The Bride’s Guide to Getting Married in Houston

houston wedding
Photo by Stephano Choi

Sure, Texas can get hot, but so can the nightlife and the wide array of happenings in this oft-overlooked, bustling town. With plenty to do in some of the best neighborhoods the state has to offer, be sure to catch that signature Texas barbecue, peruse the lively Market Square downtown for proper people watching, and maybe take a rest from all the festivities in one of the gorgeous parks that pepper the town.

When to Go

Best Weather Months: Late fall months through the winter and spring present a more temperate climate in Houston. You may want to be wary of January and February of course, but the months before and after can be refreshing for typically hot Texas.

Worst Weather Months: Summer, from June to August, contains the city’s highest sweltering heat, steamy humidity, and threat of tropical storms, so steer clear should you not wish to have your makeup running down your couture.

How to Get There

Major Airport: Bush Intercontinental Airport Transportation, William P. Hobby Airport

Transportation: Uber and taxis readily available. The Houston metro rail system and bus system offer typical public transit fare while the jitney service, The Wave, offers free transport downtown. Bike share and rental cars are also available.

Best Neighborhoods for Out-of-Town Guests

Midtown: This hip neighborhood is one of the most happening places in Houston, often talked about as the section of Houston that never sleeps. With an exciting vibe, numerous bars and restaurants, and close proximity to downtown, Midtown proves to be exciting fare for guests who not only wish to stay in Houston, but utterly get down.

Downtown: Eclectic, bustling, and bright, you can’t go wrong with Downtown Houston. Art museums, the hottest restaurants, and exciting nightlife lines each street, guaranteed to provide plenty of entertainment and intrigue for guests.

Bellaire: If guests are looking for more of a serene, picturesque getaway, look no further than Bellaire, Houston’s pretty little pocket town that still maintains a close commute to Downtown should you wish to hit the nightlife before cozying up to the charming views.

houston engagement photos
Synchronicity of Color at Discovery Green

Best Spot for Wedding Photos

The Discovery Green Park has awesome views of downtown as well as an amazingly unique and colorful art installation by Margo Sawyer called Synchronicity of Color.

Address:
1500 McKinney
Houston, Texas 77010

Hours:

Discovery Green is open daily (including holidays) from 6 a.m. to 11 p.m. Admission is free.

Where to Get Your Marriage License

Harris County Clerk:

Harris County Civil Courthouse
201 Caroline
Houston, TX 77002
713-755-6411

Other locations where you can purchase a marriage license include:

Branch Offices

  • Baytown: 701 W. Baker Road, Baytown (281) 422-0253
  • Chimney Rock: 6000 Chimney Rock, Houston (713) 660-7902
  • Clay Road: 16715 Clay Road, Houston (281) 859-0685
  • Clear Lake: 16603 Buccaneer, Clear Lake (281) 486-7250
  • Cypresswood: 6831 Cypresswood Dr., Spring (281) 379-1057
  • Humble: 7900 Will Clayton Parkway, Humble (281) 540-1173
  • N. Shepherd: 7300 North Shepherd, Houston (713) 697-5193
  • Pasadena: 101 S. Richey, Suite D, Pasadena (713) 274-6230
  • South Belt: 10851 Scarsdale, Houston (281) 464-0115

Visit their website for more info

Hours:
Monday-Friday, 8:00 a.m.- 4:30 at any of the annex offices or the central location.

Payment:
They accept all major credit cards, cash, personal check (local only with valid Texas ID), money order, cashier’s check, company check and traveler’s checks for payment of marriage license.

Couples Must:

  • Be 18 years of age or older
  • Pay a $72 marriage license fee
  • Purchase the license at least 72 hours prior to but no more than 90 days before the date of the ceremony (The 72 hour waiting period is automatically waived for military personnel. However you will need to show your military ID.)
  • Bring a valid id such as a drivers license, Id card issued by DPS, valid passport, resident alien card, or other government issued identification.
  • No blood test is required

Read more about marriage license requirements.

Local Wedding Vendors

You’ll definitely want to check out these wedding photographers, planners, florists, and more below. While we haven’t worked with all of them, we are definitely fans. (NOTE: These are NOT paid listings!)

Looking for a wedding venue? Check out our a few of our favorite Houston wedding venues.

Wedding Photographers

Feather & Twine Photography

Tamara Gruner Photography

Ever & Anon

Nancy Aidee Photography

Wedding Videographers

31 Films

Luxe Films

Pixel Studio Productions

Don’t Get Married Without Me

Wedding Florists

Bows + Arrows Flowers

Posey Events

The Fleuriste

Floral Events

Haute Florals & Finds

Chicago Wedding DJs and Bands

Dj Dave Productions

LG Entertainment LLC

Spotlight Entertainment Inc.

Please Mr. DJ

Space City DJs

Chicago Wedding Caterers

Rosemary’s Catering

City View Catering

Behind the Bash

Bailey Connor Catering

Wedding Hair and Makeup

Pink Palette Artists

Adorne Artistry

Blush and Company

Wedding Rental Companies

Avalon Event Rentals

House of Hough

Darryl & Co.

Wedding Planners

Keelly Thorne Events

Pomp & Circumstance

Something to Celebrate Wedding & Event Coordination

Belle of the Ball Events

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