Uniting Hearts Behind Bars
One Ceremony at a Time
Providing professional, caring TDCJ‑approved inmate wedding services throughout Texas.
Trusted TDCJ Wedding Officiant in Texas
Meet Julie Chappell
Julie Chappell, founder of Texas Inmate Weddings, is a trusted TDCJ‑approved wedding officiant dedicated to helping incarcerated individuals and their loved ones legally marry. She specializes in Texas inmate weddings and provides professional, compassionate support throughout the entire TDCJ marriage process.
Over the years, Julie has become a respected and reliable officiant within the prison advocacy community. She is recommended by several inmate and family support groups, including Voices for Texas Prisoners, Spouses Together Overcoming Prison, TDCJ Family and Inmate Support Network – Bridging the Gap, and Texas Prison Alliance, along with many individuals who have personally experienced her services.
Her approach is simple: provide clear, dependable officiant services without unnecessary add‑ons or hidden fees. Julie personally performs every ceremony and works closely with each couple, guiding them step‑by‑step through the paperwork, approval process, and wedding day requirements.
Based in the East Texas Region I area, Julie performs many ceremonies locally but also travels across the state to serve couples at TDCJ facilities whenever needed. Her work reflects a deep commitment to keeping families connected and supporting couples who are navigating the challenges of incarceration.
Her mission is reflected in the company motto: “Uniting Hearts Behind Bars”
Trusted TDCJ Wedding Officiant in Texas
Meet Julie Chappell
Julie Chappell, founder of Texas Inmate Weddings, is a trusted TDCJ‑approved wedding officiant dedicated to helping incarcerated individuals and their loved ones legally marry. She specializes in Texas inmate weddings and provides professional, compassionate support throughout the entire TDCJ marriage process.
Over the years, Julie has become a respected and reliable officiant within the prison advocacy community. She is recommended by several inmate and family support groups, including Voices for Texas Prisoners, Spouses Together Overcoming Prison, TDCJ Family and Inmate Support Network – Bridging the Gap, and Texas Prison Alliance, along with many individuals who have personally experienced her services.
Her approach is simple: provide clear, dependable officiant services without unnecessary add‑ons or hidden fees. Julie personally performs every ceremony and works closely with each couple, guiding them step‑by‑step through the paperwork, approval process, and wedding day requirements.
Based in the East Texas Region I area, Julie performs many ceremonies locally but also travels across the state to serve couples at TDCJ facilities whenever needed. Her work reflects a deep commitment to keeping families connected and supporting couples who are navigating the challenges of incarceration.
Her mission is reflected in the company motto: “Uniting Hearts Behind Bars”
Checklist
Ready to Plan Your TDCJ Wedding?
Texas Inmate Weddings follows strict TDCJ guidelines. The ceremony includes exchanging vows, signing the certificate, and is conducted by a qualified TDCJ Officiant.
Please note that every county clerk has different standards on what they will accept. Check your county’s website for more information. The following checklist outlines our process (taken from Section 2.005 of the Texas Family Code) to ensure you have an unforgettable ceremony:
- Please obtain the Offender’s original driver’s license/state ID, passport, certified copy of the birth certificate, or a certified copy of the inmate’s ID.
- If the license has already expired, please ensure that it is not more than 2 years expired.
- Hire our TDCJ-approved Officiant.
- Once you have secured the deposit or paid in full to Texas Inmate Weddings, our Officiant will assist you with the following steps and answer any questions you may have.
- Print and send the Affidavit of Absent Applicant for Marriage License to obtain a marriage license for your incarcerated loved one.
