Newly ordained in Texas

[Ahluz915]

Saw a post from a couple years back talking about Texas weddings. i was wondering if since then, anyone has done any weddings? I know Texas in general is somewhat of an "honor" system, meaning they expect you to do the right thing or pay the fine if you get caught doing wrong...but individual counties is a different story. I plan on calling Dallas county to see what they say, but wanted to hear anyone elses experience.

[BikerDude]

Hose her on down, slap her on the butt and ride her on home cowboy!
Yeeeeeee haw!

[debbieemt]

In NJ, where I reside, "every minister of every religion" (including those ordained online) are legally permitted to solemnize marriages and sign the marriage license.  Please let us know what you find out regarding Dudeist Priests officiating weddings in Texas.

[BikerDude]

In NJ, where I reside, "every minister of every religion" (including those ordained online) are legally permitted to solemnize marriages and sign the marriage license.  Please let us know what you find out regarding Dudeist Priests officiating weddings in Texas.

Sodomize marriages?
I thought that was Mississippi.

[BikerDude]

[Redux]

Following this.  I just got ordained today myself, thanks man.  Going to be officiating my brothers ceremony in a few months in Texas.  Curious if anyone who has done the same has any pointers for Texas, Gainesville specifically.

[Masked Dude]

Following this.  I just got ordained today myself, thanks man.  Going to be officiating my brothers ceremony in a few months in Texas.  Curious if anyone who has done the same has any pointers for Texas, Gainesville specifically.

My standard disclaimer: I AM NOT A LAWYER. Any questions? Call an attorney. I can't and won't answer specific legal questions. I have legal training, and I can be sanctioned faster and more severely than other people.
I'm reading over Chapter 2 of Title 1 of the Family Code of Texas about this. Dudeist priests seem to fall under Sec. 2.202.(a)(3) "a person who is an officer of a religious organization and who is authorized by the organization to conduct a marriage ceremony." I would just "Minister" as title, "religious" as ceremony, and "non-denominational" as denomination. But that's just me.

I'm assuming everyone is age 18+, so I'll pass that part. It seems the couple gets the license and normally wait 72 hours for the ceremony. After that, you do the ceremony within 90 days of issuance. (Sec. 2.201). The waiting period is optional for armed forces or DoD personnel or with a waiver. I'd just wait. You, as officiate, must return that signed and dated license to the issuing county clerk within 30 days or you've committed a misdemeanor and can be fined $200-500. (I think NC gives us 5 days, so you're lucky.) If you sign an expired marriage license, same fine.

Your work is done. The clerk mails a copy to the couple.

I didn't find specific criteria for you and the couple. Generally speaking, both are of age to get married, are sober, are single, and are entering into marriage willingly. In some areas, you have to be divorced for a certain number of days or provide proof. But from what I remember, that's up to the clerk and not you. You have to make sure they're sober because if anyone is drunk or high they can't actually consent. If you feel like someone is being pressured or forced to marry, you can't do it. But I don't know anyone who's had that problem. If I read this right, Texas doesn't require witnesses to the ceremony. Usually states and jurisdictions require two, but I don't think Texas does. Hm...

Any questions? Head down to 100 South Dixon Street or call (940) 668-5421 and ask! And this goes without saying, but in case someone else is reading: Be perfectly honest. If you provide any false or vague or misleading information that could invalidate the marriage. The couple could then sue you into oblivion.

[Redux]

Great information here, thanks Man.