{"id":6163,"name":"Garland","state_id":55,"county_id":2707,"created_at":"2019-08-20T10:33:30.882-07:00","updated_at":"2023-11-11T06:39:53.303-08:00","meta_description":"Learn about officiating weddings and planning ceremonies in Garland, Texas.","head_tag":"A guide for officiating weddings and planning ceremonies in the Cowboy Hat Capital of Texas.","tagline":"Texas Wedding Made Here","intro_section":"\u003cp\u003eIf you live in the Dallas-Fort Worth area and you\u0026rsquo;re planning a wedding (or getting ready to officiate one!) then you\u0026rsquo;ve come to the right place. Locals already know that Garland is the perfect balance between small town and big city, managing to maintain its community feel without sacrificing on any of the amenities that Dallas\u0026nbsp;has to offer. That\u0026rsquo;s why we think it\u0026rsquo;s the perfect place to host a good, old fashioned Texas wedding!\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003eWe have all of the important info on how to get married in Garland, as well as how to get your officiant-of-choice legally ordained! So without further ado, let\u0026rsquo;s get into the guide!\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\u003eLet\u0026rsquo;s start with the ordainment process. According to Dallas County Clerk\u0026rsquo;s \u003ca href=\"https://www.dallascounty.org/government/county-clerk/marriage-license.php\"\u003ewebsite\u003c/a\u003e, any person who is an officer of a religious organization and is authorized by the organization to conduct a marriage ceremony may officiate a wedding.\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003eIf you do not fall into any of these categories, no sweat. You can get \u003ca href=\"/ordination-application\"\u003eordained with AMM\u003c/a\u003e to fall within the priest or minister category. The process is free and takes just a few minutes.\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003eWhen it comes time to perform your duties as the officiant, Dallas County may ask you to present documentation, which AMM provides for a fee. (You can call the county clerk\u0026rsquo;s office before you perform the ceremony to ask if they will require you to bring the certificate in person.)\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003ch3\u003eStep\u0026nbsp;2: Prepare for the Ceremony in Dallas County\u003c/h3\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003eNow that the easy part is out of the way, we can help you prepare for the wedding ceremony itself. Being asked to officiate a ceremony is an honor, but can feel like a lot of pressure. You will appreciate our wedding training pages, which are a library of information to help you prepare for your first ceremony and ensure that it goes smoothly.\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003eHere you can find everything from sample wedding ceremony scripts, to brainstorming prompts, tips for preparation, and more.\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 Marriage License\u003c/h3\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003eOn the day of the wedding, you have two jobs. First, to lead the ceremony, of course, but also to handle the marriage license. Make sure to help the couple fill it out and notarize it correctly.\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003eThen, it\u0026rsquo;s your job as the officiant to return the license to the Dallas County clerk\u0026rsquo;s office no later than 30 days after the date of the ceremony.\u003c/p\u003e\r\n","couple_section":"\u003cp\u003eNow let\u0026rsquo;s turn our attention to the couple\u0026rsquo;s responsibilities.\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003eTo obtain your marriage license, complete the online marriage license application \u003ca href=\"http://dallastx.eforms.kofile.com/48113/mlformal/\"\u003ehere\u003c/a\u003e, then call the county clerk\u0026rsquo;s office at (214) 653-7099 with your reference number to schedule an appointment to come in with your partner to present your IDs and pick up your marriage license.\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\u003eWhen you go, just remember to bring:\u003c/li\u003e\r\n\t\u003cli\u003eValid, state-issued ID\u003c/li\u003e\r\n\t\u003cli\u003e$81 for the marriage license application fee\u003c/li\u003e\r\n\u003c/ul\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003eOnce your marriage license has been issued, you have 90 days to get married before it expires.\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\u003eIf you want to avoid hosting your wedding in the craziness of Dallas, no worries! There are some great options right in Garland! \u003ca href=\"https://www.springpark.org/page/27719~477452/Weddings-and-Rentals\"\u003eThe SpringPark Club \u003c/a\u003eis one of our favorites, located on the rolling fields along Spring Creek. You can have your ceremony outside in its manicured courtyard and then take the party inside to its 4,000 square foot clubhouse.\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003eIf you\u0026rsquo;re a fan of the arts, you can even host your big day at the \u003ca href=\"https://www.weddingwire.com/biz/the-atrium-at-the-granville-arts-center-garland/d5ef736fc5f0f52f.html\"\u003eGranville Arts Center\u003c/a\u003e and dance the night away with the stars shining inside from its beautiful floor-to-ceiling windows. This is a good option if you\u0026rsquo;re considering an off-season wedding date, as you\u0026rsquo;ll be sheltered from the elements.