How to Elope in Texas: Everything You Need to Know

The heart of the south – Texas is a hidden gem for elopements, micro weddings and intimate weddings. Between rolling hills, beachside cities, and renowned barbecue, there’s something for every couple. Simply Eloped currently offers elopement packages and vow renewals in Austin, Dallas and Houston. So – you’ve decided to start married life in the Lone Star State. Amazing! The question remains – how to elope in Texas? It feels complicated, but with over 14,000 elopements under our belt, we know the ins and outs and have all the tips to keep this simple and stress free.

The steps to make your marriage legal, whether an elopement, a micro wedding or a traditional wedding, can feel complicated and tedious. With some planning and a little bit of help, it can be done quickly and stress free! Here, we’ll review:

• How to obtain a marriage license 
• How many witnesses are required for your Texas elopement
• All inclusive Texas elopement packages
• Top booked venues in Texas on Simply Eloped
• Post elopement: getting a marriage certificate
• Post elopement: changing your last name

How to Get your Marriage License

First things first – you do not have to be a resident of Texas to get a Texas marriage license. This is great for those looking for a destination elopement, micro wedding or small wedding. To get a marriage license, you’ll first need to complete a marriage license application. After completing your application, you and your partner must appear at the County Clerk’s office within 30 days. At your appointment, bring your application, a form of identification, and a payment method for fees. While you are not required to bring your social security card, you are required to provide your social security number as well. Forms of ID can be your driver’s license, state issued ID, passport, military ID, or birth certificate. 

There’s a three day waiting period between the time you receive your marriage license and when the wedding ceremony can take place. This waiting period can be waived if one member of the couple is a member of the armed forces and on active duty, performs work for the US Department of Defense, obtains a written waiver from a judge, or completes a premarital education course.

Your marriage license is valid for 89 days from its issue date. After your ceremony, return the license to your county clerk’s office within 30 days. The license will then be recorded into public record and returned to you as a marriage certificate. Look to your local county clerk for the return address.

Do You Need an Officiant for your Texas Elopement Ceremony

Yes, an officiant is required for your wedding ceremony. This person can be a licensed or ordained minister, priest, rabbi, an officer of a religious organization authorized to conduct ceremonies, or a current or former federal or state judge. Your officiant will record on the license the date of the ceremony, the county the ceremony was performed in, and their personal information. That license must be returned no later than 30 days after the ceremony.

Do You Need Witnesses for your Texas Wedding

No, there are no laws requiring witnesses for elopements in Texas. So, if you’re looking for an intimate moment between you and your partner – Texas is a great option to tie the knot! 

All Inclusive Texas Elopement Packages

Simply Eloped offers a number of customizable elopement packages for your Texas Elopement! Our Seed, Simply Photographed, Sprout, Bloom, and Oasis packages are available in Texas. This provides each couple the unique opportunity to build their perfect, customizable elopement package from top to bottom. Here are a few details on each package. To see more information on each of these Texas elopement packages, click here.

• Seed Package Details: Includes professional officiant, personalized ceremony, advice on obtaining your marriage license and dedicated Elopement Specialist.
• Simply Photographed Details: Covers one hour of professional photography and dedicated Elopement Specialist.
• Sprout Package Details: Offers a professional officiant, personalized ceremony, one hour of photography, and dedicated Elopement Specialist.
• Bloom Package Details: Includes a professional officiant, personalized ceremony, one hour of photography, a Nosegay bouquet and boutonniere, and dedicated Elopement Specialist.
• Oasis Package Details: Covers professional officiant, two hours of photography, one hour of videography, hair and make up for one person, a Nosegay bouquet and boutonniere and dedicated Elopement Specialist.

Places to Elope in Texas

Looking for the best places to elope in Texas? Here are the favorites of our Simply Eloped couples.

Sekrit Theater

Looking for an eclectic venue surrounded by nature around Austin? Sekrit is for you. With venue options of a garden or all glass greenhouse – this venue is perfect for those looking for something a little off the beaten path. Sekrit Theater welcomes ceremonies of 20 guests or less. It also has its own reception space, which if desired, is coordinated directly with the venue. A reservation is required for this venue, which Simply Eloped will coordinate on your behalf. 

Sekrit Theater offers streaming, chairs, alcohol, and leashed pets. It also has an on site bathroom, is wheelchair accessible and has plenty of parking. Please note candles, sparklers, flower petals, confetti and rice are not welcome.

The Oak Atelier

Walk down an aisle of river rock to the elopement of your dreams at The Oak Atelier in Houston. With four different areas available for your ceremony and photography, this venue is one of a kind and able to match anything you envision for your special day. The Oak Atelier is currently hosting ceremonies of 45 or less. Please note that couples are responsible for booking this venue on their own.

