How to Get a Marriage License in Dallas–Fort Worth (2026 Guide)
Getting married in Dallas–Fort Worth? This guide shows how to get a Texas marriage license in Dallas, Tarrant, Collin or Denton County: who can apply where, what it costs, what to bring and how the 72-hour wait works. Facts are from each county’s own website as of November 2026.
The Quick Answer
- Who goes: both of you, together, with a valid government-issued photo ID.
- Cost: about $76–$81, or about $60 less with a Twogether in Texas certificate.
- The wait: you can marry 72 hours after the license is issued, unless an exception applies.
- How long it lasts: 90 days from the day it is issued.
- Where it works: a license from any Texas county is good for a ceremony anywhere in Texas.
Which County Can You Use?
Dallas County issues marriage licenses only to Dallas County residents, based on the address on your ID. If you live in Collin, Denton or Tarrant County, apply there instead. Collin County no longer requires you to live in the county. Tarrant County adds a $100 fee when neither of you can show Texas residency.
Marriage License Rules by County
| County | Who can apply | Fee (standard / with Twogether) | Good to know |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dallas | Dallas County residents only | See the county site | Records Building, 500 Elm Street, Suite 2100. Apply online first, then book an appointment. |
| Tarrant | Any couple; +$100 if neither lives in Texas | $76 / $16 | Remote licensing by video call is offered for formal licenses. |
| Collin | Any couple; county residency no longer required | $80 / $20 | No appointment needed. Complete the online application before you go. |
| Denton | Any couple | $81 / $21 | Six County Clerk locations, Monday–Friday, 8:00 am–4:30 pm. Visit within 3 days of your online application. |
Your Timeline, Step by Step
- Make your wedding rings (4–6 weeks before the wedding). Spend one day at the bench with LaProng Jewelers and make each other’s rings by hand. Book at least 2–3 weeks ahead; 4–6 weeks out gives you the best choice of dates.
- Take the Twogether in Texas course (optional). A certificate lowers the license fee by about $60 and waives the 72-hour wait.
- Apply for your license. Complete your county’s online application if it has one, then go to the County Clerk together with your IDs.
- Wait 72 hours. The wait does not apply to an applicant on active duty in the U.S. armed forces, a couple with a waiver signed by a district judge, or a couple with a Twogether in Texas or qualifying premarital course certificate.
- Hold your ceremony within 90 days.
- Your officiant returns the signed license to the county that issued it, and the county records your marriage.
Make Your Rings Before You Sign
They made each other’s wedding rings. In one day, 4–6 hours, you and your partner sit side by side at the jeweler’s bench and make your rings by hand, with a jeweler guiding every step. No experience needed. Sourcing the right metal is part of the service, so there is nothing to buy or bring.
- Couples’ sterling-silver rings from $695; gold wedding ring sets (both rings) from $2,490
- Winner, The Knot Couples’ Choice Awards · 1,200+ rings made with LaProng Jewelers · 100% satisfaction guarantee
- The studio is in Carrollton, just outside Dallas
“It was a super fun and a great learning experience on how rings are made! A full day of just me and my partner, so they were able to give their full attention to us.”
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Want the details first? Read about the make your own wedding rings workshop.
No Time for a Workshop?
Wedding coming up fast? We can make your wedding rings for you. In many cases, your rings are ready in about 48 hours, for pickup at the studio in Carrollton or for delivery. Browse wedding ring styles, or book a free call and tell us your date.
Getting Married at the Courthouse?
Planning a small ceremony with a Justice of the Peace? See our guide to a courthouse wedding in Dallas and Fort Worth.
Marriage License Questions
Do we have to live in the county where we apply?
Only in Dallas County, which issues licenses to Dallas County residents. Tarrant, Collin and Denton counties issue licenses to any couple. Tarrant adds $100 if neither of you lives in Texas. A license from any Texas county works anywhere in Texas.
How much does a marriage license cost in DFW?
As of November 2026: $76 in Tarrant County, $80 in Collin County and $81 in Denton County. A Twogether in Texas certificate lowers each by about $60. Check the Dallas County Clerk’s website for its current fee.
How long is a Texas marriage license good for?
90 days from the day it is issued. Your ceremony must take place within that time.
Can we get married the same day we get the license?
Usually not. Texas requires 72 hours between the license and the ceremony. The wait does not apply with a Twogether in Texas certificate, a district judge’s waiver, or when one applicant is on active military duty.
When should we get our wedding rings?
Plan your rings 4–6 weeks before the wedding. If you make them with LaProng Jewelers, book your bench day at least 2–3 weeks ahead. Simple rings are finished the same day you make them.
Our wedding is days away. Can we still get rings?
Yes. If there is no time for a workshop, we can make your wedding rings for you. In many cases, they are ready in about 48 hours for pickup or delivery.
LaProng Jewelers is not part of any county office. Marriage license rules and fees change, so confirm with your county clerk before you go.