Question:
Does Texas follow the “place of celebration” rule in recognizing marriages from other states?
Answer:
Not always. While Texas often recognizes marriages valid where celebrated, it draws the line when the foreign marriage clashes with strong Texas public policy. In Broussard v. Arnel, a minor married legally in Missouri, but the court held Texas was not bound to honor that marriage. Texas law forbids marriage at age fifteen without a court’s approval. The court made clear that Texas is not a blind follower of the “place of celebration” rule—it will reject out-of-state marriages that violate its laws and values.