The Oak Atelier welcomes chairs, leashed pets on a case by case basis, and streaming. It also has an on site bathroom, is wheelchair accessible and has plenty of easy parking. Please note that alcohol, candles, sparklers, flower petals, rice and confetti are not permitted.

Dallas Arboretum

If you’re seeking a lush, garden elopement in the heart of Dallas, the Dallas Arboretum should be at the top of your list. With four different ceremony locations on site, there’s an option for each couple. Whether you’re looking for an intimate ceremony of ten or less, or up to 24 friends and family – the arboretum has the perfect location for you in the grounds. Please note that if interested in this venue, you are interested in coordinating the permit.

The Dallas Arboretum welcomes chairs, and is available year round. Although – spring and fall mornings are our personal favorite. Please note that leashed pets, alcohol, candles, sparklers and flower petals are not permitted.

Chapel Dulcinea

Up a daring walking trail about 20 minutes outside of southwest Austin lays the romantic, open air wedding chapel of Chapel Dulcinea. Able to host ceremonies of up to 45, this venue is perfect for those looking for a unique, memorable, and maybe even a little adventurous elopement. Please note that the couple is responsible for booking this venue, and all that is requested is a nominal donation fee to cover annual maintenance and support.

Chapel Dulcinea welcomes streaming, chairs, and leashed pets. It also has an on site bathroom, is wheelchair accessible and has plenty of parking available. Please note that alcohol, candles, sparklers, flower petals, rice, and confetti are not permitted.

Galveston Beaches & Seawall

Sandy, beautiful, beachside elopements may not be your immediate thought when you think of Texas. But that’s exactly what Galveston Beaches & Seawall gives you. Just 45 minutes outside of Houston is a stretch of beach that will make you feel like you’re in a world completely your own. Galveston Seawall and Beaches currently welcomes ceremonies of 16.

This beautiful, beachy venue welcomes alcohol in select areas, leashed pets, and music through a small bluetooth. It also has plenty of parking, has an on site bathroom, and there is no permit required. Please note however that chairs, candles, sparklers, rice and confetti are not permitted. It is also unfortunately not wheelchair accessible.

How to Change your Last Name in Texas

Changing your name is a bit of a process across the board. However, with some clarity on the steps – it can be done relatively stress free. Here, we’re going to review the five steps to changing  your name in Texas.

1. Get your Marriage Certificate: In Texas, you can take your spouse’s name after marriage without applying for a court order. This is because you can declare the name you will take on your marriage. Your marriage license, in essence, takes the place of a court order. If you and your spouse are merging last name, or changing it to an entirely new name – you’ll need to apply for a court order. Once you have had your ceremony and your officiant has mailed your marriage license back, you’ll receive the copies of your marriage certificate you requested during your marriage license. This will take a few weeks and will come through the mail.
2. Change your Name with Social Security: Changing your name with the SSA office is a federal process that is consistent throughout the country. This is a crucial next step, as you’ll need this document to change your name on the rest of your legal documents. Fill out the SS-5 form, and either mail or bring it with you to your social security appointment. You’ll also need to bring with you a certified copy of your marriage certificate and proof of identity, like your driver’s license or passport.
3. Get a new Driver’s License: Once you’ve received your new Social Security Card with your updated last name, it’s time to update your license. Make an appointment at your local DMV and bring your current license, proof of social security number (with your new name), and your marriage license. Expect to take a photo for your new ID, and to pay a fee for your new license. 
4. Update your Passport: If you have a passport, updating your name will be your last step in legally changing your name. You will need to wait until your new Driver’s License comes in to do so. Similar to updating your social security card, this is a federal process and is consistent state to state. Travel.state.gov has a great deal of information on how to change your last name on your passport. This process will change depending on if your passport is current or expired, as well  if it was updated more or less than a year after your name was legally changed. You’ll fill out your application and mail it to Passport Services with your marriage certificate, a color photo, and the associated fees via check. If you’re not eligible to renew by mail, you may apply in person with the same documents as well as a valid ID. Once your application is accepted, it can take several weeks to receive your updated passport in the mail.
5. Update your Non Legal Accounts: the legal name change is done! Time to change your name in your non-legal accounts. This could be anything from your email, work, insurance (health, home, car,) credit cards and more.

Eloping is an exciting moment in you and your partner’s life! Though there’s a few steps to get you down the aisle, Simply Eloped is here to support you in the full process. To learn more about our packages and services, chat with one of our Personal Elopement Designers.

This article has been fact checked and reviewed for accuracy by a Simply Eloped Personal Elopement Specialist in January 2026.

Written by Lisa Guglielmo

Lisa is the Marketing Manager at Simply Eloped. Having gotten married in 2022, she experienced the good (and not so good,) of traditional wedding planning. Here, she loves watching couples do their weddings their way.