Something borrowed. Something blue. A whole new chapter.
The rings. The vows. The paperwork. From getting your Texas marriage license to updating your insurance after the big day, here's your guide to getting married and starting your next chapter together.
Love is in the air.
So is a little paperwork.
Whether you're planning a Hill Country wedding, a courthouse ceremony or a celebration with everyone you know, getting married in Texas comes with a few important steps.
Here's how to handle the legal details, plan for life after the wedding and make sure your next chapter gets off to a great start.
Before the vows, visit the county clerk.
You'll need a Texas marriage license before your ceremony. You can generally apply through any Texas county clerk, regardless of where in Texas you're getting married.
Both applicants generally appear in person and provide acceptable proof of identity and age. Check your county clerk's requirements before visiting.
Complete the application, provide the required information and pay the applicable fee. Fees and appointment procedures can vary.
Texas generally requires a 72-hour waiting period between license issuance and the wedding ceremony. Certain exceptions and waivers are available.
Your ceremony must take place before the 90th day after your license is issued.
Want to skip the 72-hour wait?
Completing an approved premarital education course may qualify you for an exception. Other statutory exceptions and judicial waivers are also available.
Big wedding? Tiny wedding? Your call.
Texas has no shortage of places to say "I do." The important part is choosing a ceremony that feels right for both of you.
Keep it simple.
Contact a local judge or justice of the peace about ceremony availability, scheduling and fees.
Romantic Texas scenery.
Think vineyards, rolling hills, outdoor ceremonies and beautiful sunset receptions.
Make a weekend of it.
Austin, Dallas, Houston and San Antonio offer everything from intimate restaurants to large event venues.
Something blue? The ocean.
Planning a coastal ceremony? Check local beach rules, permit requirements and seasonal weather conditions.
Make sure your officiant is authorized.
Texas law specifies who may legally perform a marriage ceremony. Confirm your officiant meets those requirements before the big day.
Officially married.
Now make it official everywhere else.
Once the ceremony is complete, your officiant is responsible for returning the completed marriage license to the county clerk within the required timeframe.
Get a certified copy.
Order a certified copy of your completed marriage license from the county clerk that issued it. You may need this for name changes, benefits and other official records.
Changing your name?
You can generally use your completed marriage license as proof for qualifying marriage-related name changes. Start with Social Security, then update your driver's license, passport and other records as needed.
TEXAS NAME CHANGE GUIDE ↗Update your Texas driver's license.
If you change your legal name, Texas DPS requires you to visit a driver's license office within 30 days of the change and provide acceptable original or certified documentation.
TEXAS DPS NAME CHANGES ↗Update the rest of your accounts.
If applicable, notify your employer, banks, insurers, voter registration office and other organizations about your new legal name.
Two lives. A few important enrollment windows.
Marriage is generally a qualifying life event that may allow you to change health insurance coverage outside regular open enrollment.
Compare your plans.
Check premiums, deductibles, provider networks and dependent coverage. Employer plans generally require special enrollment requests within 30 days.
Know your deadline.
Getting married may qualify you for a Marketplace special enrollment period, generally lasting 60 days. Additional eligibility conditions may apply.
MARKETPLACE ENROLLMENT ↗Review your benefits.
Ask HR about adding your spouse to eligible health, dental and vision plans, and updating beneficiaries.
Think beyond today.
Consider how your coverage needs might change with a new home, children or other future plans.
Let's talk about the other kind of commitment.
Getting married is a good opportunity to talk about finances, shared goals and the future you're building together.
Review income, existing debts, recurring expenses and shared financial priorities.
Joint accounts, separate accounts or a combination can all work. Choose an arrangement that suits your circumstances.
Marriage can affect your federal filing status, withholding and eligibility for certain tax benefits. Consider speaking with a tax professional.
Review wills, beneficiary designations, powers of attorney and other important documents with qualified professionals.
Texas is a community property state.
Texas has specific rules about property and debts acquired during marriage. If you have significant assets, a business or questions about separate property, consider consulting a Texas family law attorney.
Newlyweds. New adventures.
The wedding is one big day. The life you're building together is the exciting part that comes next.
Ready for new keys?
If you're planning to buy a home, start reviewing your budget, financing options and insurance needs.
One address. Twice the stuff.
Update your addresses, combine household essentials and review renters or homeowners insurance.
Take the scenic route.
Explore Texas road trips, state parks and weekend escapes for a memorable first adventure as newlyweds.
TEXAS ROAD TRIPS →Whatever comes next.
Whether you're planning for children, pets or simply enjoying married life, think about the protection your household may need.
HAVING A BABY IN TEXAS →Oh yeah.
Insurance.
You've combined your lives. Maybe your homes, cars and finances too. That makes this a great time to review your insurance together.
Auto insurance
Married couples may be eligible for different rates or multi-car discounts. Make sure your insurer knows about all household drivers and vehicles.
Homeowners or renters insurance
Combining households? Review personal property limits, liability protection and whether valuable wedding gifts or jewelry need additional coverage.
Life insurance
Life insurance can help provide financial support to a surviving spouse. Consider your shared debts, income needs and future goals.
Umbrella insurance
If you're combining assets or increasing your household's financial responsibilities, consider whether additional liability protection fits your needs.
Hey Charley is independent, so we can help you compare available coverage options and review your insurance as you start married life.
Two hearts.
Let's talk protection.
Getting married? Combining households? Buying your first home together? Let Charley help you review your insurance for the next chapter.
LET CHARLEY TAKE A LOOK →