We've received a lot of marriage-related questions from Texans looking for information during the COVID-19 pandemic, so we thought we'd cover some of the basics in one spot. Read on for answers to questions about Zoom wedding ceremonies, name changes, registering as an officiant, and more!

Marriage in Texas Research Guide

If you haven't visited our Marriage in Texas research guide yet, we highly recommend doing so! This guide covers a lot of different aspects of what Texas law has to say about getting married, including marriage licenses, name changes, conducting the ceremony, and more. 

Can a marriage ceremony in Texas be conducted over video conferencing software like Zoom or Skype?

We've heard a lot from Texans who want to know if they can have their marriage ceremony remotely with video conferencing software. While Texas law does not specify where or how a marriage ceremony may take place, there may be other aspects to consider depending on your situation. We've covered this topic in a Legal FAQ here, and we have more information on conducting the ceremony on our Marriage in Texas guide. 

What are the requirements to officiate a wedding in Texas? Do I need to register as an officiant?

Plenty of folks have asked us who exactly is qualified to officiate a wedding in Texas and if a person officiating a wedding would need to register with the state. While Texas law is fairly specific about who can officiate a wedding ceremony, we haven't been able to locate any requirements for state registration before conducting a ceremony. Read the full Legal FAQ on this topic here. This topic is also covered on the Conducting the Ceremony page of our Marriage in Texas guide. 

Where do I get a marriage license?

Marriage licenses are issued at any county clerk's office, and many Texas counties now offer an online application process. If you have questions about how procedures may have changed due to COVID-19 (including whether or not the county is issuing marriage licenses at this time), it's a good idea to reach out to the county clerk's office directly for more information. Please see the Marriage Licenses page of our Marriage in Texas guide for more information about the law as well as a list of links to marriage license information for a number of Texas counties.

How can I change my last name once I'm married?

Please see the Name Change page of our Marriage in Texas guide for information on notifying various government agencies of your name change and updating your identification documents. 

Got a question about getting married that wasn't addressed here? Please feel free to send us an e-mail, leave us a voicemail, or ask your question via chat with our Ask a Librarian service!