{"id":7391,"name":"San Antonio","state_id":55,"county_id":2665,"created_at":"2019-08-20T10:33:53.479-07:00","updated_at":"2026-08-12T15:58:29.451-07:00","meta_description":"Learn how to perform marriage and plan weddings in San Antonio, Bexar County, Texas","head_tag":"A San Antonio Guide for Wedding Officiants and Couples","tagline":"Remember the Alamo? ","intro_section":"\u003cp\u003eHistoric San Antonio is a great location for a Texas wedding, with important historical sites and Spanish Mission inspired architecture, and over 300 years of history. \u0026ldquo;Alamo City\u0026rdquo; is the 7th most populated city in the US and a major tourist destination, offering your guests a wide array of opportunities for fun, before and after your wedding celebration.\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003eWhether you\u0026rsquo;re a native Texan or you\u0026rsquo;re marrying one, we think that San Antonio is the perfect spot to host an informal gathering of friends and loved ones, or an elaborate affair to remember -- whatever your style!\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003eBut before you delve into planning the fun stuff, let us help you with the technical details, starting with getting your minister of choice ordained.\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\u003eAccording to the \u003ca href=\"https://www.bexar.org/2957/Marriage-Licenses\"\u003eBexar County Clerk\u0026rsquo;s website,\u003c/a\u003e the choice of wedding officiant is at the couple\u0026#39;s discretion and you do not need to register with the county. If you\u0026rsquo;re not ordained by a religious organization, you\u0026rsquo;re in luck. You can \u003ca href=\"/ordination-application\"\u003eget ordained with AMM\u003c/a\u003e -- the process is free and takes just a few minutes. Once you\u0026rsquo;ve got that box checked, we\u0026rsquo;ll get to the good stuff.\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003eAlthough Texas does not legally require ministers to register with the local county clerk, it may still be a good idea to have your \u003ca href=\"https://theamm.org/store/products/minister-ordination-package\"\u003eofficial documents\u003c/a\u003e on hand just in case.\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003ch3\u003e\u003cbr /\u003e\r\nStep\u0026nbsp;2: Prepare for the Ceremony in Bexar County\u003c/h3\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003eNow that you\u0026rsquo;ve got your credentials taken care of, we can help you prepare for the wedding ceremony itself. Being asked to officiate a ceremony is a true honor, but requires a bit of preparation. 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 \u0026nbsp;brainstorming prompts, tips for preparation, and more.\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003ch3\u003e\u003cbr /\u003e\r\nStep\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\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eBefore the wedding,\u0026nbsp;\u003c/strong\u003etake a look at the marriage license to confirm the couple\u0026#39;s identities and that the date on the form is still valid. Make sure the mandatory 3-day waiting period has passed, and that the license hasn\u0026#39;t expired. If the couple participated in an approved\u0026nbsp;\u003ca href=\"https://twogetherintexas.com/\" target=\"_blank\"\u003eTwogether in Texas\u0026nbsp;\u003c/a\u003epremarital education class, or are active-duty members of the U.S. armed forces, the waiting period may be waived (TFC\u0026nbsp;\u003ca href=\"https://theamm.org/marriage-laws/texas/90\"\u003e\u0026sect; 2.204\u003c/a\u003e).\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003eOnce these legal steps are completed, you\u0026rsquo;re free to perform a beautiful, meaningful wedding, elopement, or license-signing ceremony!\u0026nbsp;Remember to take your time, don\u0026rsquo;t rush, and keep your attention on the couple. Don\u0026rsquo;t forget to guide them through the\u003ca href=\"https://theamm.org/officiant-training/ceremony-parts/the-declaration-of-intent\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;declaration of intent\u003c/a\u003e, and pronounce them married. You will do a wonderful job!\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cul\u003e\r\n\t\u003cli\u003eLearn more about the parts of a wedding ceremony in AMM\u0026rsquo;s Officiant Training Pages:\u0026nbsp;\u003ca href=\"https://theamm.org/officiant-training/ceremony-parts\"\u003eWedding Ceremony Parts\u003c/a\u003e\u003c/li\u003e\r\n\u003c/ul\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003ch3\u003eWhat to do with marriage license after a wedding in Texas\u003c/h3\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003eAfter the wedding ceremony, you must complete and sign the officiant\u0026rsquo;s portion of the marriage license. Then, return it to the same\u0026nbsp;clerk\u0026rsquo;s office that issued it\u0026nbsp;\u003cstrong\u003ewithin 30 days of the wedding ceremony. It is the officiant\u0026#39;s responsibility to return the marriage license in Texas.