{"id":7279,"name":"Houston","state_id":55,"county_id":2751,"created_at":"2019-08-20T10:33:51.802-07:00","updated_at":"2024-09-20T14:14:07.753-07:00","meta_description":"Learn about officiating weddings and planning ceremonies in Houston Texas","head_tag":"American Marriage Ministries’ Guide to Performing Marriage in H-Town","tagline":"Houston, We Have a Minister","intro_section":"\u003cp\u003eHouston 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.\u003cbr /\u003e\r\n\u003cbr /\u003e\r\nThat includes thousands of ordained ministers of American Marriage Ministries. Our ministers enjoy the legal right to perform weddings and sign marriage certificates. We\u0026rsquo;re excited that you are considering \u003ca href=\"/get-ordained-online\"\u003eGetting Ordained\u003c/a\u003e with American Marriage Ministries.\u003cbr /\u003e\r\n\u003cbr /\u003e\r\nPer the \u003cstrong\u003eTexas Family Code \u0026sect;2.202\u003c/strong\u003e, \u0026ldquo;a person who is an officer of a religious organization and who is authorized by the organization to conduct a marriage ceremony,\u0026rdquo; may officiate a wedding and sign the marriage license.\u003cbr /\u003e\r\n\u003cbr /\u003e\r\n\u003cstrong\u003eAs an Ordained Minister of American Marriage Ministries you have the legal authority to officiate weddings in Houston\u003c/strong\u003e. Keep on reading for everything you need to know to perform marriages and sign marriage licenses in Houston, Texas.\u003c/p\u003e\r\n","officiant_section":"\u003ch3\u003eStep 1: Get Ordained to Perform weddings in Texas\u003c/h3\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003eYour first step is \u003ca href=\"/ordination-application\"\u003egetting ordained\u003c/a\u003e. 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...\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003eIf you aren\u0026#39;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 \u003ca href=\"https://theamm.org/store/products/minister-ordination-package\"\u003eofficial copies of your ordination\u003c/a\u003e papers, just in case government officials, the couple, or 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\u003ch3\u003eStep 2: Prepare for the upcoming Houston Wedding\u003c/h3\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003eNow, let\u0026#39;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,\u0026nbsp;check out\u0026nbsp;our \u003ca href=\"https://theamm.org/officiant-training\"\u003ewedding training pages\u003c/a\u003e, 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\u003eAside 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.\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003ch3\u003eStep 3: Perform the Wedding and Sign the Marriage License\u003c/h3\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003e72 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 \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/p\u003e\r\n","couple_section":"\u003ch3\u003eThe Couple Files For Their Marriage License From The Harris County Clerk\u003c/h3\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003eThe couple must apply in person for a Marriage License at one of the \u003ca href=\"https://www.cclerk.hctx.net/ContactUs.aspx\" target=\"_blank\"\u003eHarris County Clerk\u0026rsquo;s 10 Locations\u003c/a\u003e. Valid I.D. is required and the fee for the \u003cstrong\u003emarriage license is $74.00\u003c/strong\u003e.\u003cbr /\u003e\r\n\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003ch4\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWhat If I Can\u0026#39;t File For My Marriage License in Person?\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/h4\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003eThere 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 \u003cem\u003eAffidavit of Absent Applicant on Application for Marriage License\u003c/em\u003e form.\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cbr /\u003e\r\nThe Harris County Clerk\u0026#39;s office provides \u003ca href=\"https://www.cclerk.hctx.net/forms/D/D0240.pdf\" target=\"_blank\"\u003eInstructions for Completing an Affidavit of Absent Applicant for Marriage License\u003c/a\u003e to assist you with completing the \u003ca href=\"https://www.cclerk.hctx.net/forms/D/D0241.pdf\" target=\"_blank\"\u003eAffidavit of Absent Applicant on Application for Marriage License\u003c/a\u003e form. Be aware that this method of applying for the marriage license should only be used in extenuating circumstances.\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003ch3\u003eIMPORTANT: The Couple Returns The Marriage License\u003c/h3\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003eAfter the wedding ceremony, the completed marriage license should be returned to the Harris County Clerk\u0026rsquo;s office for recording. \u003cstrong\u003eThe couple can return the license in person or by mail\u003c/strong\u003e.