Washington County Marriage License
To get a marriage license in Washington County, Texas, both applicants must appear together at the County Clerk's office in Brenham. The clerk issues all formal and informal marriage licenses for the county under Texas Family Code Chapter 2. No Texas residency is required. Bring valid photo ID and your Social Security numbers, and plan for a 72-hour waiting period after the license is issued before the ceremony can take place. The license stays valid for 90 days from the date of issue.
Washington County Overview
Washington County Clerk - Marriage License Office
The Washington County Clerk in Brenham is the only place in the county where you can apply for a marriage license. The office issues both formal and informal marriage licenses and is the point of contact for all questions about requirements, fees, and documents. Once the ceremony is done and the signed license is returned, the clerk files it as part of the permanent public record.
The clerk's office is at the Washington County Courthouse in downtown Brenham. There are no satellite locations in the county. Visit on a weekday during regular hours. The office follows the state holiday schedule, so call ahead if you plan to go near a holiday.
| Office | Washington County Clerk |
|---|---|
| Address | 100 E Main St Brenham, TX 77833 |
| Phone | (979) 277-6200 |
| Hours | Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM |
| Website | co.washington.tx.us |
A Washington County marriage license costs about $82. Couples who complete the Twogether in Texas premarital program pay around $22 and can skip the 72-hour waiting period. Bring the certificate to the clerk when you apply. Call the office to confirm what payment methods are accepted before your visit.
Note: If either applicant was divorced within the past 30 days, bring a certified copy of the divorce decree. Under Texas Family Code Section 2.009, a new license cannot be issued until 30 days have passed since the divorce.
The Washington County official website provides contact details, office hours, and information for the County Clerk in Brenham.
Review the Washington County website before your visit to Brenham to confirm current office hours and any requirements for your marriage license application.
How to Get a Marriage License in Washington County
Getting a Washington County marriage license follows the same Texas process as every other county. Both applicants visit the clerk's office at the same time, bring required documents, fill out the application, and pay the fee. No appointment is usually necessary and most people complete the process in one visit.
What to bring when applying at the Washington County Clerk in Brenham:
- Valid government-issued photo ID such as a driver's license, state ID, passport, or military ID
- Social Security number for each applicant
- Certified divorce decree if either applicant was divorced within the last 30 days
- Court order if under 18 years of age, required in Texas since September 2017
No residency requirement applies. People from out of state are welcome to apply in Washington County. The license is valid for a ceremony anywhere in Texas after the 72-hour wait. The application form asks for full legal names including maiden surnames, dates of birth, birthplaces, and Social Security numbers. Prior marriage history is required under Texas Family Code Section 2.004. Know the dates and circumstances of any prior marriages before you apply.
72-Hour Waiting Period and Fees
Texas requires a 72-hour wait between the time the license is issued and the time of the ceremony. Texas Family Code Section 2.204 sets this as a firm requirement. Plan your application date so the ceremony falls at least 72 hours after the license is issued.
The waiting period can be waived in three situations. Active duty military can skip it. A judge can grant a written waiver for documented cause. Couples who finish the Twogether in Texas premarital program can waive the wait and pay about $22 instead of the standard $82. The course takes about 8 hours and is offered at various Texas locations.
The Washington County marriage license is valid for 90 days from the issue date. Do not let the 90-day window pass without holding the ceremony or you will have to start over. Most couples apply a week or two before the wedding day. Brenham and Washington County are popular for Hill Country-style weddings, so planning ahead makes sense.
The Washington County Clerk also handles informal marriage declarations. Both parties must appear in person. The fee is typically around $42.
Washington County Marriage License Records
After the ceremony, the officiant must sign and return the completed marriage license to the Washington County Clerk within 30 days, as required by Texas Family Code Section 2.206. Once filed, the marriage is part of the permanent public record. You can then request certified copies for name changes, insurance, immigration, or other legal purposes.
Certified copies of Washington County marriage licenses cost about $21 each. You can request them in person or by mail from the clerk's office in Brenham. For statewide Texas marriage verification from 1966 onward, the Texas DSHS Vital Statistics unit provides verification letters for $20. Those letters confirm a record is on file but do not replace certified county copies for all legal purposes.
Washington County maintains marriage records as a permanent part of the public archive. Researchers and genealogists can contact the clerk to request older records. Some historical Washington County marriage records may also appear in genealogy databases and microfilm archives at the county or regional level.
Nearby Counties
Washington County is in Southeast Texas between Houston and Austin. Neighboring county clerks issue marriage licenses under the same Texas state rules.