So, why did I build Love in TDCJ? I believe that Love can take root wherever and whenever it chooses----even if those roots have to bust through concrete and steel. A bad experience with the Officiant at my own wedding motivated me to make sure brides who've found Love in a most unlikely place have all of their needs met and get the most out of that special day. While it may be hard for some people to wrap their minds around TDCJ prison weddings, you and I know the feeling of finding a love that just doesn't exist out here in 'free society. 'I take pride in being an approved TDCJ Officiant. I will not ghost you or play games. The bottom line is that the energy it takes to do all that can and should be put into making sure your wedding day becomes an epic memory to carry with you when life gets a little challenging.
Denise, who is skilled at marrying people behind bars, has a heart full of compassion and is dedicated to sharing love in all situations. As a wedding officiant, she offers a special blend of expertise and compassion to every ceremony she does.
Regardless of the location, Denise works directly with couples to craft unique and heartfelt ceremonies that celebrate their love and commitment. Denise makes sure that every couple feels appreciated and adored on their big day, whether it's a ceremony inside the prison with a straightforward vow exchange.
In addition to officiating weddings, Denise is a fervent supporter of prison reform and the rights of those who are incarcerated. She is committed to bringing hope and positivity wherever she goes because she believes that love can change people's lives.
Prison weddings in the state of Texas weren't always a thing. Not long ago, marriage by proxy was the only available option. What exactly made TDCJ change its policy? Not sure. But for whatever reason, that change from marriage by proxy to marriage by an Officiant at a real ceremony was a much-needed breath of fresh air. As the proud wife of an incarcerated man, I know how much the small things count...all the details that count for much more than people on the outside looking in can see. I live the life 24/7. I can answer your questions and ease your concerns because I've asked those very same questions and had those very same concerns.
My first question was how can I marry the man I've fallen in love with while he's still in prison? And yeah, there were plenty of people--- especially family and friends who couldn't understand the rush, but like most people on this planet, they've never found the ONE. Well, I did, and typing prison wedding/getting married to someone incarcerated into search engines gave me the run around. Then I found form AD-03.42 (Administrative Directive) Offender Marriages on the tdcj.gov website. That was the first time I'd actually even heard of prison wedding Officiants. The AD 03.24 outlines the basics of prison wedding ceremonies for the state of Texas in a simple easy to read way. But as most of you have already discovered, nothing having to do with Texas prisons is simple. While I may not be able to help you with any personal relationship issues, I can definitely simplify the process of hearing your man say..."I do."
I create a fun experience for each of my clients with a photo shoot. I edit the photos to ensure quality because, I know how important it is to immortalize once in a lifetime moment. Up to 20 free edited photos.
I include a custom gift for my clients on their wedding day!
1. You will need to go to your local county clerk's office and obtain an "Affidavit of Absentee Application for Marriage License:" (It’s normally on the counties website, can be printed out)
2. Then you need to find an "Officiant” to perform the marriage ceremony.
3. You will then mail the "Affidavit of Absentee Application for Marriage License” and the name of the "Officiant" to your LO. It’s best to send more than one copy just in case.
4. Your LO must then submit an 1-60 to the Law Library with the following information:
I would like to begin the marriage process. My fiancée’s name is ______________. Our
Officiant’s name and contact information is _______________________________.
5. After processing the request, your LO will be issued a lay-in to go to the law library and complete an I-25(withdrawal slip) for $0.10 to obtain a certified copy of his prison identification card. (Waiting for the copy of the ID takes 6-8 weeks)
6. Upon receipt of the $0.10 check, Huntsville will then process it and send the Law Library a colored copy of your LO’s identification card. At that point your LO will again receive a lay-in for the Law Library.
7. Your LO must bring a stamped envelope along with the blank "Affidavit of Absentee Application for Marriage License" to the Law Library.
8. Your LO will then fill out and sign the "Affidavit of Absentee” in the presence of a notary.
9. Your LO will then place the now notarized “Affidavit of Absentee Application for Marriage License" and the certified copy of his ID into the stamped envelope to be mailed to you.
10. Upon receiving it, you will take the “Affidavit” and copy of his ID to the local county clerk, request and complete an “Application for Marriage License” and pay all applicable fees. The county clerk will then issue your Marriage License.
Please contact us at loveintdcj@gmail.com if you cannot find an answer to your question.
Yes, they can get married to someone while they are incarcerated. The form for the information on marriage is on the TDCJ website look up; AD-03.42 form.
Yes, you can get married when you are listed as a Common Law partner on his visitation list.
No, you are not able to get the approval for marriage if they do not have you listed on their approved visitation list.
Yes, in TDCJ if the person has someone listed as a ‘Common Law Spouse’ they will have to file for a Divorce before they can submit to get approval for another marriage.
Some units, but not all do take 2 photos at your wedding, and they will send you an email of those photos. I provide photo service.
Once your loved one fills out the I-25 withdrawal slip it takes 6-8 weeks to get back to the unit where your loved one is at. During the holidays, it may take close to 10 weeks.
Once the Affidavit is signed then you have 30 days from the date on the paper to get your Marriage License.
The Marriage License is valid for 90 days from the date of purchase.
Yes, some county clerks will accept a birth certificate from another country for your Loved One that is incarcerated when you have the Affidavit of Absentee form. You will just have to call and make sure that they will accept it.
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