FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions

Happy couple representing successful marriage relationship

Find answers to the most common questions about the Twogether in Texas program. Our FAQ section covers course requirements, costs, certificate benefits, and provider registration. If you don't find the answer you're looking for, please contact us directly.

Program Benefits Completing an approved 8-hour premarital education course provides up to $60 off your marriage license fee and waives the mandatory 72-hour waiting period. Your completion certificate is valid for one year.

Course Information Classes focus on communication, conflict management, and key relationship skills. Service providers include licensed counselors, clergy, and certified marriage educators across Texas.

Getting Started Use our search tool to find approved providers in your area. Course costs vary - some are free while others may charge fees. Many providers offer classes in Spanish and other languages.

Is our marriage license free if we successfully complete the 8-hour marriage training course? +

The $60 state portion of the marriage license fee will be waived if you complete an approved premarital training course and present your certificate to the county clerk. Counties may add up to $22 in additional fees to a marriage license. Those local fees will not be waived.

If we complete the course, do we have to wait 72 hours before getting married? +

Once we have completed the premarital training classes and get a certificate, how long is the certificate good for? +

My church offers marriage counseling classes. Do those classes qualify for the certificate? +

The classes qualify if they meet the requirements and your church has registered the curriculum with HHSC. Organizations offering a faith-based curriculum can charge a fee to those who attend. If your church or faith-based group has a curriculum that meets the minimum requirements, the course can be added to the accepted list by registering the organization and the curriculum with HHSC. Click on the “Register to be a Service Provider” tab above.

Who do I call if I have questions? +

If you need more information or assistance about Twogether in Texas, please contact us by email at: HMP@hhs.texas.gov Please include the city you are contacting us from and a preferred telephone number. Our goal is to respond to questions or requests within two working days Monday through Friday.

What does it cost to take the classes? +

What you pay for the course depends on the service provider. Some offer the course at no cost while others charge for course materials. Those that charge might have a flat - or sliding- scale fee based on your ability to pay. If a provider charges a fee, there will be a red money symbol ($) on their online business card. Contact service providers directly to find out the exact price. Use the search box on the left to find services near you.

What do we learn in the course? +

Class structures vary according to the service providers. However, each class must teach communication skills, conflict management, and other key components to a successful marriage. All methods used to teach these skills have been tested and researched. Contact service providers directly for specific details by using the search box on the left to find services near you.

Who are the service providers? +

Service Providers are the individuals or groups that offer relationship enhancement education services across the state. These providers come from a variety of backgrounds. Some are marriage educators, clergy or their designees, licensed counselors and therapists, faith-based organizations, and community-based organizations. Contact service providers directly to learn more about scheduling and pricing. Use the search box on the left to find services near you.

Are there providers who offer classes in Spanish or other languages? +

Yes, a growing number of service providers offer classes in Spanish but many still do not. Contact service providers directly for specific details. Use the search box on the left to find services near you.

Can my spouse and I return and take more classes after we are married? +

How can I share this information with family and friends who may want to utilize these services? +

I am currently taking a premarital course. Can I get a Twogether in Texas certificate? +

Can we provide a copy of the certificate of completion, or will it need to be the original? +

Participants must provide the original certificate of completion to the county clerk to receive a marriage license discount of up to $60 and waive the 72-hour waiting period. Participants may make a copy of the certificate for their record.

Where can I find more about healthy marriages? +

How do I become a provider? +

To register as a course instructor with Twogether in Texas, please go to http://twogetherintexas.com/UI/index.aspx and click on the tab Register to be a Service Provider

To help expedite your registration through the acceptance process, fill out each tab as completely as possible. You may stop at any tab after the “Location” tab to save and continue at a later time if you need to gather more information.

NOTE: on the “Review” tab, you are asked about “Authorization to Publish Information”. If you do not wish to offer classes for the general public, please click the “no” radio button.

Once you complete the registration,

You will receive an email confirming your application. Then,
Within five business days, after HHSC verifies the information you submitted,
- You should receive a second email containing a temporary password from confirmation@twogetherintexas.com and
- a user guide, which will assist you with passwords, accessing the web portal, creating certificates, etc.

Which premarital education courses qualify as a Twogether in Texas course? +

For a premarital education course to qualify as a Twogether in Texas course, it must satisfy the requirements of the Texas Family Code Section 2.013. These requirements are:

Courses offered are at least eight hours in length, and
Include instruction in conflict management, communication skills, and key components of a successful marriage.

In addition:

Curricula must provide a skills-based and research-based course of study.
Course should be offered by instructors trained in a skills-based and research-based marriage preparation curriculum.

Can a Provider submit a new curriculum to be added? +

What happens to my account if the application is not in compliance? +

A provider's account must comply with the Premarital Education Program Curriculum Certification & Security and Privacy Agreement (SPA) which is located at the end of the application. Once an application is completed, providers will receive an email from HHSC staff. A provider's account will be deactivated until compliance is met.