Who can perform a marriage ceremony in Texas? Do I need to register as an officiant?

There is no requirement to have a wedding officiant’s license or to register as an officiant. However, you must be qualified to conduct a marriage ceremony according to Texas law.

Who Can Officiate a Wedding?

Only certain persons may officiate a marriage ceremony. Texas Family Code Section 2.202 states who qualifies to perform weddings that are valid under Texas state law:

• A licensed or ordained Christian minister or priest;
• A Jewish rabbi;
• A person who is an officer of a religious organization and who is authorized by the organization to conduct a marriage ceremony; or
• A current, former, or retired federal judge or state judge.

Do I Need to Register as an Officiant?

No. You must be qualified to officiate a wedding according to Texas Family Code Section 2.202. There is no requirement to register with the state before you can perform a ceremony.

Can a Friend Officiate My Wedding?

Only if they meet the requirements described above. Some people choose to become officers of a religious organization specifically for this purpose.

What if an Unauthorized Person Conducts the Ceremony?

Under Texas Family Code Section 2.302, the marriage is still valid if certain conditions are met:

• There was a reasonable appearance of authority by the officiant;
• At least one party to the marriage participated in the ceremony in good faith and that party treats the marriage as valid;
• Neither party was a minor prohibited from getting married by law; and
• Neither party committed bigamy under Texas Penal Code Section 25.01.

If an unauthorized person knowingly officiates the ceremony, the offense is a Class A misdemeanor or a third-degree felony. For more details, see Texas Family Code Section 2.202(c) and Section 2.202(d).

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