\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003eAlso, check out the \u003ca href=\"http://www.poetry-place.com/\"\u003ePoetry Place\u003c/a\u003e -- originally a car dealership that has been transformed into a unique venue, but kept its vintage details, which gives it a warm, nostalgic vibe.\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003eIf you want to venture a bit further outside of the metropolitan area of Dallas-Fort Worth, there are also some gorgeous country venues in Rockwell, Parker, and Royse City, all just about half an hour from Garland. Your marriage license is valid anywhere in the state of Texas, so the sky\u0026rsquo;s the limit!\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\u003eIf you\u0026rsquo;re coming in from out of town and you want to get around Garland on the cheap, you can find a map of the city\u0026rsquo;s bus routes, heavy rail, light rail, passenger rail on the city\u0026rsquo;s\u003ca href=\"https://www.garlandtx.gov/814/Location-Transportation\"\u003e public transportation page\u003c/a\u003e. But if you don\u0026rsquo;t want to bother with route planning, ride-sharing apps Lyft and Uber are available in town, so no need to rent a car if you want to save a little money.\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\u003eAverage highs during the summer hover in the mid-90s, but there are usually a good handful of 100 degree days. Winters are generally mild and can even get days in the 60s and 70s. However, the average daily high is usually around 55 and with some rain and wind to be expected.\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003eFall and spring are the best months to visit the Dallas area, when temperatures are in the comfortable 70s. However, these are also the most popular times to plan a wedding, so you may find that venue and accommodation prices will be a bit higher.\u003c/p\u003e\r\n","faq":"\u003ch4\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAre internet ministers recognized in Texas?\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/h4\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003eYes. In order to officiate weddings in the state, you must be authorized by a religious organization -- including internet ministries -- to perform weddings.\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003ch4\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eDoes the minister have to register their ministerial credentials with the state?\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/h4\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003eIn some states, you do have to register your ministerial credentials in order to legally perform weddings, but Texas is not one of them. Once you\u0026rsquo;ve signed up with us, you can legally officiate weddings.\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003ch4\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eDoes the couple need to appear in person to apply for a marriage license?\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/h4\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003eThese days, the Dallas County\u0026rsquo;s clerk\u0026rsquo;s office asks that you complete the marriage application online, but the couple will need to appear in person to present their IDs and pick up their license.\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003ch4\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eDoes the marriage license expire?\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/h4\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003eYes. After you are handed your official marriage license, you must wait 72 hours before holding your ceremony. You will have 90 days to hold your ceremony (counting the three day waiting period.)\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003ch4\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWhat should we do with the completed marriage license after the ceremony?\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/h4\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003eIn Garland, it\u0026rsquo;s the officiant\u0026rsquo;s job to return the completed marriage license to the county clerk\u0026rsquo;s office to be recorded -- otherwise the couple isn\u0026rsquo;t officially married. Make sure to do so within 30 days of the ceremony!\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003ch3\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/h3\u003e\r\n","content_live":true,"marriage_licensing_info":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eIssuance Office:\u003c/strong\u003e 500 Elm Street, Suite 2100, Dallas TX 75202\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eFee:\u003c/strong\u003e $81\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWaiting Period:\u003c/strong\u003e 3 days\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eExpiration:\u003c/strong\u003e 90 days\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eReturn:\u003c/strong\u003e by officiant 30 days\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":""}