{"id":5222,"name":"Lubbock","state_id":55,"county_id":2802,"created_at":"2019-08-20T10:33:14.209-07:00","updated_at":"2023-11-11T07:27:47.248-08:00","meta_description":"Learn about officiating weddings and planning ceremonies in Lubbock Texas, with ceremony planning, get ordained to perform weddings, and wedding planning tips.","head_tag":"A guide for officiating weddings and planning ceremonies in Lubbock, Texas","tagline":"Lubbock or Leave It!","intro_section":"\u003cp\u003eIf you\u0026rsquo;re a true southerner at heart, there\u0026rsquo;s no better place under the big, blue Texas sky to get married than Hub City, otherwise known as Lubbock. Even True West Magazine named it America\u0026rsquo;s number one \u0026ldquo;true western town,\u0026rdquo; and we have to agree; for a growing metropolitan city, Lubbock is still as rich in cowboy culture as ever -- and the perfect place for a swanky Southern soiree.\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003eWhether you\u0026rsquo;re getting ready to get hitched yourself, or you\u0026rsquo;ve been asked to officiate a wedding for a friend of yours, you\u0026rsquo;ve come to the right place. We\u0026rsquo;ve got you covered with all the need-to-know info about how to get legally married in Lubbock, plus how to become a legal wedding officiant! By the time you\u0026rsquo;re done reading our guide, you\u0026rsquo;ll be ready and rarin\u0026rsquo; to go!\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. In Texas, any officer of a religious organization authorized to conduct marriage ceremonies is permitted to perform wedding ceremonies, including internet ministers.\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003eIf you have been asked to perform a wedding for a dear friend or family member but you don\u0026rsquo;t have any credentials to do so, you can get ordained with AMM for free in just a few minutes!\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003eTexas does not require ministers to register their credentials with the state, so once you\u0026rsquo;ve completed the process of \u003ca href=\"/ordination-application\"\u003esigning up to become a minister\u003c/a\u003e with AMM, you can start officiating weddings! It\u0026rsquo;s that easy.\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 Lubbock County\u003c/h3\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003eWe can also 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\u003eWhen it comes time to the marriage license, it\u0026rsquo;s the couple\u0026rsquo;s responsibility to obtain it from the Lubbock County clerk\u0026rsquo;s office prior to the wedding, but just be sure to double-check that they have it in their possession before you perform the ceremony.\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003eOn the day of the wedding, you will help them complete it correctly and notarize it. Then, you can either hand deliver or mail the completed marriage license to the Lubbock County clerk\u0026rsquo;s office at 904 Broadway, room 207. You have 90 days from the issuance date to do so.\u003c/p\u003e\r\n","couple_section":"\u003cp\u003eTo obtain your marriage license, both members of the couple will need to head down to the county clerk\u0026rsquo;s office at 904 Broadway, room 207.\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWhen you go, just remember to bring:\u003c/strong\u003e\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\u003eValid state-issued ID (driver\u0026rsquo;s license, military ID or passport, etc.)\u003c/li\u003e\r\n\t\u003cli\u003eSocial security number (the card is not necessary)\u003c/li\u003e\r\n\t\u003cli\u003e$82 for the marriage license fee (no checks accepted)\u003c/li\u003e\r\n\u003c/ul\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003eOnce you have completed your application, you will be issued your marriage license! After three days, you can have your ceremony. Your officiant will be responsible for helping you complete this form on the day of the wedding and returning it to the county clerk\u0026rsquo;s office afterward.\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003eAlso note: couples that complete a state approved premarital education \u0026ldquo;\u003ca href=\"http://www.twogetherintexas.com\"\u003eTwogether in Texas\u003c/a\u003e\u0026rdquo; course can get the marriage license fee reduced to $22 and the 72-hour waiting period waived if they present their completion certificate when applying for the license.\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\u003eNow that the legal to-dos are checked off, you can focus on the fun stuff, the actual wedding planning!\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003eWhen narrowing down your wedding date, take note of Lubbock\u0026rsquo;s highly attended festivities so you can steer clear of a weekend with heavy traffic and scarce parking. For example, the ABC Pro Rodeo, the Lubbock Art Festival, the Vines and Wines Festival in the spring and the JABFest, Buddy\u0026rsquo;s Birthday Bash, the National Cowboy Symposium in late summer all draw in huge crowds, which you\u0026rsquo;ll want to avoid.\u0026nbsp;\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\u003eIf you\u0026rsquo;re from Lubbock, you already know about the crazy weather here. Back in 2013, Hub City was even named the \u0026quot;Toughest Weather City\u0026rdquo; in America according to the Weather Channel. In one day, it may change from cold and windy to scalding hot to rainy! The capricious weather makes life a little more exciting, but you don\u0026rsquo;t want any extra excitement on your wedding day.