Galveston County Marriage License
Requirements, absent applicant form, waiting period, and ceremony options.
Verify current requirements with the Galveston County Clerk. Fees, procedures, and hours can change.
Galveston County Snapshot
- The Galveston County Clerk publishes marriage license requirements
- Affidavit of Absent Applicant form available
- Affidavit for Correction of Marriage License available
- The standard Texas 72-hour waiting period applies unless a statutory exemption applies
- The license is valid for 90 days
- Confirm current fees, hours, and procedures with the County Clerk
72-Hour Waiting Period
The standard Texas 72-hour waiting period applies between issuance and the ceremony unless a statutory exemption or waiver applies — for example active-duty military service, a judicial waiver, or completion of a state-approved premarital course.
Valid for 90 Days
The license is valid for 90 days. A Texas license issued by any county can be used for a ceremony anywhere in the state — you do not have to marry in Galveston County.
Affidavit of Absent Applicant
The Galveston County Clerk publishes an Affidavit of Absent Applicant form, which may be used when one applicant cannot appear in person. Review the form instructions and confirm current requirements with the County Clerk, as rules for absent applicants can be county-specific.
After You Have Your License: A Private Houston Chapel Option
Once you have your Texas marriage license, your ceremony can take place anywhere in the state. If you would rather have a private, decorated setting than a government setting, The Courthouse Wedding Chapel in Houston offers a different kind of experience.
- Private Houston chapel, decorated and reserved for your ceremony alone
- Appointment-based ceremonies, including weekends and evening times
- Up to 50 guests depending on the package
- Ceremony in English or Spanish
- Licensed and ordained chaplain
- We file your marriage license with the issuing county after the ceremony
Ready to schedule your ceremony?
You do not have to wait until everything feels complicated. Choose your package, pick your date, and we’ll guide you through the next step.
County Marriage-License Resources — Houston Region
Your Texas marriage license can be issued by any county in the state and is valid statewide. Each county runs its own process, fees, and hours; below is each county's official resource with only the details we could verify on their own pages.
Verify current requirements with the issuing County Clerk. Procedures, fees, hours, and appointment policies change and vary by county.
Fort Bend County
- County Clerk issues Formal Marriage Licenses and Declarations of Informal Marriage
- Formal license fee listed at $71, reduced to $11 with proof of a qualifying state-approved premarital course
- Appointments are available but not required for license issuance
- Multiple County Clerk office locations
Montgomery County
- Applications can be started online before visiting in person
- Licenses issued at the Conroe main office and the East and South County annexes
- County Clerk states no appointment is needed to apply
- License fee $60 plus $10 records management (Jan 2025 fee sheet); $60 waived with Twogether in Texas certificate
- Payment in cash only — no checks or money orders
Brazoria County
- Online marriage application available in advance — keep your request number
- Recording and Vitals Department located at 237 E. Locust, Suite 102, Angleton
Chambers County
- Both applicants sign the application in the presence of the County Clerk, with limited statutory exceptions
- County Clerk's office is in Anahuac
Liberty County
- Served from the Liberty Courthouse and the Cleveland Courthouse Annex
- Marriage license application can be started online; ID must still be presented in the office
Waller County
- Marriage license application hours listed as 8:00 AM – 4:00 PM, Monday through Friday
- Both applicants apply in person with proof of identity and age
Austin County
- County Clerk publishes an accepted-ID list and an online application starting point
Links go to official county websites. We are not affiliated with any county government office.