk’s Office

The couple is responsible for registering and obtaining the marriage license. 

An online application can be started online here. In order to obtain the license, both parties have to show up in person at the office located at 100 W. Weatherford or 100 E. Weatherford. 

Remember to bring these items when you go to apply for the license:

• Photo ID and proof of identification (driver’s license, passport, state ID, military ID, etc.)
• Social security numbers 
• Information on your parents, such as names, addresses, place of work, etc. 
• $75 in cash, or $100 in cash for out of state residents

The Basics

Fort Worth is a beautiful place, and people come from neighboring towns and cities to attend events. If you’re planning your special day here, it is important to check the local calendar to see what is happening during the weekday or weekend you’d like to use. Some of the more popular events include the Armed Forces Bowl, Stock Show and Rodeo, Mayfest, and the Lone Star Film Festival. 

Of course, selecting the venue is a huge part of planning any ceremony. There are many places to choose from, each offering something different. The beautiful barn at Country Memories is open for everyone to use when they want something different from what they’re normally used to. If you’d like to be married in a chapel in the countryside, then perhaps the Rose Chapel is the right spot to tie the knot.

Wherever you choose to get married, we’re confident that Fort Worth has a venue that works for you. 

Weather

Texas is known for its heat, and if you want a wedding to remember, then make sure your guests dress appropriately. Luckily, the area doesn’t get much rain, so you don’t have to worry about rainstorms passing through very often. It’s the heat that you want to be aware of, especially if you’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.

Transportation

There are a number of ways to get around town. With local bus systems, Lyft, Uber, and local highways; guests should be 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.