How to Officiate a Wedding in Houston, Texas

Houston embodies New American Glamour, Traditional Southern Culture, and Modern Texan Values like no other city in the state. Weddings held in this southern metropolis reflect that diversity, with ceremonies, venues, and officiants on hand to meet even the most unique vision.

That includes thousands of ordained ministers of American Marriage Ministries. Our ministers enjoy the legal right to perform weddings and sign marriage certificates. We’re excited that you are considering Getting Ordained with American Marriage Ministries.

Per the Texas Family Code §2.202, “a person who is an officer of a religious organization and who is authorized by the organization to conduct a marriage ceremony,” may officiate a wedding and sign the marriage license.

As an Ordained Minister of American Marriage Ministries you have the legal authority to officiate weddings in Houston. Keep on reading for everything you need to know to perform marriages and sign marriage licenses in Houston, Texas.

Step 1: Get Ordained to Perform weddings in Texas

Your first step is getting ordained. According to Texas marriage law, the following people may officiate weddings, (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... 

If you aren't a Judge, you can still claim the same legal rights simply by getting ordained here! Once you are ordained, you are able to perform weddings in Texas however we recommend getting official copies of your ordination papers, just in case government officials, the couple, or other wedding professionals ask to see them. 

Step 2: Prepare for the upcoming Houston Wedding

Now, let's get prepared for the wedding ceremony. Being asked to officiate a ceremony is an honor, but can feel a bit intimidating too. If this feels like you, check out our wedding training pages, which are a library of information to help you prepare for your first ceremony and ensure that it goes smoothly. 

Aside from reading up on what to do, and how to do it, we recommend getting an early start. Officiating a wedding is a public performance, and that means you want to look and sound prepared when you get up there. 

Step 3: Perform the Wedding and Sign the Marriage License

72 hours after the marriage license is issued the couple may be married through a ceremony of their choosing. That means checking in advance that the marriage license was obtained within the proper window of time. After the wedding ceremony, you as the officiant must complete and sign their portion of the marriage license. If you have questions about this process, check out our page on Wedding Officiant Guidelines for Completing Marriage Licenses.

The Couple Files For Their Marriage License From The Harris County Clerk

The couple must apply in person for a Marriage License at one of the Harris County Clerk’s 10 Locations. Valid I.D. is required and the fee for the marriage license is $74.00.
 

What If I Can't File For My Marriage License in Person?

There are plenty of legitimate reasons why one partner is not able to appear in person to file for the marriage license. A common scenario is couples where one partner is deployed in the armed forces. In such cases that individual must complete an Affidavit of Absent Applicant on Application for Marriage License form.

The Harris County Clerk's office provides Instructions for Completing an Affidavit of Absent Applicant for Marriage License to assist you with completing the Affidavit of Absent Applicant on Application for Marriage License form. Be aware that this method of applying for the marriage license should only be used in extenuating circumstances.

IMPORTANT: The Couple Returns The Marriage License

After the wedding ceremony, the completed marriage license should be returned to the Harris County Clerk’s office for recording. The couple can return the license in person or by mail.

Upon being returned to the Harris County Clerk’s office, a copy of the marriage license can take anywhere from 1-2 weeks to be sent to the couple. If you do not receive the license after that time period, please call the Harris County Clerk's Personal Records Department at 713-274-8686.

Now that we are finished with figuring out the legal aspects of your wedding, lets get to the fun part. Planning your wedding venue, style and location! Luckily the subtropic climate of Houston is suitable for weddings pretty much all year-round without having to worry about snow or a lot of rain to cancel your plans. Just make sure you book your venue of choice far enough in advance just because these places tend to fill up pretty fast even months in advance of the planned wedding day. 

If you are looking for a beautiful, spacious, barn-style wedding venue smack dab in Houston's center, consider Starshine Texas. This venue not only offers indoor and outdoor options, but provides access to a lake with a tiki bar and tiki hut, and sandy area for an authentic feel. 

With over 50 years of experience, the Houston Racquet Club is also an excellent choice for couples seeking that outdoor, country-club style wedding. 

Transportation

Houston's extensive METRO public transportation is an excellent choice for wedding parties trying to save a little on transportation costs. If you prefer something a little speedier, rideshare options such as Lyft and Uber should also be available.