Get a Marriage License in Gonzales County, TX
Here's what to expect at the County Clerk — fees, what to bring, and where to go.
You can take $60.00 off this — the state fee goes to zero
Under Tex. Local Gov't Code § 118.018(b-1) the clerk shall issue the license without collecting the marriage license fee if you complete a premarital education course, hand over the completion certificate dated within the last year, and prove you are a Texas resident. The course is at least eight hours (Fam. Code § 2.013), and it also waives the 72-hour wait. What is waived is the $60.00 state fee, not the county add-ons that make the total above $67–$82 — so expect to pay the remainder, not nothing.
Texas requires 72 hours between getting the license and the ceremony (Tex. Fam. Code § 2.204). Three ways to waive the wait:
- Twogether in Texas premarital course — waives the wait and takes up to $60 off the fee (e.g. $81 → $21). Certificate valid 1 year; present it at application.
- Active-duty military
- Judicial waiver
Texas marriage licenses are issued by the County Clerk (Tex. Fam. Code § 2.001). You may apply at any Texas county clerk, and the ceremony may be performed anywhere in Texas — the license is not tied to the issuing county. The fee varies by county (typically $67–$82), and the license is valid 90 days. Both parties apply in person with photo ID and Social Security number; one party may be absent using a notarized affidavit. A $100 fee applies if neither party proves Texas residency. If either party divorced within the last 30 days, bring a certified copy of the decree with a waiver, or wait.
Instead of a license, couples can file a Declaration of Informal Marriage with the County Clerk (Tex. Fam. Code § 2.402 sets out the form). The fee is $25.00 under Tex. Local Gov't Code § 118.011(a)(8); the county's records management fee (§ 118.0216) and, where adopted, its archive fee (§ 118.025) are collected on documents filed with the clerk, so confirm the total.
This page shows the best information we have for Gonzales County. Fees and hours may vary — call ahead to confirm before visiting.
Getting married somewhere else in Texas? See the Texas marriage license guide for statewide requirements and fees.