The license
For a legal marriage ceremony, Texas requires a marriage license issued at least 72 hours before the ceremony. You can get one from any Texas county clerk's office — it doesn't have to be the county where the chapel sits.
Two dates to know:
- The license is valid for 90 days from the day it's issued. Pick it up in the window between 90 days and 72 hours before your ceremony.
- Texas waives the 72-hour wait if you've completed the state's free premarital education course (Twogether in Texas) or if one of you is active-duty military — ask the clerk.
Bring the license with you on your wedding day. After the ceremony, your officiant signs it and returns it to the county clerk's office that issued it within 30 days — that's what makes it official. The clerk typically mails your recorded license back to you.
The officiant
The Chapel at Wimberley doesn't provide an officiant, and couples go both ways happily:
- Hire a professional — you'll find a few we recommend under Preferred Vendors in your Couple's Portal.
- Ask someone you love — any family member or friend can get ordained online, free, in minutes at American Marriage Ministries. A ceremony led by someone who knows your story is something guests remember.
If your officiant hasn't worked at the chapel before, send them our officiant page — chapeltx.com/guide/officiant — it has everything they need in one place.
Vow renewals
Renewing your vows? No license needed — just the two of you and the words.