How to Perform a Marriage in Dallas County

Researched and edited for you by trained team members at GetOrdained.org

If you've been asked to officiate a wedding, you know it's an exciting opportunity. However, it can also be a bit intimidating. That's why we've put together this guide on officiating weddings in Dallas County! We'll go over everything you need to know, from how to get ordained, to how to contact your local wedding registrar, and what, exactly, you'll need from us.

1. How to Become a Minister in Dallas County

If you haven't already, you'll want to get ordained as a ULC minister by clicking the button below. Get Ordained™ offers ordination through Universal Life Church within moments and completely free of charge. All you have to do is sign up, fill out a short form, and you'll be a legally ordained minister, able to officiate weddings and more. Sign up today!

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Important Info for Ministers in Dallas County

ULC Ordination Accepted:: Yes
Minister Registration Required:: No
Documents Required:: N/A
Minister's Residency:: Irrelevant
Minister's Minimum Age:: 18

2. Learn Dallas County Marriage Requirements

Once you're ordained, the next thing you'll want to do is contact the office in Dallas County that handles marriage licenses. You'll want to tell them that you're an ordained minister officiating a wedding, and ask what documentation they want to see from you in order to officiate a wedding. You can find the Dallas County office's contact information below.

Office Address:: 500 Elm Street, Suite 2100
Dallas, TX 75270
Office Phone Number:: (214) 653-7099
Office Website:: Dallas County Office Website

3. Who Can Officiate a Wedding in Dallas County?

If you're ordained as a minister of the Universal Life Church, you can! Many couples are choosing to both cut costs and personalize their event by enlisting a close family friend or loved one to officiate their ceremony.

The couple could ask anyone, but they've asked you to forever be a part of their love story! Consider it a great honor. It's important to note that not everyone knows that this is even an option. If you know someone who has an upcoming wedding, you might consider asking who is performing their ceremony, and let them know that you're available if needed. Who knows, you might just get a reputation as a go-to officiant!

Average Cost of a Wedding in Dallas County:: $25,786

4. What You'll Need to Officiate in Dallas County

The office in Dallas County will be able to tell you what you'll need to pick up from our online store in order to perform a wedding. One of the most popular options for ministers in Dallas County is the Classic Wedding Kit!

Now you can get to the fun part: officiating the wedding itself. Whether it's your first time performing a wedding, or you just need to refresh your memory, we suggest taking a look at our wedding training center, which is full of all the resources you'll need to give the couple the wedding they deserve.

5. How Dallas County Marriage Licenses Work

With the ceremony complete, the last - and most important - responsibility remains: Signing and returning the marriage license. A marriage license in Dallas County is valid for 90 days, so don't delay. Keep in mind that once the marriage license has been obtained, there is a mandatory 3-day waiting period (waived with marital counseling) before the wedding ceremony can happen. Also note that the marriage license must be returned to the office that issued it within the time limit given after it has been signed.

Remember, this is a legal document! Take your time to ensure that it's been filled out properly before it is returned to the issuing office. If you need in-depth instructions on how to fill it out, take a look at our marriage license training page for assistance.

Marriage License Waiting Period:: 3 Days (Waived with marital counseling)
Marriage License Valid For:: 90 Days
Return Within:: 30 Days

6. Performing a Wedding in Dallas County

Dallas County has much to offer when it comes to wedding venues. Whether couples are looking for a more intimate venue or a larger venue more suited for extensive families and groups, they'll have no issue finding the locale that best suits their style. Many venues in this area offer inclusive services, such as catering and speciality lighting, bringing a wonderful sense of ease to a day that can easily become hectic with the juggling of multiple vendors. With a bustling population of over 2.3 million people, and easy access to Dallas Fort Worth Airport, a wedding venue within Dallas county is appealing to all, near and far!

7. What You Should Do Now for a Wedding in Dallas County

The humid season ranges from end of April to early October, with the hottest month of the season being August, so be sure to keep this in mind when examining the wedding date.

You know the ins and outs of officiating weddings in Dallas County now, but don't forget to sign up as a ULC minister for free by clicking the button below!