\u003cbr /\u003e\r\n\u003cbr /\u003e\r\nUpon being returned to the Harris 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 you do not receive the license after that time period, please call the Harris County Clerk\u0026#39;s Personal Records Department at \u003cstrong\u003e713-274-8686\u003c/strong\u003e.\u003c/p\u003e\r\n","wedding_tips":"\u003cp\u003eNow 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\u0026nbsp;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.\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003eIf you are looking for a beautiful, spacious, barn-style wedding venue smack dab in Houston\u0026#39;s center, consider \u003ca href=\"https://www.weddingwire.com/biz/starshine-texas/0be483d84072cbf4.html\"\u003eStarshine Texas\u003c/a\u003e. This venue not only offers indoor and outdoor options, but provides access to a lake with a tiki bar and tiki hut,\u0026nbsp;and sandy area for an authentic feel.\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003eWith over 50 years of experience, the \u003ca href=\"https://www.weddingwire.com/biz/houston-racquet-club-houston/0d196ccbcae7ed74.html\"\u003eHouston Racquet Club\u003c/a\u003e is also an excellent choice for couples seeking that outdoor, country-club style wedding.\u0026nbsp;\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\u003eHouston\u0026#39;s extensive \u003ca href=\"https://www.ridemetro.org\"\u003eMETRO\u003c/a\u003e 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.\u0026nbsp;\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","faq":"\u003ch4\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWhat proof do I need to show as an ordained minister?\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/h4\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003eMinisters are not required to register with any government office in Texas before officiating weddings. Wedding officiants ordained by AMM are considered to be an \u0026ldquo;\u003cem\u003eofficer of a religious organization\u003c/em\u003e.\u0026rdquo;\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003eThat being said, we recommend you to order your \u003ca href=\"/store/products/minister-ordination-package\"\u003eTexas Minister Ordination Package\u003c/a\u003e to keep official hardcopies of your Ministry Mredentials. Your package includes your \u003cstrong\u003eOrdination Certificate\u003c/strong\u003e and \u003cstrong\u003eLetter of Good Standing\u003c/strong\u003e. Your Letter of Good Standing is signed by a church officer, dated, and notarized.\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eProof of your ordination is essential\u003c/strong\u003e in the event that the couple or government officials request to see your ministry credentials.\u003cbr /\u003e\r\n\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003ch4\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWho is authorized to conduct the wedding ceremony and sign the marriage license?\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/h4\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003ePer the \u003cstrong\u003eTexas Family Code \u0026sect;2.202\u003c/strong\u003e, the following persons are authorized to conduct a marriage ceremony:\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\u003e\u003cspan class=\"fake-list\"\u003ea licensed or ordained Christian minister or priest\u003c/span\u003e\u003c/li\u003e\r\n\t\u003cli\u003e\u003cspan class=\"fake-list\"\u003ea Jewish rabbi\u003c/span\u003e\u003c/li\u003e\r\n\t\u003cli\u003e\u003cspan class=\"fake-list\"\u003ea person who is an officer of a religious organization and who is authorized by the organization to conduct a marriage ceremony\u003c/span\u003e\u003c/li\u003e\r\n\t\u003cli\u003e\u003cspan class=\"fake-list\"\u003ea justice of the supreme court, judge of the court of criminal appeals, justice of the courts of appeals, judge of the district, county, and probate courts, judge of the county courts at law, judge of the courts of domestic relations, judge of the juvenile courts, retired justice or judge of those courts, justice of the peace, retired justice of the peace, judge of a municipal court, or judge or magistrate of a federal court of this state.\u003c/span\u003e\u003c/li\u003e\r\n\u003c/ul\u003e\r\n","content_live":true,"marriage_licensing_info":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eFee:\u003c/strong\u003e $74\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWaiting Period: \u003c/strong\u003e3 Days Before Completing\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\u003eWithin 10 Days from 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":""}