MarriageLicenseCheck.com

Tarrant County exact answer

Who can perform a marriage ceremony for a license from Tarrant County?

This answer belongs to the issuing office and task named above. It does not substitute a statewide summary or infer a rule the office does not publish.

Direct answer

In Tarrant County, authorized officiants are licensed or ordained Christian ministers and priests, Jewish rabbis, officers of religious organizations duly authorized to conduct marriage ceremonies, and the published list of serving and retired Texas justices, judges, justices of the peace and municipal judges, plus federal judges and magistrates of this state. Couples without an officiant can get a list of Tarrant County Justice of the Peace courts from any Vital Records location. Justice of the Peace Court 2 in Arlington, for example, performs weddings for a $200 fee in cash only, limits attendance to 25 guests, recommends appointments, and offers prepaid evening and weekend weddings for an additional fee. Ceremony fees and procedures are set by each Justice of the Peace court and differ between precincts.

Published rule and conditions

Officiant and ceremony rule
Authorized officiants are licensed or ordained Christian ministers and priests, Jewish rabbis, officers of religious organizations duly authorized to conduct marriage ceremonies, and the published list of serving and retired Texas justices, judges, justices of the peace and municipal judges, plus federal judges and magistrates of this state. Couples without an officiant can get a list of Tarrant County Justice of the Peace courts from any Vital Records location. Justice of the Peace Court 2 in Arlington, for example, performs weddings for a $200 fee in cash only, limits attendance to 25 guests, recommends appointments, and offers prepaid evening and weekend weddings for an additional fee.

Ceremony fees and procedures are set by each Justice of the Peace court and differ between precincts.

Official requirement

Licensed or ordained Christian ministers and priests, Jewish rabbis, persons who are officers of religious organizations and who are duly authorized by the organization to conduct marriage ceremonies; Justices of the Supreme Court, Justices of the Court of Criminal Appeals, Justices of the District, County and Probate Courts, Judges of the County Courts at Law, Courts of Domestic Relations and Juvenile Courts, retired Justices and Judges of such courts, Justices of the Peace, retired Justices of the Peace, the Judge of a Municipal Court, the Judges and Magistrate of the Federal Courts of this state.

Issuing office

Tarrant County Clerk's Office, Vital Records Division

Open the issuing office

Official sources for this answer

  • Marriage LicensesTarrant County Clerk's Office, Vital Records Division - checked July 30, 2026

    Both parties must appear in person or together via video conference. Both parties must be at least 18 years of age. Must have a valid, government-issued picture identification. Must know Social Security number. There is a 72-hour waiting period after the license is issued before the marriage ceremony can take place. The 72-hour waiting period can be waived by meeting one of three criteria. The marriage must take place within 90 days from the date of issuance--no exceptions. The fee is $76 cash, Visa, Mastercard, American Express or Discover. (Credit card use adds a 1.73% fee.) The fee is $16 for couples who attend the State of Texas approved Marriage Education Class and present a printed and valid Twogether in Texas Certificate or similar premarital counseling course certificate. Effective January 1, 2019, a $100 Out-of-State Applicant fee will be assessed if neither applicant is able to prove Texas residency. The person who performs a marriage ceremony is responsible for returning the marriage license to our office within 30 days from the date of marriage.

  • Vital Records FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)Tarrant County Clerk's Office, Vital Records Division - checked July 30, 2026

    Complete an online application at Tarrant County's website or at any location; both parties must be 18 and appear in person or one party with a completed and notarized absentee affidavit; need identification; $76 or $16 with verified certificate of pre-marital counseling. Can I get a marriage license if I am not a Texas resident? Yes — $100 out of state fee + $76 or $16 with verified certificate of pre-marital counseling. Common Law: Complete an application at any location; both parties must be 18 and appear in person; need identification; $41. Certified copy: The fee is $21, then $11 for each additional copy ordered.

  • WeddingTarrant County Justice of the Peace Court 2 - checked July 30, 2026

    Appointments are not required but are recommended to ensure availability. You must bring your marriage license and the $200 fee in cash only. There is a limit of 25 guests. You will receive your marriage license from the County Clerk's office 2-4 weeks after your wedding. Evening and weekend weddings are available for an additional fee and must be prepaid.

Answer boundary

MarriageLicenseCheck is an independent reference, not the issuing office or legal advice. Applicant facts, timing, prior marriages, and document type can change the result. The official office decides what it will accept.

Open the complete Tarrant County guide - Browse exact answers - Report a correction