Elopement Packages Near Dallas: How to Elope at a Texas Ranch, From Marriage License to First Kiss
Posted By The Dream Ranch Events On 2026-10-28
Some couples know straight away that they do not want the 250-guest version. They want the vows, the person they love, maybe their parents or two best friends, a few good photos and a nice dinner afterwards. If that sounds like you, you are probably searching for elopement packages in Dallas and wondering what is actually included, what it costs and how the Texas paperwork works.
This guide walks through all of it: the legal steps in Texas, what a ranch elopement near Dallas looks like, the three published packages at The Dream Ranch and how to plan the day itself.
The short answer
To elope in Texas, get a marriage license from any Texas county clerk, wait the 72 hours required by law (unless you have a premarital course certificate or a military exemption), and have an authorised officiant marry you within 90 days. At The Dream Ranch near Dallas, elopement packages run from $799 for one hour with up to 10 guests to $3,099 for four hours with up to 40 guests, Monday to Thursday, with an officiant available if you need one.
How to elope near Dallas: the legal steps, the packages and the plan
Elopements are not a backup plan any more. The Knot Worldwide has reported that close to half of couples consider a micro wedding, and searches such as "elopement packages Dallas TX", "elopement packages all inclusive Dallas" and "cost to elope in Texas" all show up in Google suggestions. Couples are choosing small on purpose, and spending the savings on a house, a honeymoon or simply less stress.
An elopement is different from a micro wedding. An elopement is the ceremony itself, often with ten guests or fewer and no full reception. A micro wedding still has a reception, usually with up to 50 guests. If you are somewhere in between, both options are covered below.
Step 1: Get your Texas marriage license
You can buy a Texas marriage license from any county clerk in the state and use it anywhere in Texas. The Dream Ranch is in Hunt County, so many couples simply apply at the Hunt County Clerk.
Here is what to know, based on the Hunt County marriage license page at the time of writing:
- Fee: $81 without a premarital course certificate, or $21 with one.
- Waiting period: under Texas Family Code section 2.204, the ceremony cannot take place in the 72 hours after the license is issued. Active-duty military are exempt.
- Expiry: the license must be used within 90 days.
- ID: bring valid photo ID, and check the clerk's page for the documents and appointment rules before you go.
Skip the wait
A state-approved premarital education course waives the 72-hour wait and cuts the license cost. The Twogether in Texas FAQ explains how the course and certificate work. For couples planning a quick weekday elopement, this can make the timing much easier.
Step 2: Choose who will marry you
Texas requires an authorised officiant, such as a minister, priest, rabbi or certain judges, to conduct the ceremony and sign the license. If you do not have someone in mind, all three Dream Ranch elopement packages include an officiant if you need one. The officiant then returns the signed license to the county clerk to be recorded.
Step 3: Decide who comes
This is the hardest part for a lot of couples. A few honest questions help:
- Will anyone be genuinely hurt if they are not there? Usually that is parents and siblings.
- Do you want a witness who will cry happy tears, or just a photographer?
- Are you planning a bigger party later? Many couples elope now and host a relaxed celebration in a few months.
Once you have a number, the package almost chooses itself.
Compare the elopement packages
These are the published elopement packages on the Dream Ranch packages page at the time of writing. Prices are for Monday to Thursday.
| Package | Time on property | Max guests | Price (Mon to Thu) | With photography |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Intimate | 1 hour | 10 | $799 | $1,299 |
| Deluxe | 2 hours | 20 | $1,299 | $2,199 |
| Grand | 4 hours | 40 | $3,099 | $4,899 |
What each one includes:
- Intimate: your choice of ceremony location (The Avenue or Unwind) and an officiant if needed. Ideal for just the two of you and a handful of family.
- Deluxe: everything above, plus a sound system with a microphone, a bridal bouquet, a groom's boutonniere and a wedding cake or cupcakes.
- Grand: everything above, plus seating at the Unwind gazebo (5 round tables, 40 chairs and 2 rectangle tables), florals for the ceremony arch that can move to your sweetheart table, five floral centrepieces, and flowers for three bridesmaids and three groomsmen.
The packages page lists weekday prices only. If you want a Friday, weekend or holiday date, ask the team for a quote rather than assuming the weekday rate. The general package terms also mention venue-preferred security for events over 35 guests, event insurance and a refundable security deposit, so ask which of these apply to your elopement when you book.
Choose your ceremony spot
Every package lets you pick between two outdoor settings.
