LaBarron Starks, Sr., didn’t know it, but he was playing the long game.

“She used to be a pain in my behind,” he said, laughing. “That’s how we met.”

At the time, LaBarron worked nights at a Texas Department of Criminal Justice prison in Beaumont, Texas, where Renee was his supervisor. From 2010 until last year, the two kept their relationship strictly platonic.

“I had a crush on her,” he said. “At one point I was like, ‘I wonder what would happen if I asked her out on a date.’ I finally mustered enough courage and thought, ‘All she can do is tell me no.’ She said yes.”

After they started dating, the two quickly became inseparable. Just three months in, LaBarron brought Renee to his hometown, Texarkana, Arkansas, to meet his family and see where he grew up.

LaBarron had graduated from Arkansas High in 2003 after racking up headlines in track and cross country. He went on to Wiley College, where he was a standout athlete and finished his degree in 2009. After graduation, he returned to Texarkana briefly before career opportunities pulled him to Beaumont. Still, Texarkana always held a special place in his heart.

“We took pictures at the Arkansas/Texas state line,” Renee said. “He asked me to marry him right after our visit to Texarkana. And I said yes.”

After 15 years of friendship, it only took a few months for them to realize they wanted to spend the rest of their lives together.

“After we got engaged, we were bouncing around ideas for a destination wedding, and his mother said, ‘Why don’t you get married on the state line?’” Renee said. “We looked it up, and I really couldn’t find where anyone had ever done it. I started researching and trying to figure out what the chances were of them saying yes.”

 

From nearly 300 miles away, Renee began planning their bi-state wedding.

“We didn’t think they’d let us get married right there, so we booked another place as a backup,” she said. “We got our first answer back from the City of Texarkana Arkansas’ public works department, and they said yes.”

Then came the rest: permission from the federal government, which owns the federal post office and courthouse on State Line Avenue, approval from the City of Texarkana, Texas—which required liability insurance—and finally, a Texas marriage license.

“It took almost a whole year,” Renee said. “But after the tedious part was done, it was great.”

On their wedding day, family and friends gathered at the line itself—men standing in Arkansas, women in Texas.

Except for Bo, the couple’s chiweenie.

“The only guy that ended up being on the Texas side with me was Bo,” Renee said. “He was crying, so I went and got him before we started doing the vow exchange.”

They didn’t mind a few surprise guests, either.

“Several older couples were out walking and asked if they could watch the wedding,” she said. “The whole thing was wonderful.”

In the end, the state line turned out to be the perfect place for their next chapter to begin.

“It’s unique,” LaBarron said. “It’s different. How many people can actually say, ‘I stood in Arkansas and my wife stood in Texas when we got married?’”

 

 

FAQ: Getting Married on the Arkansas/Texas State Line

Can you actually get married on the state line?

Yes! Couples can hold a wedding ceremony right at the Arkansas/Texas line on State Line Avenue in front of the U.S. Post Office and Courthouse. You’ll need permission from multiple entities, but it can be done.

 

Who do I need permission from?

You’ll need approval from:

• City of Texarkana, Arkansas (Public Works Department)
• The federal government, since the U.S. Post Office and Courthouse sit on the line
• City of Texarkana, Texas (Planning & Community Development), which requires proof of liability insurance

 

All three approvals are necessary if you want to be right on the line. The Texas side’s planning and community development department can provide the paperwork and instructions needed to get permission from the federal government.

 

Do I need insurance?

Yes. The City of Texarkana, Texas, requires that events held there purchase liability insurance (commonly $1 million in coverage). This protects against any issues during your ceremony.

 

What kind of marriage license do I need?

You only need one marriage license, and you can choose which side to file on. If you’re from out of town, simply decide whether you’ll get your license from Texas or Arkansas. Most couples choose whichever is easier based on their residency or travel plans.

If you’re getting a Texas marriage license, you’ll need to register with the Bowie County Clerk. For Arkansas marriage licenses, register with the Miller County Clerk.

 

How far in advance should I start?

Expect the approval process to take time—potentially several months. The Starks took nearly a full year of planning. Apply as early as possible!

 

Will the city help with setup?

Yes. Depending on what you request in your application, the cities can:

• Block off the street
• Provide chairs
• Ensure police and fire departments are aware of your event

 

If you’re keeping it simple, you can just state that you’re bringing your own setup.

 

Can I bring food, drinks, or a sound system?

Yes, but you’ll need to list everything on your application. For example:

• Catering or food tables
• Speaker systems for music or vows

 

Power may be available at the site, but it’s best to confirm during planning.

 

What is the ceremony space like?

The line runs right in front of the Post Office/Courthouse. You can stand under the covered area by the building for shade and position the couple in front of the famous “State Line” sign. Expect some passersby—locals may stop to watch or cheer you on!

 

Pro tips from the Starkses

• Start by getting approval from the City of Texarkana, Arkansas. Then contact the Texas side—they’ll get you the forms and give you instructions for how to get government approval. Complete the government paperwork first, and once that’s approved, purchase your insurance and submit your paperwork to the Texas side.
• Liability insurance is non-negotiable for the Texas side.
• If you want a simple experience, you don’t have to request street closures or big setups—just keep it straightforward.
• Guests and even strangers may join in the celebration, adding to the charm!