How to Get Married in Texas with Common Law Marriage

Marriage is a union between two people in love. A lot of people in Texas, have been in love a very long time and have been living together for years, and might as well be married. For most, a wedding is a luxury and very expensive, and when you opt not to have a wedding you still have to take time off work to go to the courthouse. What if there were an easier way to get hitched?

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What is Common Law Marriage or Informal Marriage?

a legally recognized marriage between two people who have not purchased a marriage license or had their marriage solemnized by a ceremony

When you think of Common Law Marriage, you think, "Oh y'all have been together and lived together so you're Common Law. "

That's not exactly how it works. There are some things you do have to do and have to follow.

Here is what you have to do to be Common Law married:

You cannot already be married to anyone else at the time your marriage was created.
Each person in the marriage must be over 18 years of age when you created the marriage.
You both agree to be married
You have represented yourself in public as married
Live as a married couple

For your marriage to be legally recognized you'll need a Declaration of Informal Marriage.

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A Myth About Common Law Marriage

Most people think that you have to be together for a certain amount of time to be common law married, but that's not the case. According to TexasBar.com you have to follow these guidelines

Agree that they are married;
Live together as husband and wife; and
“Hold out” to others that they are married (see Texas Family Code § 2.401(a)(2)).

You and Your Partner Already Consider Yourselves Married

If you are not interested in a traditional wedding, getting a marriage license, or even visiting the Justice of the Peace, common-law marriage is an option. It's an easy way to be legally married.