Marriage Licenses

Welcome to the Marriage Capital of Texas

As of May 30, 2025 Senate Concurrent Resolution (SCR) 6, named Rockwall County as the official Marriage Capital of Texas for ten years, ending in 2035. The resolution was signed into law by Governor Greg Abbott.

WHEREAS, For more than 90 years, Rockwall County has been a sought-after destination for brides- and grooms-to-be, and its popularity as a marriage location is known throughout the Lone Star State; and

WHEREAS, Couples have flocked to Rockwall County to tie the knot since the early decades of the 20th century, and the area gained further acclaim during the 1940s and 1950s, when the county took a unique approach to administrating marriages; a night watchman at the courthouse, Gene Payne, filled in as the deputy county clerk, which allowed marriage licenses to be issued at all hours; in addition, a local doctor kept his office open late to provide the blood tests that were required before a license could be issued; the popularity of Rockwall County as a place to say "I do" was such that justice of the peace Mildred Barnes, one of only a few women in the state to serve in that role at the time, officiated the weddings of more than 6,000 couples from 1952 to 1957; and

WHEREAS, The practice of issuing marriage licenses around the clock ended in the 1950s, when the county was required by law to provide this service during regular business hours; nevertheless, the county has remained a top choice for prospective newlyweds drawn by the uncommon beauty and elegance of its marriage certificates, which have long been among the most coveted in the state; the county is further admired for its wide selection of wedding venues that suit a variety of tastes and styles, ranging from luxurious manors to scenic gardens and pastoral ranch venues; and

WHEREAS, Rockwall County has long served as the setting where couples have shared their vows and embarked upon a momentous journey together, and it is indeed fitting that the county be formally recognized for its special connection to the institution of marriage, both historically and in the present day; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED, That the 89th Legislature of the State of Texas hereby designate Rockwall County as the official Marriage Capital of Texas; and, be it further

RESOLVED, That, in accordance with the provisions of Section 391.003(e), Government Code, this designation remain in effect until the 10th anniversary of the date this resolution is finally passed by the legislature.

No appointment needed.  All departments are walk-in. 

County Clerk Jennifer Fogg has complied with the Supreme Court’s June 26, 2015 ruling to allow same sex marriages. Rockwall County has been known for more than 70 years as the “Marriage Capital of Texas.” The actual Rockwall County marriage certificates continue to be sought after due to their elegance, heritage, and history. https://texaslawhelp.org/article/same-sex-marriage-in-texas 

Search for Marriage Records

Rockwall County Clerk Jennifer Fogg is committed to making historical records accessible to the public. We now offer a new and more efficient way of searching "Marriage Records". 

Copies of Official Public Records may be purchased through the website at this time. Certified Copy request will be completed in the office and mailed to the customer.  If you choose In Person, once you have added your items to the shopping cart, you will need to complete payment with our office. Please fill out the Credit Card Authorization form and email to vitals@rockwallcountytexas.com with your request information to have copies mailed to you.  You may also come into the office to pay and pick up requested copies.

How to apply for a Marriage License - Online 

• Marriage License Online Application 
• To contact the department that processes online requests, please email vitals@rockwallcountytexas.com

How to apply for a Marriage License - In person

• Come to the office, check in and apply online by using our public terminals
• To contact the department that processes online requests, please email vitals@rockwallcountytexas.com

Requirements for Finalizing the Application Process and Obtaining a Marriage License

• Both parties will come into the office prior to the ceremony to complete the application process.  
• Pease keep in mind that you are both required to be present unless you have an absent applicant form.
• Show proper identification - Driver's License or Identification Card.
• Texas Family Law Code 2.005 - Proof of Identity and Age 
• Be 18 years of age or older.
  • Texas Family Law Code 2.003 - Application for License
• Pay the $81.00 in the office for the license with cash, credit, or debit. 
• Choose your Marriage License.  - There are currently five options, two floral, one patriotic, and two vintage options.

Absent Applicant for Marriage License

Affidavit of Absent Application is to be used to apply for a Marriage License when one party is unable to appear in the County Clerk's office.

• Instructions for Completing an Affidavit of Absent Applicant for Marriage License
• Affidavit of Absent Applicant

*******Note: Marriage Licenses will not be issued after 4 p.m.********

Fees:

• The fee is $81. A portion of this fee ($60) will be waived after attending a state approved 8-hour premarital training class. Information on this class can be found at: Twogether in Texas.  
• Marriage License Search Fee is $10, Copies or Certifies Copies are additional.
• Fee Schedule 2024

Please note: A non-refundable fee for a record search will apply to ALL UNSUCCESSFUL SEARCH REQUESTS i.e., birth certificates, death certificates, and marriage request.

Waiting Period

• There is a 72-hour waiting period after the license is issued before the ceremony can occur. 

Exceptions to the Waiting Period

Texas Family Code Section 2.204: https://statutes.capitol.texas.gov/Docs/FA/htm/FA.2.htm

• An applicant is a member of the armed forces of the United States and on active duty with military identification.
• A judge waives the 72-hour period for good cause.
• The couple completes a premarital education course described by Section 2.013 and provides to the County Clerk a premarital education course completion certificate indicating completion of the premarital education course not more than 1 year before the date the marriage license application is filed with the Clerk. For more information on Twogether in Texas please visit Twogether in Texas.

Who Can Perform a Marriage

Texas Family code Section 2.202: https://statutes.capitol.texas.gov/Docs/FA/htm/FA.2.htm

• It is the party’s responsibility to obtain an officiant.
• Our office does not provide this information.

More Information

• Get information about verification of marriage and divorce records from the Texas Department of State Health Services
• Get information about Blood Test for HIV/AIDS.
• Get information on the Premarital Education Handbook.
• Venues, Hotels, and other locations
• Get information on Changing Your Name After Marriage.
• Get information on how to Update Your Documents After Name Change.
• Name Change Kit