1. How to Become a Minister in Houston

Your first move will be to fill out an ordination application and become a minister! (Note: you can skip this part if you've already signed up). Ordination from Get Ordained™ is provided via the Universal Life Church, an organization that ordains people from all walks of life – for free – online! The ULC welcomes anyone who feels so-called to join its ministry. Best of all? The entire application can be completed in just a few minutes. Once your application is processed, you'll be granted the authority to officiate legal wedding ceremonies! To get started, please click the button below.

Important Info for Ministers in Houston

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

2. Learn Houston Marriage Requirements

After getting ordained, it's time to contact the office that handles marriage licenses in Houston. Kindly inform them that you’re an ordained minister and you'd like to inquire about what types of credentials or other documents they require from wedding officiants before performing a wedding. They should be able to walk you through the process and explain any local rules or regulations that apply. Please find contact information for the office in Houston below.

Office Address:
201 Caroline St., 3rd Floor
Houston, TX 77081
Office Phone Number:
(713) 274-8600
Office Website:
Houston Office Website

3. Who Can Officiate a Wedding in Houston?

The answer is anyone, including you! (So long as you get ordained first). Weddings aren't exactly known for being easy on one's bank account, but one increasingly common strategy couples are using to cut costs and further personalize their ceremony is to ask someone they know – like a friend or loved one – to officiate.

Being asked to perform a wedding is a great honor. Not only will you be presiding over the formation of a new union, but serving this important role also illustrates a deep bond of trust and love between yourself and the couple. The thing is, not everyone knows it's possible to personalize the ceremony this way! If you're close with two people who are planning to marry, you could always toss out the idea of officiating their ceremony in case they aren't aware of this option.

Average Cost of a Wedding in Houston:
$24,000

4. What You'll Need to Officiate in Houston

The office issuing marriage licenses in Houston should be able to clarify what, specifically, you'll need to order. A popular item in Houston is the Premium Wedding Kit, although what you order might change depending on the office's particular needs.

With most of the legal stuff out of the way, it's time to officiate the wedding! If you've never performed a wedding before, or it's been a while and you need a brief refresher, consider taking a look at our wedding training center, home to all of the tools you'll need to perform the wedding of a lifetime.

5. How Houston Marriage Licenses Work

Once the wedding ceremony is finished, you and the couple have one last important responsibility: signing and returning the marriage license. The marriage license is valid for 90 days in Houston, and once it has been picked up there is a mandatory 3-day waiting period (waived with marital counseling) before the wedding can actually take place. Remember, the marriage license has to be returned within the time limit set by the issuing office, so don't delay!

Additionally, it's worth double-checking that it has been filled our properly before returning it. This is a legal document, so you'll want to take the time to ensure there are no errors. If you need assistance on how to fill out the marriage license, please take a look at our marriage license training page for in-depth guidance.

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 Houston

If couples are looking to hold a beautifully rustic barn wedding, they should look no further than Houston County, Texas. Steeped in rich history, this county offers a wide range of barn venues that range from cozy and rustic, to expansive and chic. With sweeping farmlands surrounding, folks will find this a majestic locale to celebrate one of life's most precious moments.

7. What You Should Do Now for a Wedding in Houston

Keep in mind the hot and humid season in Houston County, ranging from June-August.The best months to enjoy this regions pleasant weather and scenery are March, April and October.

Now that you know all the little details about officiating weddings in Houston, don't forget to actually sign up as an ordained minister with the ULC! All you have to do is click on the button below and you'll be on your way to officiating weddings in no time!

Now that you're ordained, you can go perform completely legal wedding ceremonies in Houston!