TDCJ WEDDING CEREMONIES

I am an approved officiant for the State of Texas prison system. I would be honored t help you wed. First, please read the rules of the State.

Getting Married While Incarcerated in Texas (TDCJ)

The Texas Department of Criminal Justice (TDCJ) allows offenders to marry while incarcerated. This process is designed to ensure the safety and security of everyone involved. Here's a summary of the key requirements and procedures:

Who Can Perform the Marriage?

Texas law defines who can officiate a marriage. This includes:

• Licensed or ordained clergy (Christian, Jewish, etc.)
• Authorized officers of religious organizations
• Judges and justices (various levels, including retired)
• Justices of the peace (including retired)
• Federal judges and magistrates (of Texas)

TDCJ employees, contract employees, and volunteers are not permitted to perform these marriages.

Important Definitions:

• Officiant: The person authorized to perform the marriage (as listed above).
• Workdays: Monday through Friday, excluding state and national holidays and any days TDCJ offices are closed.

Key Requirements and Procedures:

1. Marital Status: The offender's marital status at the time of intake is their official status. Changes (marriage, death, or divorce) require documentation (marriage license, death certificate, or divorce decree). Common-law marriages are recognized only if established before incarceration. Proxy marriages are recognized only if performed in states that allow them for incarcerated individuals.
2. Participant Responsibilities:
   
   • Officiant: Must complete an application with TDCJ at least one week before the scheduled marriage. Once approved, the officiant is authorized to perform marriages at any TDCJ facility for one year.
   • Non-Incarcerated Spouse: Must obtain the marriage license, arrange and pay for the officiant, and handle all other necessary arrangements. Former employees and ex-offenders seeking to marry an incarcerated individual are subject to review under TDCJ visitation rules.
   • LO: Must be eligible for visits. The offender must submit a request (I-60 form) to the unit's access to courts supervisor at least seven days before the unit's scheduled marriage date, including the intended spouse's name and the officiant's name.

1. Request Process:
   
   • Access to Courts Supervisor: Reviews the request for completeness, confirms the officiant's authorization, and approves or denies the request. Denials require warden approval.
   • Inmate Records Supervisor: Confirms the offender's marital status, checks if the intended spouse is on the approved visitor list and is at least 18, and approves or denies the request. Denials require warden approval.
   • Warden: Provides final approval or denial. If approved, the marriage is scheduled by the unit chaplain.

1. Marriage Ceremony:
   
   • Marriages are typically held two non-visitation workdays per month in the visitation area.
   • Correctional staff must be present.
   • Marriages are not held in the chapel. They occur during non-visitation hours and are limited to 30 minutes.
   • Witnesses are not required. Only the offender, intended spouse, and officiant may be present.
   • Limited physical contact (holding hands, brief embrace and kiss) is allowed for offenders eligible for contact visits.
   • Marriage between incarcerated offenders is not permitted.
   • Attire must comply with TDCJ visitation rules.
   • The officiant may bring one book or document.
   • Only approved items are allowed into the facility.
   • Wedding rings cannot be brought in for the ceremony; offenders may only possess a ring if they had one at intake.
   • The spouse can purchase photographs after the marriage.
   • The spouse must leave the facility after the ceremony.
   • All paperwork is filed in the offender's records.
   • The inmate records supervisor updates the offender's visitor list after the marriage. 

Please feel free to email me with questions or to set up a consultation: felicia@intimate-vows.com or leave a text message on 713)679-0529.