Civil ceremonies in the city of Temple and Bell County require a marriage license, which may be obtained at any County Clerk office in Bell County.  Both the bride and groom have to appear in person together at the County Clerk's office to sign and pick up the marriage license.  There is a fee and there is a 72-hour waiting period before a Bell County marriage license becomes valid.  The marriage license then remains valid for a period of 30 days after it is issued and is valid anywhere in the state of Texas.  Rabbis, ministers, priests, judges and justices of the peace are all authorized to perform wedding ceremonies in Temple, Texas.