Texas 72 Hour Waiting Period and Exceptions
When a couple applies for a marriage license in Texas, the general rule is that the marriage ceremony cannot take place during the 72 hour period immediately following the issueance of the marriage license by the county clerk. However, there are some exceptions to this rule which involve members of the U.S. armed forces, U.S. Department of Defense Employees, and persons who request a waiver of the waiting period.
A bill which passed in the Texas House and Senate during the 80th legislative session would provide another exception for couples who complete an 8 hour pre-marital education course and can provide a certificate of completion not more than one year before the date teh marriage license application is filed with the clerk. House Bill 2685 is awaiting Governor Rick Perry's signature.
