How to Get Married in Fort Bend County, Texas
Photos taken by Heather Purvis Photography.
As the owner of a wedding venue near Fort Bend County, I get the joy of guiding couples through the wedding planning process every day. It's great hearing your stories and helping to make your dreams come true. If you're going to marry in or near Fort Bend County, Texas, this blog will guide you through the legal procedure, required documents, and even handy discounts to help you avoid wasting time and stress. On top of that, I'll introduce you to Brandt 1910, a wedding event space just outside Fulshear that's perfect for those couples who've always dreamed of a traditional wedding.
What Are the Legal Requirements for Getting Married?
Before you can say "I do," you need to make sure that you are complying with Texas legal requirements for marriage. It is a simple process, but knowing the regulations beforehand will prevent last-minute surprises.
Legal Restrictions
To get married, neither of you can be currently married to someone else. If you were once married, you'll need to provide evidence that the marriage has been legally dissolved. There's a 30-day waiting period after the finalization of a divorce before you can be wed again, so keep that in mind.
Who Is Legally Authorized to Carry Out a Ceremony?
Any number of individuals can legally perform your wedding in Texas. They include licensed or ordained clergy members, active or retired judges, and justices of the peace.
What Documents Do You Need?
When you go to apply for your marriage license, you'll need to bring some key documents along. Getting everything together will make the trip to the clerk's office quick and easy.
Government-Issued ID: You two will need a valid form of identification, i.e., a driver's license, passport, or state ID card.
Social Security Numbers: You typically don't need the card itself, but you need to know your Social Security numbers.
Proof of Divorce or Annulment: If either of you has been married previously, bring a certified copy of the divorce decree or proof of annulment.
Before heading to the courthouse, ensure your IDs are up to date and that you also take all records for any previous marriages.
Do You Need a Witness?
One wonderful thing about getting married in Texas is that you don't need witnesses for your marriage license or even for the ceremony. Your officiant's signature is sufficient to seal the deal.
If you don’t have an officiant yet, don't worry! Here at Brandt 1910, we have a network of wonderful, experienced officiants we can recommend. One of our favorites is Angelo with Katy Wedding Minister. With over 15 years of experience, Angelo creates beautiful, personalized ceremonies that truly capture the spirit of each couple. We can help coordinate with him to ensure your ceremony is seamless and memorable.
Where to Get a Marriage License in Fort Bend County
You can get your marriage license from the Fort Bend County Clerk's Office. Both of you must be present to apply.
Fort Bend County Clerk's Office
301 Jackson Street
Richmond, TX 77469
Phone: (281) 341-8685
Hours of Operation: Monday - Friday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM (Marriage licenses are issued until 4:30 PM)
The courthouse is also a convenient Richmond location, so it is an easy stop for couples planning weddings in the Fort Bend area. For couples having their celebration at Brandt 1910, the Clerk's Office is a quick drive.
Can You Get Married Outside the County Where You Obtained Your License?
Yes! A Texas marriage license is valid statewide. This allows you to obtain your license in Fort Bend County and marry anywhere from El Paso to Beaumont (we’ve had couples from Sealy, Richmond, Katy, Sugar Land, Rosenberg, and beyond)! But why would you want to go anywhere but Brandt 1910 in Wallis? Brandt 1910 is located in the absolute heart of this beautiful region, offering the perfect blend of history and modern style for your big day.
What Do You Do After You Get Your License?
Once you have your marriage license, there are a few other procedures to follow.
72-Hour Waiting Period: Texas has a 72-hour waiting period between the issuance of the license and when the ceremony can take place. Plan around this to avoid scheduling conflicts.
License Validity: Your marriage license is good for 90 days from the issue date.
Ceremony and Signing: Remember to bring your license to the wedding ceremony! Your officiant will sign it and fill in the date and location of the wedding.
Returning the License: The signed license must be returned to the County Clerk's office following the ceremony in order to be legally recorded.
Pro-tip: Designate a trustworthy friend or family member to possess the marriage license on the wedding day. They should deliver it to the officiant and have it safely secured after it's signed.
Are There Discounts for Taking a Marriage Class?
Texas has a fantastic program, Twogether in Texas, a premarital education program that prepares couples for a healthy, strong marriage. There are two great incentives for taking an 8-hour course from a certified provider:
- The state portion of the marriage license fee ($60) is waived.
- The 72-hour waiting period is waived.
You can obtain a list of local course providers from the Twogether in Texas website. It's a good idea to invest in your relationship and also save some time and money.
Other Details to Keep in Mind
Marriage License Fee: Fort Bend County has a marriage license fee of approximately $82. The fee is less if you complete the Twogether in Texas course.
Courthouse Ceremony: You can, if you prefer, have a small intimate gathering and be wed by a Justice of the Peace at the courthouse. Easy and cheap for your "I do's."
Planning Timeline: When planning your wedding, pick up your marriage license about a month before your wedding date. This gives you plenty of time but doesn't cut it too close to the 90-day expiration.
Make Your Dream Wedding at Brandt 1910
Now that the formalities are out of the way, the excitement begins: organizing your dream day. If you're trying to find one of Fort Bend County, TX's top wedding reception sites, I invite you to discover more about Brandt 1910.
Our venue was originally built in 1910 as a general store, and its historic charm is something we’ve lovingly preserved. When you get married here, you’re not just in a beautiful space; you’re becoming part of a century-old story. We offer:
- A stunning blend of historic character and modern amenities.
- Indoor and outdoor ceremony and reception options, including a beautiful garden space.
- A convenient location near Fulshear, Richmond, Rosenberg, and Sugar Land.
- Accommodations for up to 200 guests.
- All-inclusive wedding packages for stress-free planning.
Whether you've always dreamed of an outdoor wedding venue in Fort Bend County with a view or a unique wedding venue near Sugar Land, TX for non-traditional couples, Brandt 1910 provides a classic backdrop for your celebration.
Say "I Do" with Confidence
It's easy to get married in Fort Bend County once you know how. From securing your license to reserving your dream venue, you're now all set to take on the details with confidence. This area is brimming with beautiful options, and we are so grateful to be one of the best historic wedding venues close to Richmond, TX with charm.
Ready to plan your Fort Bend County wedding? Contact Brandt 1910 today to schedule a tour and start creating lifetime memories.
(979) 217-1772 (Call or Text)
info@brandt1910.com
Looking for more inspiration? Explore our photo gallery, pricing details, or testimonials from happy couples who’ve walked down the aisle at Brandt 1910. #Brandt1910, #Brandt_1910