- These forms can be used in any Texas county, but it’s always best to double‑check with the county where you’ll be purchasing the license, as requirements and formats may vary. Below are helpful links:
- Polk County Affidavit – contains valuable information on how to obtain a marriage license
- Harris County Affidavit – more generic form
- These forms can be used in any Texas county, but it’s always best to double‑check with the county where you’ll be purchasing the license, as requirements and formats may vary. Below are helpful links:
- You will also need to send your loved one a copy of the Affidavit of Absent Applicant for Marriage License to the following address:
[Offender’s First & Last Name + TDCJ Number]
C/O the Law Library
[Unit Name]
[Unit Street Address]
[Unit City, State, and Zip Code]
- Along with the Affidavit of Absent Applicant for Marriage License, print and complete a Marriage License Application (some counties provide this online), and take both forms with you to the courthouse when you apply for the license.
- The Offender will need to put in an I-60 request to go to the mailroom and have them print two (2) copies of the Affidavit of Absent Applicant for Marriage License. The second page of the Polk County Affidavit has useful information as there must be NO ERRORS or SCRATCH OUTS.
- NOTE: The Affidavit of Absent Applicant for Marriage License is only valid for 30 days from the date it is notarized. After receiving it, your loved one will need to submit an I‑60 requesting a lay‑in to the Law Library. They should bring the affidavit, a stamp, and a pre‑addressed envelope with them. Once the notary completes their portion, the affidavit should be mailed back to you right away.
- When the marriage license is obtained, the Offender must submit an I-60 form to the Law Library with the full name of the intended spouse and our Officiant’s name to verify that they are approved by the county to officiate.
- They will also verify that the intended non-incarcerated spouse is on the visitation list and is over 18 years old.
- The Law Library will forward it to the Warden for approval and then to the Chaplain for final arrangements.
- The Chaplain will schedule the date and time with the non-incarcerated intended spouse, the Offender, or the Officiant. It is imperative that this information is relayed to all immediately. The Officiant shall handle any remaining issues.
- On the approved date, the non-incarcerated intended spouse and the Officiant shall meet a minimum of 30 minutes prior to the ceremony, and they should be dressed as if they are going for a visit.
- NOTE: If you are late, your ceremony will be cancelled and you will be charged an inconvenience fee.
HELPFUL LINKS
Resources You May Find Useful
Find the resources you need to navigate the TDCJ marriage process.
testimonials
What They're Saying About Us
Below you will find a couple of heartwarming testimonials from some of the lovely couples we have wedded, highlighting the joy and satisfaction the experienced working with Texas Inmate Weddings.
pricing
Our Rates
Below is a list of our rates. Please note that additional fees may be applied for taxes. Weddings located in any state other than Texas will require a customized quote. Feel free to reach out if you have any questions.
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Base Fee $200
Locations within 50 miles of 75939 are included in the base price.
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Additional Mileage Fee $1.45/mile
In addition to the $200 base travel fee, you will be charged for each mile beyond the 50‑mile radius of the 75939 area.
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Late Fee $50
Weddings that begin 30 minutes or more past the scheduled time (excluding delays caused by natural disasters) will incur an inconvenience fee.
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Rescheduling Fee $75
This is specific to non-payment. If full payment is not received 14 calendar days before your TDCJ‑approved wedding date, you may reschedule one (1) time only. A $75 rescheduling fee will be added to your original quoted fee.
Contact
Send Us a Message
Looking for a one‑of‑a‑kind wedding experience that celebrates your love and supports the community? Texas Inmate Weddings is here to help. For the fastest response, you can reach us by phone call/text, Facebook, or Instagram.
Contact
Let's Work Together
GALLERY
Our Memories
Check out some pictures from our unforgettable ceremonies at Texas Inmate Weddings. We’ve had the privilege of performing some truly meaningful and touching ceremonies.
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Love Doesn't Wait for Freedom
Planning a Texas inmate wedding? Connect with others who understand, get real advice, and find support every step of the way.
Frequently asked questions
Got Questions About Texas Inmate Weddings?
What type of ceremonies does Texas Inmate Weddings perform?
How much does Texas Inmate Weddings charge?
We offer zone pricing based on the unit or facility area, with no hidden fees for rings, photo packages, split payments or add-on packages. Learn more about our Pricing.