Dallas has quickly become one of the most sought-after wedding destinations in Texas, and it’s easy to see why. Between the skyline views, the historic estates, the botanical gardens, and the warm Southern hospitality, this city offers something for nearly every couple’s vision.
As a photography and videography team working across the Texas Triangle, we’ve shot weddings in Dallas and our clients all want to know how to get married in Dallas.
If you’re getting married in Dallas, Texas, this guide walks you through everything from the legal paperwork to picking a venue that fits your style. Let’s get into it.
Step 1: Get Your Marriage License
Before anything else, you’ll need a marriage license. In Texas, marriage licenses are issued at the county level, so if you’re getting married in Dallas, you’ll apply through the Dallas County Clerk’s office.
Here’s what to know:
Apply online first. Dallas County requires couples to complete the marriage license application online before visiting the office in person. Once you submit your application, you’ll receive an order number, which you’ll need to schedule or complete your in-person visit.
Bring valid ID. Both applicants need a valid form of government-issued identification, such as a driver’s license, passport, or military ID.
Know the age requirements. You must be 18 to marry without parental consent. If you’re 16 or 17, you’ll need parental consent or a court order. Couples younger than 16 need a court order to marry.
Residency isn’t required. You don’t have to live in Texas, or even in Dallas County, to get married there. This makes Dallas a great option for couples planning a destination wedding.
Know the waiting period. Once your license is issued, there’s a 72-hour waiting period before you can legally marry. This waiting period can be waived in a few cases, including active-duty military members, Department of Defense employees, a judge’s waiver for good cause, or couples who complete an approved premarital education course within a year of applying.
Mind the expiration date. Your marriage license is valid for 90 days from the date it’s issued, so plan your ceremony date accordingly.
The Dallas County Clerk’s office is located at 500 Elm Street, Suite 2100, Dallas, TX 75202. Office procedures can shift from year to year, so we always recommend double-checking current requirements and fees directly with the county clerk before your appointment.
Step 2: Choose Who Will Officiate
In Texas, your ceremony can be performed by a licensed or ordained minister, priest, or rabbi, an authorized officer of a religious organization, or various judges and justices of the peace, including current and retired district, county, and municipal judges. If you’d rather skip a religious officiant altogether, many couples in Dallas opt for a courthouse ceremony performed by a Justice of the Peace, which keeps things simple and budget-friendly.
Step 3: Pick Your Dallas Wedding Venue
This is where the fun really starts. Dallas has an incredible range of venues, and the right one depends on the vibe you’re going for.
For garden and outdoor settings, the Dallas Arboretum is a favorite for good reason. With multiple ceremony locations and reception spaces, it offers a botanical backdrop that photographs beautifully in every season. Texas Discovery Gardens at Fair Park is another gorgeous option, especially if you love the idea of a butterfly house cocktail hour.
For historic charm, venues like Hotel Crescent Court, The Gaston, and Alexander Mansion bring character and architectural detail that you simply can’t recreate in a newer space.
For downtown skyline views, spaces like The Room on Main, The Hall on Dragon, and various rooftop venues let you say “I do” with the Dallas skyline as your backdrop.
For something more intimate, a courthouse wedding at the Dallas County Courthouse is a wonderful low-key option, and many couples pair it with a styled photo session somewhere else in the city afterward.
Most Dallas venues book up well in advance, especially for the most popular wedding months. If you have your heart set on a specific place, start touring early.
Step 4: Time Your Wedding Around Dallas Weather
Spring (March through May) and fall (September through November) are the most popular times to get married in Dallas, and for good reason. Temperatures during these months tend to sit in a comfortable range, which makes both indoor and outdoor ceremonies easier to plan.
Summer weddings are absolutely doable, but the Texas heat means you’ll want to think carefully about timing your ceremony for early evening and providing shade or air conditioning for your guests. Because spring and fall book up quickly, we generally recommend reserving your venue and key vendors 12 to 18 months ahead of your date.
Step 5: Build Your Vendor Team
Once your venue and date are locked in, the next priority is building out your vendor team, including your photographer and videographer, of course. As a team that shoots weddings throughout the Texas Triangle, we always recommend booking your photography and videography early. The best teams in the Dallas-Fort Worth area fill up just as fast as the venues do, especially for fall weekends.
Beyond photography, you’ll also want to start lining up a caterer (many venues offer in-house options, others require you to bring your own), a florist, and a planner or coordinator if your budget allows. Dallas has a deep bench of wedding professionals, so you have plenty of options at nearly every price point.
Frequently Asked Questions About How to Get Married in Dallas
Do we have to be Texas residents to get married in Dallas?
No. There’s no residency requirement to obtain a marriage license in Dallas County.
How long does a Dallas marriage license last?
Your license is valid for 90 days from the date of issuance, and there’s a mandatory 72-hour waiting period after issuance before the ceremony can take place, unless an exception applies.
Can we apply for our marriage license together if we live in different states?
Yes, both applicants typically need to appear in person together to finalize the license, so plan to be in Dallas together for that appointment.
What’s the best time of year to get married in Dallas?
Spring and fall offer the mildest weather, but Dallas hosts beautiful weddings year-round, including summer celebrations with the right planning.
Ready To Get Married in Dallas?
Getting married in Dallas means combining the legal logistics with the fun part: choosing a venue, a season, and a team that brings your vision to life. Once your paperwork is squared away with the Dallas County Clerk, the rest is about finding the details that feel like you.
If you’re planning a Dallas wedding and want a photography and videography team who knows the city’s best venues and lighting inside and out, we’d love to be part of your day. Reach out and let’s start planning.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a marriage license cost in Dallas County?
A marriage license in Dallas County costs $82 if both parties have a Texas driver’s license or state ID, or $87 if either party doesn’t. You can pay by cash, check, or credit card at the County Clerk’s office.
Is there a waiting period before we can get married in Texas?
Yes, Texas requires a 72-hour waiting period between when you receive your marriage license and when you can legally marry. This waiting period can be waived for active military members or in a few other specific circumstances, so it’s worth checking with the county clerk if that applies to you.
How long is a Texas marriage license valid?
Once issued, your Dallas County marriage license is valid for 90 days. If you don’t marry within that window, you’ll need to apply for a new license before your ceremony.
