How To Officiate A Wedding In Texas: Essential Registration Steps

You may be surprised to hear this, but wedding officiants in Texas are not required to register with any government office prior to performing marriage. The Texas State Government has no laws requiring officiant registration or an office dedicated to the registration of wedding officiants.

 

Texas does have a law (TEXAS STATUTES § 2.202) that specifies who can solemnize marriage. This includes all ministers, including online ordained ministers of American Marriage Ministries. However, there are no laws, offices, or procedures requiring officiants to register with any government office.

 

Simply put, once you are an online ordained minister of American Marriage Ministries you immediately have the legal ability to officiate weddings anywhere in Texas. If you have been asked to officiate a wedding in Texas, Get ordained with AMM today!

 

Ordination with AMM is fast, free, and simple. To learn more about how to officiate a wedding in Texas with AMM, check out our Get Ordained in Texas page.

Keep Records of Your Ministry Credentials

Though there are no officiant registration requirements in Texas, you must be an ordained minister to be able to legally perform a marriage. Local regulations in Texas stipulate that wedding officiants under the designation of "Minister" be ordained by a religious organization, such as American Marriage Ministries.

 

While you are not required to register with any Texas government office as a wedding officiant, it is a good idea to keep personal records of your official Ministry Credentials. Proof of your ordination is essential in the event that the couple, government officials, or the wedding venue requests to see proof of your ordination.

 

We recommend that you order your Texas Minister Ordination Package to receive your official ministry credentials. Your package includes your official Ordination Certificate and Letter of Good Standing.

 

Your Letter of Good Standing is signed by a church officer, dated, and notarized. Your Minister Ordination Package also includes your AMM Minister's Manual, a valuable resource for officiant training information.

 

Part of the proceeds from your order will go towards our charitable activities. So along with receiving your AMM ministry credentials, you are also helping to support a good cause.

Start Preparing for the Wedding Ceremony

Your next step is to learn how to officiate a wedding in Texas. If you have no experience, you are in good hands. Our Texas Wedding Officiant Preparation Guide covers all aspects of how to prepare for a wedding ceremony.

You will learn everything from the format for a wedding ceremony, the names of the ceremony parts, how to write a wedding ceremony, and more.

PREPARE FOR THE TEXAS WEDDING CEREMONY

Use Our AMM Wedding Helper

If the process of planning, scripting, and performing a wedding is daunting, then our Wedding Helper suite of tools is exactly what you need to learn how to officiate a wedding in Texas.

We have distilled years of experience into an easy-to-use platform with 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.

 

FAQs

Do I need to register as a Texas wedding officiant?

 

If you’re officiating a wedding in Texas, no state or local government registration is required for a Texas officiant license. However, it's wise to keep your ordination credentials readily available, as county clerks or the married couple may request to see these documents to confirm your legal ability to officiate their wedding.

 

Who can officiate a wedding in Texas?

 

One must meet specific Texas wedding officiant requirements to conduct marriage ceremonies. Authorized individuals include ordained ministers, licensed Christian ministers or priests, officers authorized by a religious organization, and active or retired judges or justices of recognized courts. This includes those ordained online through organizations like American Marriage Ministries, who are thereby recognized as Texas marriage officiants.

 

Is it hard to get ordained in Texas?

 

Meeting Texas officiant requirements is straightforward, and the entire application process can be completed online through American Marriage Ministries. Simply submit an application, receive your ordination certificate, and familiarize yourself with Texas marriage laws. We recommend contacting the local county clerk to ensure you meet any specific local requirements. With AMM, learning how to get ordained in Texas is easy and accessible.

How long does it take to get a Texas officiant license?

 

Obtaining a wedding officiant license in Texas through American Marriage Ministries is quick and free, taking only minutes to complete the online application. Once ordained, you immediately have the legal authority to officiate a marriage ceremony in the Lone Star State, streamlining the process significantly compared to traditional religious ordinations.

 

How long does an ordained minister license last in Texas?

 

Your status as an ordained minister and Texas marriage officiant remains valid indefinitely, provided you adhere to ethical standards set by American Marriage Ministries. There is no need for renewal, allowing you to focus on your duties without additional administrative concerns.

 

How do I get a marriage license in Texas?

 

Couples must apply for a formal marriage license at their local county clerk's office, appearing in person with valid identification. They should visit the office at least 72 hours but no more than 90 days before the ceremony, ensuring the license is valid at the time of marriage. The license itself is valid for 90 days from the date of issuance. If previously divorced, a 30-day waiting period is required before reapplying. Fees vary by county, typically ranging from $70 to $90. After the wedding, the officiant must sign and return the Texas marriage license to the issuing county clerk within 30 days to ensure it is officially recorded.