The license
For a legal marriage ceremony, Texas requires a marriage license issued at least 72 hours before the ceremony. You can get one from any Texas county clerk's office — it doesn't have to be the county where the chapel sits. Ask the clerk about validity windows when you pick it up, and keep the license somewhere safe until the big day.
Bring the license with you on your wedding day. After the ceremony, your officiant signs it and returns it to the county clerk's office that issued it — that's what makes it official.
The officiant
The Chapel at Wimberley doesn't provide an officiant, and couples go both ways happily:
- Hire a professional — they've done this a hundred times and bring calm with them.
- Ask someone you love — any family member or friend can get ordained online, free, in minutes at American Marriage Ministries. A ceremony led by someone who knows your story is something guests remember.
If your officiant hasn't worked at the chapel before, send them our officiant page — chapeltx.com/guide/officiant — it has everything they need in one place.
Vow renewals
Renewing your vows? No license needed — just the two of you and the words.