How To Get Ordained In Texas: The Path To Officiating Weddings

 

Last Updated: October 11th, 2023

Who Can Officiate Weddings in Texas?

The Texas Marriage Laws specify who can legally perform marriage in the State. The legal term for the act of conducting a wedding ceremony is called "Solemnization of Marriage". The people with the authority to perform this act are religious and government officials. For most Americans, getting ordained is the easiest way to gain the legal right to solemnize weddings.

 

According to the TEXAS STATUTES § 2.202

 

AMM Ordination Guarantee

As an online ordained minister of American Marriage Ministries, you will be joining a network of over 1,413,323 ministers who have officiated hundreds of thousands of weddings all across the country. As an AMM minister, you are legally empowered under the protections of the TEXAS STATUTES § 2.202 to officiate wedding ceremonies.

We understand that officiating a wedding is a huge honor and a serious responsibility. Our job is to show you how to get ordained in Texas, covering both the legal and ceremonial steps needed to perform a wedding in the state. Our mission is to empower you not just to perform marriage, but to do so with confidence and skill. And know that you are in great company, joining over 113,189 AMM ministers in Texas!

BEGIN ORDINATION

13 YEARS ORDAINING AND COUNTING

American Marriage Ministries has been ordaining people just like you for over a decade. If you're looking to learn how to get ordained in Texas, our officiant training resources are the best, available both online and in print. We make ordination easy so that you can focus on conducting an awesome wedding ceremony. And that's not just us saying it.

 

 

 

AMM is an inclusive institution. We welcome people of all backgrounds. It is not important to us if you are black or white, religious or non-religious, rich or poor, gay or straight.

What is important is that you have a sincere desire to officiate weddings for people you care about. We support your right to officiate weddings that reflect your values, the couple's, and your community's.

 

Texas Marriage Officiant License

As an online ordained minister, you are one step closer to performing marriage in Texas. In addition to our free online ordination, we provide all the officiant training materials you need to learn how to officiate a wedding in in Texas with confidence. Whether you will be officiating weddings in Houston, Austin, Dallas, or even Galveston, , AMM has everything you need to create an amazing ceremony.

Your next step is to observe any officiant registration required by the Texas Government. Click on the button below to learn more.

TEXAS OFFICIANT GOVERNMENT REGISTRATION

How To Become a Wedding Officiant in Texas

If the process of planning, scripting, and performing a wedding is daunting, then you need our Wedding Helper suite of tools.

Perfect for those learning how to get ordained in Texas, and getting ready for the big day, our platform offers comprehensive training materials, quizzes, a personalized ceremony script generator, and tips to prepare you for performing a marriage – all accessible through your minister profile.

That's only the beginning. After the wedding, you can share your wedding on the AMM Wedding Wall with our nationwide network of ministers.

 

About American Marriage Ministries

We are American Marriage Ministries, an IRS Certified 501c3 Non-Profit Church with the mission to empower people of all backgrounds to officiate weddings. American Marriage Ministries was founded on July 4, 2009 in Washington State. In that time we have ordained over 1,413,323 ministers all across the United States. To join our nationwide community of AMM ministers, you simply need to agree to our three simple tenets:

 

 

1. All people, regardless of race, gender, or sexual orientation, have the right to marry.
2. It is the right of every couple to choose who will solemnize their marriage.
3. All people have the right to solemnize marriage.

 

 

How you officiate weddings is up to you, the couple, and the members of your community. You will be one of over 113,189 AMM ministers in Texas who have realized their right to perform marriage.

 

You can also help by ordering your official ministry credentials from our store. Part of the proceeds goes to our charitable activities, which supports other non-profit charities such as Girls Education Mentoring Services and Musicares, as well as funding our legal and social advocacy efforts to ensure marriage equality across the country.

When you purchase a package from us, you get your official ordination certificate and you get to help support a positive cause!

To learn more about American Marriage Ministries, check out our About Us page. If you have further questions, feel free to visit our FAQ or simply contact us.

 

FAQs

 

Do I have to be ordained to perform a marriage ceremony in Texas?

 

Yes, to solemnize a marriage in Texas, you must be ordained. According to Texas Family Code Section 2.202, authorized officiants include ordained ministers, priests, rabbis, and other authorized persons of any recognized religious organization 18 years or older. You can learn how to become ordained in Texas for free through American Marriage Ministries (AMM), where our ordination process is completely online. Once ordained, you can perform marriage ceremonies statewide. However, it’s advisable to check with the county clerk's office where the ceremony will occur for specific local requirements.

How can I legally officiate a wedding in Texas?

 

To legally officiate a wedding in Texas, you must be an ordained minister or an authorized official from any religious denomination. Get ordained online in Texas quickly and at no cost through AMM's online platform, where you'll receive your minister's license and ordination certificate. We also provide comprehensive, free online training to prepare you for officiating weddings.

 

How much does it cost to get ordained in Texas?

 

At American Marriage Ministries, we show you how to get ordained in Texas for free. Our online ordination process is recognized under the 1st Amendment of the US Constitution, enabling you to become a wedding officiant without any financial burden. Although the steps involved in how to get ordained in TX are free, please note that some counties may require a nominal fee for filing your credentials or for official copies of a marriage license. These fees vary by location and are generally minimal.

 

Does Texas recognize online ordained ministers?

 

Yes, Texas recognizes ministers ordained online as legitimate. Learning how to become ordained in Texas is as valid as traditional routes such as seminaries or other religious training. By going through the AMM ordination program, you're legally recognized to support love and commitment across the state.

 

How long does it take to get ordained in Texas?

 

Getting ordained in Texas through AMM is simple and quick. The process can be completed online in just a few minutes at no cost. Once you apply, you will instantly receive your ordination certificate and all necessary ministerial credentials via email. No waiting period or residency requirement allows you to start officiating weddings and signing marriage licenses right away.

 

How long does getting ordained in Texas last?

 

Once you become ordained online in Texas, your ordination is valid for life. No state or county registrations or maintenance fees are required for wedding officiants to keep their status active. However, it's essential to keep your ordination certificate and any related documents safe, as you may need to present them to the county clerks in the future. Learning how to be ordained in Texas through AMM guarantees a lifetime of opportunities to officiate weddings without additional paperwork.