League City Marriage License
League City residents apply for a marriage license through the Galveston County Clerk, which has two office locations serving the county. League City is one of the largest cities in Galveston County and is located in the Houston-Galveston metro area. Both applicants must appear in person, bring valid photo ID, and know their Social Security numbers. The fee is $81, which is slightly below the statewide average. Texas law requires a 72-hour waiting period after the license is issued, and the license is valid for 90 days.
League City Quick Facts
Galveston County Clerk - League City Area Office
The Galveston County Clerk has two office locations that process marriage license applications. League City residents can use either location. The main courthouse is in Galveston, and there is also a branch office on the mainland. Both handle the full application process. Call ahead or check the county website to confirm which location is most convenient and whether appointments are needed.
Galveston County covers a wide area along the Gulf Coast, including League City, Texas City, Galveston, Friendswood, La Marque, Dickinson, and other communities. League City is one of the more inland cities in the county. It sits along Interstate 45 between Houston and Galveston and has grown significantly over the past two decades.
| Office | Galveston County Clerk - Marriage License |
|---|---|
| Main Address | 722 Moody Ave Galveston, TX 77550 |
| Branch Office | 174 Calder Rd League City, TX 77573 |
| Phone | (409) 766-2200 |
| Hours | Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM |
| Website | galvestoncountytx.gov |
The Galveston County Clerk accepts cash, checks, and credit or debit cards. The marriage license fee is $81. Couples who complete the Twogether in Texas premarital education course pay a reduced fee and can skip the 72-hour waiting period. Call (409) 766-2200 to confirm the Twogether reduced fee amount currently in effect.
Note: Applications are in person only. Both applicants must be present at the same time. If one person cannot attend, you must reschedule for when both can come together.
The Galveston County Clerk's website has marriage license requirements, both office locations, fees, and hours for League City and all of Galveston County.
Texas DSHS Vital Statistics provides statewide marriage license guidance and maintains records for all 254 Texas counties, including Galveston County where League City is located.
How to Apply for a Marriage License in League City
League City residents have two choices for applying: the Galveston courthouse or the League City branch office on Calder Road. Both require both applicants to appear together. Bring all required documents and the process takes less than an hour on a typical day.
Each applicant must bring:
- Valid government-issued photo ID (driver's license, passport, state ID, or military ID)
- Social Security number (know it; your card is helpful)
- Certified divorce decree if divorced in the last 30 days
- Court order if either applicant is under 18
The state application form under Texas Family Code Section 2.004 collects full legal names including maiden surnames, dates and places of birth, and Social Security numbers. It also asks about prior marriages. You must report how any previous marriage ended and when. All answers must be truthful and accurate.
No blood test is required. Texas has no residency requirement. The license you receive in Galveston County is valid for any ceremony anywhere in Texas. After the ceremony, the officiant must sign and return the completed license to the Galveston County Clerk within 30 days as required by Texas Family Code Section 2.206.
72-Hour Wait and License Fees
Texas requires a 72-hour waiting period after the clerk issues your license before the ceremony can take place. This rule comes from Texas Family Code Section 2.204. Plan to apply at least three full days before your ceremony. The wait starts from the exact minute the clerk hands you the license.
Active duty military can skip the 72-hour wait automatically. A judge can grant a written waiver for documented emergencies. Couples who complete the Twogether in Texas premarital course can also skip the wait and pay a lower fee. The standard fee in Galveston County is $81. Confirm the Twogether reduced fee with the clerk's office when you call ahead.
The license is valid for 90 days from the issue date. Do not wait too long to apply. Most couples time their application one to two weeks before the ceremony to stay safely within the 90-day window while also clearing the 72-hour wait.
League City Marriage Records
After the ceremony, the officiant returns the signed license to the Galveston County Clerk within 30 days. This is required under Texas Family Code Section 2.206. Once recorded, the marriage is part of the permanent public record for Galveston County.
Certified copies of your marriage license cost approximately $21 each. You can request them in person at either county clerk location or by mail. Certified copies are needed for name changes, benefits updates, and legal matters. Include full names, the ceremony date, and payment when requesting by mail.
The Texas DSHS Vital Statistics unit maintains a statewide index from 1966 forward. They issue verification letters but not certified copies. For certified records, contact the Galveston County Clerk at (409) 766-2200.
Nearby Qualifying Cities
These nearby qualifying cities are in the greater Houston-Galveston area.
Galveston County Marriage License
League City is in Galveston County, and the Galveston County Clerk handles all marriage license applications including a branch office in League City itself. See the county page for more information.