Engaged at Christmas? Get Married While Family Is Still in Town

Said yes under the tree? You don't have to wait a year.

The holidays are the most popular time of year to get engaged — and the one time of year when the people you love are already gathered in one place. Grandparents have flown in. Siblings are off work. Nobody has to book a flight for your wedding, because they are already here.

That is why more Houston couples are turning a Christmas engagement into a holiday-week wedding.

The day after Christmas: Saturday, December 26, 2026

This year the day after Christmas falls on a Saturday. Family is still in town, most people are still off work, and you get an anniversary that lands in the middle of the season you already celebrate. It is the easiest date to remember that you will ever pick.

Or whatever date fits you

The day after Christmas is just one idea. Couples also choose:

- The week between Christmas and New Year's, when schedules are quiet and travel is already done.
- New Year's week, to start the year married.
- A date in January or February, once the license is in hand and the decorations are down.

The right date is the one that works for the two of you and the people you want in the room.

Why a chapel ceremony makes this possible

A big wedding takes a year to plan. A chapel ceremony takes a reservation. At The Courthouse Wedding Chapel we provide the officiant, the setting, and the ceremony — you bring each other, your license, and up to the guests your package allows. Compare options on our packages page; ceremonies start at $197.

Book first, then get your license

You can book today for any future open time. Every chapel ceremony must be booked at least 24 hours ahead — we do not take walk-ins or same-day ceremony bookings, holidays included.

Once your date is held, get your Texas marriage license so it is valid on that day. Texas generally has a 72-hour waiting period after the license is issued, with some exceptions such as an approved Twogether in Texas course or active-duty military status. County clerk offices also close for the holidays, so check your clerk's holiday hours early and don't leave the license for the last minute. Our marriage license guide walks you through it.

A simple holiday plan

1. Pick your date — the day after Christmas, New Year's week, or whatever fits.
2. Book your ceremony to hold the time.
3. Get your Texas marriage license, allowing for the waiting period and holiday closures.
4. Tell the family where to be — directions are on our location page.
5. Arrive ten minutes early, license in hand.

Frequently asked questions

Is December 26, 2026 a Saturday? Yes.

Can we get married the same day we book? No. Every chapel ceremony must be booked at least 24 hours ahead. You can book today for a future time.

Do we need our license before we book? No. We recommend booking first, then getting a license that will be valid on your ceremony date.

Can family come? Yes — guest limits depend on your package. See packages.

Ready to turn the proposal into a wedding? Book your ceremony — simple, sweet, and short.