\u0026nbsp;\u003c/strong\u003e(TFC\u003ca href=\"https://theamm.org/marriage-laws/texas/92\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u0026sect; 2.206\u003c/a\u003e) If the couple applied for their license in Bexar County, you will return it to the Bexar County Clerk.\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cbr /\u003e\r\nWe have two great resources to help you with this responsibility:\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cul\u003e\r\n\t\u003cli\u003eGeneral Advice:\u0026nbsp;\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/li\u003e\r\n\t\u003cli\u003eState-Specific Advice:\u0026nbsp;\u003ca href=\"https://theamm.org/articles/2761-how-to-fill-out-a-texas-marriage-license-with-examples-faqs\"\u003eHow to Fill out a Texas Marriage License with Examples \u0026amp; FAQs\u003c/a\u003e\u003c/li\u003e\r\n\u003c/ul\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003eAfter the completed license is received by the 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 the couple does not\u0026nbsp;receive a copy of their license within a few weeks of filing, please ask them to contact the County Clerk\u0026rsquo;s Office directly.\u003c/p\u003e\r\n","couple_section":"\u003ch3\u003eFile for the Marriage License from the Bexar County Clerk\u0026#39;s Office\u003c/h3\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eNow let\u0026#39;s turn our attention to the couple getting married in San Antonio, Texas!\u0026nbsp;\u003c/strong\u003eAll couples need a marriage license to get married in Texas. Marriage licenses are issued by the County Clerk Office, and you can apply for a marriage license in any county, to use anywhere in the state.\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cbr /\u003e\r\nIf you\u0026rsquo;re applying locally, you and your partner will need to\u0026nbsp;visit one of these Bexar County Clerk locations:\u0026nbsp;\u003cbr /\u003e\r\n\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003e\u003ca href=\"https://www.bexar.org/2957/Marriage-Licenses\" target=\"_blank\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eMain Bexar County Clerk Marriage Office: \u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/a\u003e\u003cbr /\u003e\r\nPaul Elizondo Tower\u003cbr /\u003e\r\n101 West Nueva Suite 120\u003cbr /\u003e\r\nSan Antonio, TX 78205\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003e\u003ca href=\"https://www.bexar.org/DocumentCenter/View/43164/Satellite-Services-Half-Sheet?bidId=\" target=\"_blank\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eSouthside Annex\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/a\u003e\u003cbr /\u003e\r\n3505 Pleasanton Rd.,\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003eSan Antonio, TX 78221\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003eOr at any \u003ca href=\"https://www.bexar.org/3177/Mobile-Unit-and-Events-Schedule\" target=\"_blank\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eRecords on the Run\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/a\u003e location in the county (mobile units and event pop-ups).\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003eYou don\u0026#39;t have to be a Texas resident to apply for a marriage license in Texas. In general, there is a three (3) day waiting period to marry in Texas and a 90 day expiration period,\u0026nbsp;which means you must purchase you license at least 3 days before your ceremony but no more than 90 day in advance. The waiting period may be waived for some couples, including active duty members of the U.S. armed forces, and couples who complete an approved premarital education class through\u0026nbsp;\u003ca href=\"https://twogetherintexas.com/UI/Faq.aspx\"\u003eTwogether in Texas\u003c/a\u003e.\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWhen you go, remember to bring the following:\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\u003e$81 cash\u003c/li\u003e\r\n\t\u003cli\u003ePhoto IDs\u003c/li\u003e\r\n\t\u003cli\u003eSocial Security Numbers (if applicable)\u003c/li\u003e\r\n\u003c/ul\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003e\u0026nbsp;\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\u003eSan Antonio is a fantastic city brimming with Old West history and magnificent natural wonders further afield. Your guests will have lots of opportunities to explore when they visit San Antonio. Be sure to take a look at the city\u0026rsquo;s\u003ca href=\"https://www.visitsanantonio.com/events-categories/\"\u003e event pages \u003c/a\u003ebefore you select your wedding date since bigger events draw crowds and fill up hotels.\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003eDepending on what you are considering for wedding venues, San Antonio has great downtown spaces, like the beautiful \u003ca href=\"https://atpearl.com/events\"\u003ePearl Stable \u0026amp; Pearl Studio\u003c/a\u003e, a former 22-acre brewery built in the late 1800s, or the \u003ca href=\"https://www.samuseum.org/about/rent-the-venue/\"\u003eSan Antonio Museum of Art\u003c/a\u003e.