How to Find Texas Marriage Records - HelloPrenup (2024)

If you’re looking for information about marriage records in the Lone Star State, then you’ve come to the right place! With a state as large as Texas, it can feel pretty overwhelming to figure out where to even start. Well, you’re in luck because we’ve done some of the heavy lifting for you. So, put on your finest cowboy hat and cowboy boots, and let’s mosey on through the exciting world of Texas marriage records!

What are marriage records?

A marriage record is an official document issued by the government to show that a couple has legally tied the knot. These records are kept by government agencies, usually at the local, state, or national level, depending on where you live.

Typically, marriage records include:

• The full names of both spouses,
• When and where the marriage happened,
• The name of the person who officiated the ceremony,
• Who witnessed the wedding, and
• Any other details about how the marriage was registered.

These records are super handy for things like changing your last name to match your spouse’s, getting added to their health insurance, and filing taxes together.

What are the different types of marriage records in Texas?

Everything’s bigger in Texas! The amount of marriage records that Texas offers is no exception. Let’s take a look together, shall we?

Marriage License: This is the document issued by the county clerk’s office that permits a couple to get married. It includes basic information about the couple and the date the marriage ceremony can legally take place.

Informal Marriage Licenses (Common Law): Texas is one of a few states that still recognize common law marriage. In Texas, an easy way to show you’re in a common-law marriage is to fill out a marriage declaration form at your local county clerk’s office. This form confirms that you both agree you’ve been married since a certain date, live together, and act like a married couple in your community. You also confirm you’re not related and not already married to someone else. Once this form is filed with the clerk, you’re considered legally married in Texas.

Marriage Certificate: After your wedding ceremony, you’ll receive a marriage certificate as official proof of your marriage. This certificate includes details like the names of the spouses, the date of the wedding, and who officiated.

Heirloom Anniversary Certificate: Heirloom anniversary certificates are like artistic versions of the marriage license application. They’re designed mainly for framing and commemorative purposes. The details you find on an heirloom anniversary certificate are pretty much the same as what you’d get on a marriage verification. Anyone can buy these, including the couple, relatives, or friends. So, if you’re looking for anniversary gift ideas, the state of Texas has you covered!

Marriage Verification Letter: A marriage verification letter tells you who got hitched, when they did it, and where the ceremony went down. These letters are available for marriages that occurred from 1966 to the present. Heads up! This is not considered a legal substitute for a certified copy of a marriage license.

Divorce Verification Letter: A divorce verification letter tells you the names of those who split up, when they called it quits, and where the divorce went down. You can request these letters for divorces that occurred from 1968 to present. Another heads up! This letter is not considered a legal substitute for a certified copy of a divorce decree.

Are prenups considered marriage records in Texas?

Good question! In Texas, prenups aren’t classified as marriage records like the official documents that prove you’re married. Marriage records are the official papers that confirm you’re legally hitched. They’re kept by the county clerk’s office where you got your marriage license. Prenups, on the other hand, are basically legal contracts couples sign before getting married. Prenups lay out how things like money and property will be split up if the marriage ends. Since prenups are private agreements between the people getting married, they’re not filed with the county clerk like marriage records.

Are Texas marriage records public?

Yes and no. Texas marriage records are generally considered public information. This means that they are accessible to the public for viewing and requesting copies, typically through the county clerk’s office where the marriage license was issued. However, sensitive information (i.e., addresses or Social Security numbers) may be redacted for privacy reasons in some cases.

Additionally, a Declaration and Registration of Informal Marriage certificate for common law couples is not available to the public. Only the two parties involved may access it.

How do you look up marriage records in Texas?

In Texas, you can look up marriage records through the county clerk’s office where the marriage license was issued. Here’s a general overview to get you headed in the right direction:

Identify the County: Determine the county where the marriage took place or where the marriage license was issued. We can’t emphasize this enough. This information is crucial because marriage records are maintained at the county level in Texas.

Contact the County Clerk’s Office: Once you know the name of the county, contact the county clerk’s office. You can usually find their contact information online or through a phone directory.

Requesting the Record: Provide the necessary details, such as the full names of both spouses and the approximate date of the marriage. Some county clerk offices may also require additional information, such as the marriage license number if you have it.

Accessing the Record: Depending on the county, you may be able to access marriage records in person by visiting the county clerk’s office or by requesting them online, by mail, fax, or email. Some counties may have an online portal where you can search and request records.

Fees: Be prepared to pay a fee for accessing or obtaining copies of marriage records. Fees vary by county but generally cover administrative costs and document retrieval.

Verification and Copy Options: You can usually choose to verify the marriage record information (which may involve viewing the record) or obtain certified copies of the marriage certificate for official purposes.

Remember that procedures and fees may vary slightly between counties in Texas, so check with the specific county clerk’s office where the marriage records are located for their exact requirements and processes.

Are Texas divorce records public?

Like George Strait famously crooned, “All My Ex’s Live in Texas.” But seriously, Texas divorce records are generally considered public information. This means they are accessible to the public for viewing and obtaining copies through the district clerk’s office in the county where the divorce was granted. However, sensitive information like addresses or Social Security numbers may be redacted for privacy reasons. Additionally, the parties can ask the court to seal their records so that they aren’t accessible to the public.

How do you look up divorce records in Texas?

By now, you’ve probably noticed a common theme here: you’ll need to know the name of the county where the divorce was granted. Divorce records are maintained at the district clerk’s office in the county where the divorce was finalized.

Provide the necessary details (i.e. the full names of both parties involved in the divorce and the approximate date of the divorce). Some district clerk offices may also require additional information like the case number if known.

Each county in Texas may have slightly different procedures and fees for accessing divorce records, so be sure to contact the district clerk’s office directly for the most accurate information and to confirm their specific requirements.

The bottom line on Texas marriage records

Getting your hands on Texas marriage records is pretty straightforward! Just figure out which county the marriage happened in or where they got the license. Contact the county clerk’s office, give them the names of the lovebirds, and when they tie the knot, you’re on your way to unlocking details about their big day. Keep in mind that procedures and fees vary between counties, so it’s best to contact the county clerk’s office directly or use online services if possible to simplify your search.