Authentic Unions

A ceremony built on premarital guidance

Authentic Unions is a wedding officiant business in Dallas, Texas. Its stated mission is to give couples tools for the first year of marriage and to shape a ceremony that reflects the essence of their relationship.

For LGBTQ+ couples

Authentic Unions is LGBTQ+-owned. If you want an officiant who does not treat a same-sex ceremony as an exception, that is a helpful starting point. You can discuss pronouns, titles, processional order and vows with someone who is unlikely to need a briefing.

What to expect

• Premarital guidance before the wedding
• A ceremony shaped around your relationship
• Help with vows and structure
• Officiating on the day

Planning the ceremony with an officiant

Meet early and speak honestly about the tone you want, whether warm, funny, spiritual or brief. Share how you met, what your families are like, and any traditions you wish to keep or leave out. Ask for a draft script a few weeks in advance so you can edit it together.

Legal basics in Texas

Texas requires a marriage license, issued by a county clerk, and the license has a waiting period after issue unless exceptions apply. Confirm the current rules with the clerk in the county where you apply, and ask your officiant who returns the signed license and by when.

Questions for your first call

Ask what the premarital sessions involve and how many there are. Ask whether the officiant can travel within the Dallas area and what happens if the ceremony moves indoors because of weather.