Section 2.202 - 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; (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 (b-1) [Repealed by 2023 amendment](c) Except as provided by Subsection (d), a person commits an offense if the person knowingly conducts a marriage ceremony without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.Amended by Acts 2023, Texas Acts of the 88th Leg.- Regular Session, ch. 394,Sec. 2, eff. 9/1/2023.Amended by Acts 2023, Texas Acts of the 88th Leg.- Regular Session, ch. 394,Sec. 1, eff. 9/1/2023.Amended by Acts 2015, Texas Acts of the 84th Leg. - Regular Session, ch. 1069,Sec. 1, eff. 9/1/2015.Amended by Acts 2013, 83rd Leg. - Regular Session, ch. 1350,Sec. 2, eff. 9/1/2013.Amended By Acts 2009, 81st Leg., R.S., Ch. 134, Sec. 1, eff. 9/1/2009.Amended By Acts 2005, 79th Leg., Ch. 268, Sec. 4.10, eff. 9/1/2005.Added by Acts 1997, 75th Leg., ch. 7, Sec. 1, eff. 4/17/1997.