How to Perform a Marriage in San Antonio

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

Have you been asked to officiate a wedding in San Antonio? Performing a wedding is an exciting job, but it’s also a tremendous responsibility. This comprehensive guide will explain the process in detail to ensure you know everything there is to know. We’ll dive into important questions like what you’ll need to officiate, how to contact the office that handles marriage licenses, and how to properly register the wedding you perform in accordance with the rules in San Antonio.

1. How to Become a Minister in San Antonio

The first step you’ll need to take is to become an ordained ULC minister (assuming you haven’t completed this part already). Get Ordained™ provides ordination through the Universal Life Church free of charge and welcomes all who feel called to ministry. It’s also easy to join; the process can be done entirely online and takes only a few minutes from start to finish. Once ordained, you’ll have the authority to perform legal marriage ceremonies! To begin, just click the button below.

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Important Info for Ministers in San Antonio

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

2. Learn San Antonio Marriage Requirements

Your next step will be to reach out to the office that processes marriage licenses in San Antonio. Let them know that you’re an ordained minister and that you’re curious about what documents or credentials they need to see from you, as the wedding officiant, before performing a ceremony in their jurisdiction. You’ll find contact information for the San Antonio office listed below.

Office Address:: 100 Dolorosa Street, Suite 104
San Antonio, TX 78205
Office Phone Number:: (210) 335-2216
Office Website:: San Antonio Office Website

3. Who Can Officiate a Wedding in San Antonio?

One great candidate: You! (At least, as soon as you are ordained). We all know that weddings are notoriously spendy, but one way that couples are reducing their costs – and bringing deeper meaning to the event – is by choosing an officiant they know personally.

For loved ones who are asked to officiate, this is an incredible honor; serving in the role of officiant signifies a deep level of faith and trust between you and the couple. But not all couples are aware this is an option! If someone you love has an upcoming wedding, you might offer to preside over the ceremony as an ordained minister in case they hadn't considered it. In the end, the decision will of course be theirs.

Average Cost of a Wedding in San Antonio:: $25,961

4. What You'll Need to Officiate in San Antonio

After speaking with the office in San Antonio, you should have a clearer idea of what you might need to order from our online catalog. Many of our ministers in San Antonio decide to get an Classic Wedding Kit, though your choice may vary based on the specific requirements in place.

With all that prep work out of the way, you’ll be set to officiate the wedding! Woohoo! If this is your first time performing a wedding (or you just want to brush up on your knowledge) head over to our wedding training center, where you’ll find all sorts of useful tools and resources.

5. How San Antonio Marriage Licenses Work

After the ceremony is over, your last (and vital) responsibility will be to sign and return the marriage license. In San Antonio, a marriage license is valid for 90 days. Once it has been picked up, there is a mandatory 3-day waiting period (waived with marital counseling) before the wedding ceremony may be performed. Please keep in mind that the license must be returned within the prescribed period after signing.

This is a legal document, so please double-check that it is correctly filled out before returning it to the office that issued it. For detailed instructions on how to fill out a marriage license, visit our marriage license training page.

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 San Antonio

San Antonio has much to offer from wedding venues steeped in lush greenery, to rich historical sites. Choosing a wedding venue within San Antonio may prove difficult, but only because there are so many intriguing options! Coupled with the immense amount of tourist attractions, this is truly a uniquely beautiful and interesting location for such a momentous celebration. If couples are planning on holding their wedding in San Antonio, they are in for a real treat!

7. What You Should Do Now for a Wedding in San Antonio

Peak heat and humidity hit San Antonio around early August, so do keep this in mind if planning an afternoon reception this time of year.

Now that you know everything there is to know about San Antonio weddings, don’t forget to take that all-important first step in this process by officially becoming ordained with the ULC! Click the button below to get the ball rolling.