ROCKWALL, TX (May 30, 2025) – Rockwall County Clerk Jennifer Fogg is excited to announce that Rockwall County has officially been designated as the Marriage Capital of Texas! This recognition was established through the Senate Concurrent Resolution (SCR) 6, naming Rockwall County as the official Marriage Capital of Texas for ten years, ending in 2035. The resolution was signed into law by Governor Greg Abbott on Friday.
“Rockwall has long been a place where love, family, and commitment are deeply valued,” said Senator Hall. “With the passage of SCR6, we are proud to officially recognize Rockwall County as the Marriage Capital of Texas. This designation celebrates not only our beautiful community and vibrant local businesses but also the spirit of unity that defines us. I commend Representative Katrina Pierson for championing this resolution in the House, and I look forward to seeing Rockwall continue to thrive as a destination where love stories begin and flourish.”
Representative Pierson expressed her excitement over Rockwall’s designation as the official Marriage Capital of Texas. “For over 90 years, our county has been a beacon of love, uniting thousands of couples through its historic marriage license tradition. This recognition not only honors our history but also boosts tourism, highlighting Rockwall as a premier destination for love and Texas pride.”
The resolution reads as follows:
WHEREAS, For more than 90 years, Rockwall County has been a sought-after destination for brides- and grooms-to-be, and its popularity as a marriage location is known throughout the Lone Star State; and
WHEREAS, Couples have flocked to Rockwall County to tie the knot since the early decades of the 20th century, and the area gained further acclaim during the 1940s and 1950s, when the county took a unique approach to administrating marriages; a night watchman at the courthouse, Gene Payne, filled in as the deputy county clerk, which allowed marriage licenses to be issued at all hours; in addition, a local doctor kept his office open late to provide the blood tests that were required before a license could be issued; the popularity of Rockwall County as a place to say “I do” was such that justice of the peace Mildred Barnes, one of only a few women in the state to serve in that role at the time, officiated the weddings of more than 6,000 couples from 1952 to 1957; and
WHEREAS, The practice of issuing marriage licenses around the clock ended in the 1950s, when the county was required by law to provide this service during regular business hours; nevertheless, the county has remained a top choice for prospective newlyweds drawn by the uncommon beauty and elegance of its marriage certificates, which have long been among the most coveted in the state; the county is further admired for its wide selection of wedding venues that suit a variety of tastes and styles, ranging from luxurious manors to scenic gardens and pastoral ranch venues; and
WHEREAS, Rockwall County has long served as the setting where couples have shared their vows and embarked upon a momentous journey together, and it is indeed fitting that the county be formally recognized for its special connection to the institution of marriage, both historically and in the present day; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That the 89th Legislature of the State of Texas hereby designates Rockwall County as the official Marriage Capital of Texas; and, be it further
RESOLVED, That, in accordance with the provisions of Section 391.003(e), Government Code, this designation shall remain in effect until the 10th anniversary of the date this resolution is finally passed by the legislature.
County Clerk Fogg has always considered Rockwall County to be the Marriage Capital of Texas, and this official recognition only confirms her belief. For over 70 years, Rockwall County has been a popular destination for couples planning to marry, and its reputation as a wedding location is well-known throughout the Lone Star State. The following is her testimony in support of this recognition.
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