Marriage Licenses

Applications must be completed online prior to license issuance.  License Issuance hours: Monday – Friday 8:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.

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Please read the following list of requirements for obtaining a marriage license in its entirety prior to beginning the online application located at the bottom of the page

Identification Requirements

Both persons must be present and provide:

  1. Valid government issued photo ID. Acceptable forms of ID include: driver’s license, passport, military ID or an identification card issued by Texas or another state, the United States or a foreign government.
  2. Social Security number. You are not required to show your social security card.
  3. When entering your information in the online application, your name must read exactly as it is shown on your identification.  No exceptions.
  4. Online Application Confirmation Number

PLEASE NOTE: The name listed on your marriage license MUST match the name on your identification.

Using Maiden Name On Marriage License

If you have been divorced and retained your maiden name in the divorce, but your identification has your married name, you must provide a certified copy of the divorce decree that states your name was changed back to your maiden name.

Where do I go to get my Marriage License?

Ellis County Clerk’s Office, 109 S. Jackson St., Waxahachie, Texas 75165

Monday – Friday, 8:00 a.m. until 4:00 p.m.

Residency Requirements

A $100.00 Out of State Applicant Fee will be assessed if neither applicant is able to prove Texas residency; fee waived for active military.  

If Previously Married

If your divorce was finalized within the last 30 days, you must provide a certified copy of the divorce decree stating the judge has waived the 30-day waiting period. If you do not have that waiver, you are required to wait 30 days before you can apply for another marriage license. If you have any questions, please call 972-825-5070.

Application Requirements

Both parties must appear before the clerk and provide their valid government issued photo ID and their social security number (your social security card is not required).

Blood Tests

There are NO blood test requirements.

Marriage License Fees

The cost of your license will vary depending on whether you have participated in a state approved premarital training program (Texas Family Code Chapter 2 §2.013). The premarital course is an eight (8) hour training both you and your spouse-to-be may attend to learn conflict management, communication skills and key elements for building a healthy marriage.

Once the course has been completed you will receive a certificate of completion which will include the name of the course, the name of the provider and the date the course was completed. The certificate will be valid for one (1) year. Certificate MUST be presented at the time of application. Refunds will not be issued for certificates brought in after application is completed. Upon receipt of the certificate, the County Clerk will deduct $60.00 from the license fee and waive the state required 72-hour waiting period. For more information on participating in the pre-marital training course please visit the Twogether In Texas website.

Marriage License without the certificate - $82.00 (no personal checks accepted)
Marriage License with the certificate - $22.00 (no personal checks accepted)

Marriage License for Out of State residents - $182.00 (no personal checks accepted)
Informal Marriage License - $47.00 (no personal checks accepted)

PLEASE NOTE: A convenience fee of 2.4% will be charged for all credit/debit card transactions.

WAITING PERIOD AND EXPIRATION OF LICENSE: Pursuant to Texas Family Code, Chapter 2 Sec. 2.204 of the Texas Family Code, the marriage ceremony may not take place during the 72-hour period immediately following the issuance of the marriage license unless: (a) an applicant is a member of the Armed Forces of the United States and is on active duty, (b) an applicant obtains a waiver from District Court, or (c) an applicant completes a premarital education course and provides the County Clerk with the completion certificate.

EXPIRATION OF LICENSE: Pursuant to Chapter 2 Sec. 2.201 of the Texas Family Code, if a marriage ceremony has not been conducted before the 90th day after the date the license is issued, the marriage license expires.

Marriage of Persons Under 18 Years of Age

Pursuant to Texas Family Code Chapter 2 §2.101 the County Clerk may not issue a marriage license to persons under the age of 18. For any questions pertaining to the marriage of persons under 18 years of age, please contact our office at 972-825-5070.

Absent Application

An absentee affidavit is to be completed if an applicant is unable to appear personally before the County Clerk to apply for a marriage license.  The other applicant may apply for a marriage license on behalf of the absent applicant.

The County Clerk may not issue a marriage license for which both applicants are absent unless both applicants are a member of the armed forces of the United States stationed in another country in support of combat or another military operation. 

A person may agree to marriage by the appearance of a proxy appointed in the affidavit authorized by Subchapter A if the person is:

  • A member of the armed forces of the United States stationed in another country in support of combat or another military operation; and
  • Unable to attend the ceremony.

Absentee Affidavit and Instructions

Persons Authorized To Conduct Ceremony

Licensed or ordained Christian Ministers and Priests, Jewish Rabbis, or persons who are officers of religious organizations; and who are duly authorized by the organization to conduct marriage ceremonies; Justices of the Supreme Court, Judges of the Court of Criminal Appeals, Justices of the Courts of Civil Appeals, Judges of the District, County and Probate Courts, Judges of the County Courts at Law, Courts of Domestic Relations and Juvenile Courts, Justices of the Peace, Judges and Retired Judges of a Municipal Court and Judges and Retired Judges or Magistrates of the Federal Courts of this State.

If you are interested in having a Justice of the Peace conduct your wedding ceremony, contact the Justice of the Peace for more information https://co.ellis.tx.us/80/Justice-of-the-Peace

Online Marriage License Application

After you have read all instructions and requirements listed above, please click here to begin your Marriage License application. Once you have completed the online marriage application you will be provided with a confirmation number.  You will need your confirmation number and the identification used to complete the application (for both applicants) for issuance of the license by the Clerks Office.  License issuance hours are Monday – Friday 8:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.