Bill Text: TX HCR39 | 2025-2026 | 89th Legislature | Introduced

Texas House Concurrent Resolution 39

Introduced

Bill Title: Designating Rockwall County as the official Marriage Capital of Texas for a 10-year period ending in 2035.

Spectrum: Partisan Bill (Republican 1-0)

Status: (Introduced) 2025-01-06 - Filed [HCR39 Detail]

Download: Texas-2025-HCR39-Introduced.html



	By: Pierson	H.C.R. No. 39



	HOUSE CONCURRENT RESOLUTION
	WHEREAS, For more than 70 years, Rockwall County has been a
	sought-after destination for brides- and grooms-to-be, and its
	popularity as a marriage location is known throughout the Lone Star
	State; and
	WHEREAS, During the 1940s and 1950s, couples flocked to
	Rockwall County to tie the knot because of the unique approach that
	the county took to administrating marriages in that era; a night
	watchman at the courthouse, Gene Payne, filled in as the deputy
	county clerk, which allowed marriage licenses to be issued at all
	hours; in addition, a local doctor kept his office open late to
	provide the blood tests that were required before a license could be
	issued; the popularity of Rockwall County as a place to say "I do"
	was such that justice of the peace Mildred Barnes, one of only a few
	women in the state to serve in that role at the time, officiated the
	weddings of more than 6,000 couples from 1952 to 1957; and
	WHEREAS, The practice of issuing marriage licenses around the
	clock ended in the 1950s, when the county was required by law to
	provide this service during regular business hours; nevertheless,
	the county has remained a top choice for prospective newlyweds
	drawn by the uncommon beauty and elegance of its marriage
	certificates, which have long been among the most coveted in the
	state; the county is further admired for its wide selection of
	wedding venues that suit a variety of tastes and styles, ranging
	from luxurious manors to scenic gardens and pastoral ranch venues;
	and
	WHEREAS, Rockwall County has long served as the setting where
	couples have shared their vows and embarked upon a momentous
	journey together, and it is indeed fitting that the county be
	formally recognized for its special connection to the institution
	of marriage, both historically and in the present day; now,
	therefore, be it
	RESOLVED, That the 89th Legislature of the State of Texas
	hereby designate Rockwall County as the official Marriage Capital
	of Texas; and, be it further
	RESOLVED, That, in accordance with the provisions of
	Section 391.003(e), Government Code, this designation remain in
	effect until the 10th anniversary of the date this resolution is
	finally passed by the legislature.