\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003eBut if the local countryside is more your speed, there are options for that as well. \u003ca href=\"https://featherstoneranch.com/\"\u003eFeatherstone Ranch \u003c/a\u003eis a gorgeous venue on 67 acres located in the heart of Fredericksburg wine country, complete with a beautiful open concept white chapel.\u003ca href=\"https://rancholamission.com/\"\u003e Rancho La Mission\u003c/a\u003e has space for up to 2,000 guests on a Spanish-style sprawling ranch with its own petting zoo, just 20 minutes from downtown San Antonio and multiple options for holding your ceremony, including a small island enclosed by a serene pond.\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003eIf you would prefer to have your wedding close to the city, you should look at the \u003ca href=\"http://www.majesticempire.com/info/theatre-rental\"\u003eMajestic Empire Theater\u003c/a\u003e. It\u0026rsquo;s a great alternative to traditional venues, but still retains that historical feel. San Antonio has endless options to choose from all with their own charm and unique ties to the local culture, landscape or historical significance. \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\u003eA rental car is suggested for out-of-town guests for getting around the downtown area and visiting wine country, for in city points of interest there are rideshare options as well if guests are staying downtown. Local Texas residents can expect a three to four drive from Dallas or Houston, guests visiting from other states can fly into San Antonio International Airport.\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\u003eSan Antonio offers a mild subtropical climate, thanks to its location on the central plains. Summers in San Antonio experience the most extreme weather, with temperatures around or above 90 degrees most of June, July, and August, sometimes well into September and October. It doesn\u0026rsquo;t ever get too cold, and during the winter, expect to see average temperatures in the 50s. Humidity and rainfall varies year to year, but September, October, January, March, and May will only see about four days of rain while the rest of the year has just three days of rainfall.\u003c/p\u003e\r\n","faq":"\u003ch4\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eIs there a waiting period to get married in San Antonio once you\u0026rsquo;ve applied for the marriage license?\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/h4\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003eYes, the application must be made three calendar days before the wedding occurs and the ceremony needs to take place within 90 days of the issuance of the marriage license.\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003ch4\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAre witnesses required in order to get married in San Antonio?\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/h4\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003eNo, witnesses are not required to attend the ceremony or sign the marriage license in Texas.\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003ch4\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eHow long does an applicant have to wait to get remarried after a divorce?\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/h4\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003eIn Bexar County, there is a required waiting period of 30 days after the divorce is granted before the applicant can get remarried, unless you are remarrying the same person you recently divorced (no waiting period to remarry your former spouse).\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003ch4\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eDo marriage license applicants need to provide a social security card?\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/h4\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003eNo, but they do need to be able to provide the social security number.\u003c/p\u003e\r\n","content_live":true,"marriage_licensing_info":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eIssuance Office:\u003c/strong\u003e\u003cbr /\u003e\r\n\u003cstrong\u003eBexar County Clerk Marriage Office (Main Office)\u003c/strong\u003e\u003cbr /\u003e\r\nLocated in Paul Elizondo Tower\u003cbr /\u003e\r\n101 W. Nueva,\u003cbr /\u003e\r\nSuite 120\u003cbr /\u003e\r\nSan Antonio, TX 78205\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cbr /\u003e\r\n\u003cstrong\u003eFee:\u003c/strong\u003e $81\u003cbr /\u003e\r\n\u003cstrong\u003eWaiting Period:\u003c/strong\u003e 3 Days\u003cbr /\u003e\r\n\u003cstrong\u003eExpiration:\u003c/strong\u003e 90 Days\u003cbr /\u003e\r\n\u003cstrong\u003eReturn: \u003c/strong\u003eBy Officiant Within 30 Days of 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":""}