\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003eThe average daily high in the coldest months -- January and February -- is a mild 55 degrees, but mornings typically start out below freezing. It starts to warm up fast in March, with average highs in the upper 60s, and by May, it heats up to the 80s. From June through September, average highs are in the low 90s. September through November are great months for weddings, with temperatures in the 70s.\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003eIf you\u0026rsquo;re concerned about inclement weather, choose a venue that has an indoor reception area (in addition to an outdoor area) so that you can be flexible with your set-up depending on the forecast.\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003eSpeaking of which, Lubbock has more than a few good options for local couples. \u003ca href=\"https://www.burkleehillvineyards.com/\"\u003eBerklee Hill Vineyards\u003c/a\u003e, \u003ca href=\"http://www.bellavieevents.com/\" target=\"_blank\"\u003eBella Vie\u0026rsquo;s\u003c/a\u003e wedding and event center, \u003ca href=\"http://www.spiritranch.us/\" target=\"_blank\"\u003eSpirit Ranch\u003c/a\u003e, and the \u003ca href=\"https://www.wedding-spot.com/venue/9867/Fiesta-Center/\" target=\"_blank\"\u003eFiesta Center\u003c/a\u003e are all highly-rated event venues just minutes from the center of town. But also note, if you want to branch out of the city limits when choosing your venue, feel free to do so -- your Lubbock-issued marriage license is valid anywhere in the state.\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\u003eIt\u0026rsquo;s easiest to get around Lubbock by driving. You can get from one end of the city to another in about 20 minutes this way, and there is usually little traffic. So, if you\u0026rsquo;re coming in from out of town, it may be worth it to rent a car during your stay. However, if you need to save a few bucks, you can also utilize the city\u0026rsquo;s \u003ca href=\"https://citibus.com/\" target=\"_blank\"\u003epublic transportation system\u003c/a\u003e, which now has a handy live bus tracking app so you know exactly how far your bus is from your stop. But if you want to skip the hassle of renting a car or navigating the city via bus, ride-sharing apps, including Lyft and Uber, are both available in town.\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003eThat\u0026rsquo;s it for our guide! Good luck with your wedding planning, and as they say in Lubbock, wreck \u0026lsquo;em!\u003c/p\u003e\r\n","faq":"\u003ch4\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAre internet ministers able to perform weddings in Texas?\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/h4\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003eYes, internet ministries (like AMM) are legally allowed to perform wedding ceremonies in Texas.\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003ch4\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eDo I need to register my ministerial credentials with the state?\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/h4\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003eNo, Texas does not require ministers to register any documentation with the state in order to perform weddings. But you do need to be ordained by a legitimate organization.\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003ch4\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eIs our Lubbock-issued marriage license valid throughout Texas?\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/h4\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003eYes, you can have your ceremony anywhere in the state of Texas with your Lubbock-issued marriage license.\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003ch4\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eDo both members of the couple need to go to the county clerk\u0026rsquo;s office to pick up the marriage license?\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/h4\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003eIn most cases, yes -- unless there is a reason that one of them cannot physically come in, such as incarceration, in which you will need to complete an absent application form.\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003ch4\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWhat do we do with the marriage license after the wedding?\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/h4\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003eIt is the officiant\u0026rsquo;s responsibility to return the completed marriage license to the county clerk\u0026rsquo;s office that issued you the marriage license.\u003c/p\u003e\r\n","content_live":true,"marriage_licensing_info":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eIssuance Office:\u003c/strong\u003e 904 Broadway, room 207\u003cbr /\u003e\r\n\u003cstrong\u003eFee:\u003c/strong\u003e $82\u0026nbsp;\u003cbr /\u003e\r\n\u003cstrong\u003eWaiting Period:\u003c/strong\u003e 72 hours\u003cbr /\u003e\r\n\u003cstrong\u003eExpiration:\u003c/strong\u003e 90 days\u003cbr /\u003e\r\n\u003cstrong\u003eReturn:\u003c/strong\u003e By officiant within 90 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":""}