The Avenue is the main outdoor ceremony area. It is 100 x 70 ft of turf with a gravel aisle, 30 rustic benches and a wooden arch made of three triangles. With ten guests, it feels open and cinematic; your photographer will love the long aisle and the tree line behind you.
A small ceremony at The Avenue. Photo: Dream Ranch Events.
The Unwind gazebo by the pond is cosier. It is a 400 sq ft covered gazebo with open walls, brick arches and a wood-log fireplace, set beside the pond. It suits couples who want something quieter and more private, and it has shade on a sunny afternoon.
Unwind, the covered gazebo by the pond. Photo: Dream Ranch Events.
If it rains
North Texas weather can change quickly. The Grand package notes that in bad weather the ceremony and setup can move onto the brick walkway in the indoor hall, and the venue's wider rain plan is to move indoors to The Elegance or the covered patios. Talk through the backup plan with the venue host before the day, so a forecast does not become a panic.
The wood-log fireplace inside the Unwind gazebo. Photo: Dream Ranch Events.
A sample elopement afternoon
Here is how a two-hour Deluxe elopement might run on a weekday:
| Time | What happens |
|---|---|
| 3:30 PM | Arrive, get dressed, final touches |
| 4:00 PM | First look and a few portraits by the pond |
| 4:30 PM | Ceremony at The Avenue with your officiant |
| 4:50 PM | Sign the license, hugs, cake and a toast |
| 5:15 PM | Golden-hour portraits around the property |
| 5:30 PM | Head to dinner, or stay on for the evening if you have booked the house |
Time your elopement for the late afternoon if you can. The light across the open fields before sunset is soft and warm, and the property has plenty of photo spots, from the pond to the swing on the lawn.
Want to stay the night?
If you would rather not drive back to Dallas straight after, the Countryside Home is listed as an add-on at $600 per night plus a one-time $300 cleaning fee. It has three bedrooms plus a sleeping room, a private pool, a large covered patio and room for up to 16, so close family can stay too. Ask about availability for your date.
How far is it from Dallas?
The Dream Ranch is at 1052 County Road 4821 in Wolfe City, about 65 to 70 miles northeast of downtown Dallas (roughly 1 hour 15 minutes), 35 minutes from east McKinney and 15 minutes north of Greenville. It is close enough for a day trip and far enough to feel like you have got away.
Is a weekday elopement worth it?
For most eloping couples, yes. The published elopement prices are all Monday to Thursday rates, the property is quieter, and photographers and officiants are often easier to book midweek. Taking a Thursday off work for your wedding also makes it feel like the special day it is.
If you are leaning towards a slightly bigger day with a proper dinner for up to 50, read our guide to planning a stylish micro wedding, which covers the Micro package at the gazebo.
Key takeaways
- Get your Texas license from any county clerk; Hunt County charges $81, or $21 with a premarital course certificate.
- Plan around the 72-hour wait and the 90-day expiry.
- Packages start at $799 for one hour and up to 10 guests (Mon to Thu).
- Pick The Avenue for open views or the Unwind gazebo for privacy and shade.
- Agree the rain plan before the day.
Come and see where you will say I do
Walking the Avenue and the gazebo together makes the choice easy. Call or text (903) 662-1399, or send your preferred dates and guest count through the contact page, and the team will check availability and help you choose the right elopement package.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does it cost to elope near Dallas?
At The Dream Ranch, published elopement packages are $799 (1 hour, up to 10 guests), $1,299 (2 hours, up to 20 guests) and $3,099 (4 hours, up to 40 guests) from Monday to Thursday, at the time of writing. Photography versions cost $1,299, $2,199 and $4,899. Add the marriage license fee on top.
What do you need to elope in Texas?
You need a Texas marriage license from any county clerk, valid ID, and an authorised officiant. The ceremony cannot take place in the 72 hours after the license is issued unless you have a premarital course certificate or a military exemption, and the license must be used within 90 days.
How much is a marriage license in Hunt County, Texas?
At the time of writing, the Hunt County Clerk lists $81 without a premarital course certificate and $21 with one. Check the county page before you go, as fees can change.
Can we bring our own officiant and photographer?
Yes. The venue has an open vendor policy, and every elopement package includes an officiant only if you need one. Outside vendors need liability insurance.
What happens if it rains on our elopement day?
For the Grand package, the ceremony and setup can move onto the brick walkway in the indoor hall. The venue's general rain plan is to move indoors to The Elegance or the covered patios. Agree the backup plan with the venue host in advance.
Can we elope on a weekend?
The published elopement prices are for Monday to Thursday only. Ask the team for weekend or holiday availability and a quote.
