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Harris County (Houston) issues marriage licenses in person at any of 11 County Clerk locations, with no appointment required, and offers a substantial discount for completing a state-approved premarital course.
| License fee | $81 with valid Texas ID showing proof of residency. $181 without proof of Texas residency. Up to $60 off with a completed Twogether in Texas premarital course certificate. |
|---|---|
| Waiting period | 72 hours after issuance (Texas statewide rule), waived if you complete the Twogether in Texas premarital course. |
| Documents / ID required | Valid government-issued photo ID for both applicants; know both Social Security numbers. If one applicant can’t attend, a notarized Affidavit of Absent Applicant is required. |
| License validity | 90 days from the date of issuance (Texas statewide rule). |
| Where & how to apply | Apply in person at any of the Harris County Clerk’s 11 office locations — no appointment needed. Both applicants must appear together unless using the Affidavit of Absent Applicant. |
| Office hours | Monday–Friday, 8:00 a.m.–4:30 p.m. |
Special notes
The Twogether in Texas course both reduces the fee by up to $60 and waives the standard 72-hour waiting period — worth completing if your wedding date is close.
Frequently asked questions
Why is the Harris County fee sometimes listed as $181?
That’s the fee when neither applicant can show ID with proof of Texas residency. With valid Texas-resident ID, the fee is $81, reduced further by up to $60 with a completed premarital course.
Can we apply for a Harris County marriage license online?
No. Texas requires both applicants to appear in person at a County Clerk office; there is no online application for the license itself.
Official source: Harris County Clerk’s Office — https://www.cclerk.hctx.net/PersonalRecords.aspx
Last verified: August 2026
Last verified: August 2026