Texas Marriage Records Free Copy Online

By Claire Dowell


The State of Texas is one of the popular states that are visited because it offers marriage to non-residents and allows common or informal marriage as well as approves marriages of underage couples with parental consent. Although the State does offer these services, they do not allow marriage for same sex couple as well as marriage between cousins or relatives. The State of Texas Bureau of Statistics provides verification for Texas marriage record but does not issue certified true copies.

In getting your marriage license, the couple has to present a valid identification card. This includes government issued ids such as passport, social security, driver's license and even a certified copy of birth certificate. If you are located out of state or country, you can also get married in Texas by applying for a "proxy marriage". This means that any adult person, whether they are the couple's family, friends or relatives can apply on the person's behalf. The proxy must include an affidavit of absent form, proof of identity of the absentee and parental consent if the absentee getting married is under the age of 18. The waiting period that one should wait to conduct the marriage ceremony is 72 hours from the time a marriage certificate is issued. There are exceptions to the waiting period one of which is that one of the couple is in active duty and the second one is when they attend a marriage seminar.

The license costs about $60 though charges differ from one county to another so it is important to check the cost by calling the county clerk office. Couples get a discount or waiver of the fee if they attend and complete the seminar that the State offers. The seminar lasts about 8 hours and one can take it anytime as long as the couple finish it within a year. The waiting period is also waived upon the completion of the seminar.

Underage couples can also get married in Texas. The first thing that they have to do is to get a parental consent. The state provides a parental consent form that couples can download and have their parents sign. If one of the couple is divorced, he/she should present a certificate of divorce. Another way is for them to gain a court order allowing them to marry.

Common marriages or informal marriages are recognized by the State. The State of Texas declares the marriage to be an informal or common marriage if the couple has (a) signed a declaration under oath of their marriage (b) when they have lived as husband and wife and (c) represent themselves to other people as such.

The marriage license is valid for thirty days (30) and a copy for certificate of marriage is available by contacting the issuing county clerk office. Another way to obtain the marriage record is through applying online which is the most expedient way to do so.




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