Published: August 28, 2008 11:37 am            

Couples bolt to beat class cash clash

Without new Texas marriage class, price of getting hitched about to go up

San Marcos — San Marcos couples with marriage in mind had better firm up their intentions this week, or be prepared to pay more for the privilege of tying the knot.

On Sept. 1, the $36 fee for a Texas marriage license will increase to $72 for all couples except those who have gone through a new counseling program.

“Healthy Marriages” stems from HB 2685, passed by the Texas Legislature during its last term. It provides that couples undergo eight hours of training in areas including communication skills and conflict resolution.

Couples who complete the certified program can then get a marriage license for only $12; and the discount is good for one year from their completion of the counseling.

Also, couples who undergo the program are exempt from the 72 hour “waiting period” Texas law requires between the time a license is issued and the ceremony takes place.

Hays County Chief Deputy County Clerk Liz Gonzalez said the clerk’s office has been busy as the deadline nears.

“They are all trying to do it before Sept. 1,” she said.

Officials encourage couples planning on marriage in Hays County to appear together at the county clerk’s office in the Hays County Records Building. The office opens at 8 a.m. but because of processing time, couples are asked to make their appearance before 4 p.m.

If both can’t make it in person, the one unable to appear can submit an “Affidavit of Absent Applicant.” All applicants need to have with them their driver’s license, certified copy of their birth certificate or passport and Social Security number.

Marriage licenses are good for 30 days; and Gonzalez said some local couples have ceremonies scheduled up to very near that limit. “At least that’s what they’re telling us on the phone,” she said.

Couples can find “Healthy Marriage” classes in their area by calling 211 or (800) 396-4611. Gonzalez said some churches and other organizations are offering similar programs; however, each must be certified by the state before qualifying couples for the reduced license rate.

Applicants 16 or 17 years old must also have a parent or legal guardian sign a “Parental Consent to Marriage.”

Applicants who have been divorced must wait 30 days after the decree before being eligible to marry another person. But if a couple wants to remarry there is no waiting period.

Gonzales said typically there are about 900 marriage licenses granted annually in Hays County, with the number spiking around Valentine’s Day, the end of the year and June.

For more, visit co.hays.tx.us or call 393-7330.

        

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