Family Code §2.202

In force on Sep 01, 2023 · this text took effect Sep 01, 2023 · same as today's text

PERSONS AUTHORIZED TO CONDUCT CEREMONY. (a) The following persons are authorized to conduct a marriage ceremony: (1) a licensed or ordained Christian minister or priest; (2) a Jewish rabbi; (3) a person who is an officer of a religious organization and who is authorized by the organization to conduct a marriage ceremony; and (4) a current, former, or retired federal judge or state judge. (b) For the purposes of Subsection (a)(4), "federal judge" and "state judge" have the meanings assigned by Section 25.025 , Tax Code. (b-1) Repealed by Acts 2023, 88th Leg., R.S., Ch. 394 (H.B. 907 ), Sec. 2, eff. September 1, 2023. (c) Except as provided by Subsection (d), a person commits an offense if the person knowingly conducts a marriage ceremony without authorization under this section. An offense under this subsection is a Class A misdemeanor. (d) A person commits an offense if the person knowingly conducts a marriage ceremony of a minor whose marriage is prohibited by law or of a person who by marrying commits an offense under Section 25.01 , Penal Code. An offense under this subsection is a felony of the third degree.

History: Added by Acts 1997, 75th Leg., ch. 7, Sec. 1, eff. April 17, 1997. Amended by: Acts 2005, 79th Leg., Ch. 268 (S.B. 6 ), Sec. 4.10, eff. September 1, 2005. Acts 2009, 81st Leg., R.S., Ch. 134 (S.B. 935 ), Sec. 1, eff. September 1, 2009. Acts 2013, 83rd Leg., R.S., Ch. 1350 (S.B. 1317 ), Sec. 2, eff. September 1, 2013. Acts 2015, 84th Leg., R.S., Ch. 1069 (H.B. 2278 ), Sec. 1, eff. September 1, 2015. Acts 2023, 88th Leg., R.S., Ch. 394 (H.B. 907 ), Sec. 1, eff. September 1, 2023. Acts 2023, 88th Leg., R.S., Ch. 394 (H.B. 907 ), Sec. 2, eff. September 1, 2023.

Source: the Legislature's file server, seen Nov 08, 2026.

Every version on file

Effective Sep 01, 2023 · seen Nov 2026–Nov 2026

Attorney General opinions that cite it

GA-1053 (Oct 28, 2013): Whether subsection 2.204(c) of the Family Code authorizes a justice of the peace to grant a waiver of the 72-hour waiting period after the issuance of a marriage license
GA-0982 (Sep 05, 2012): Whether a senior status federal judge who has been designated and assigned to hold court in Texas is authorized to conduct a marriage ceremony in Texas
GA-0948 (Dec 29, 2011): Whether a retired federal judge may conduct a marriage ceremony in Texas

A research copy. The official text is the Legislature's (statutes), the Secretary of State's (Texas Administrative Code) or eCFR's (federal rules). Not legal advice.