How to Find Texas Marriage Records

How To Find U.S. Marriage Records How To Find Texas Marriage Records

Finding Texas Marriage Records

 * Pre-1837 marriages were recorded by the Catholic Church
 * Marriages are kept by the county clerk for each county and usually begin at the creation of the county
 * In Texas, duplicate copies are not sent to the Department of State Health Services

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Next Step: When did the marriage occur?

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 * Marriage Records
 * Choose a time period:
 * Before 1837
 * 1837 to Present
 * Marriage year unknown


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Learn more about U.S. Marriage Records

Marriages Before 1837

 * Pre-statehood marriages were recorded by the Catholic Church

Before 1837, no marriages were recorded by the county or state. First, check marriages recorded by the Catholic Church. If your ancestor does not appear in Catholic records, you must search substitute records to locate your ancestor’s marriage date and place.

For marriages that exist during the time period, try the following databases. Try each link.

Found the index but not the image of the marriage? Some images of county marriage records may be available on microfilm at your local Family Search Center. If you know the approximate date and county where the marriage took place, use the Family History Library Catalog (FHLC) to see what is available.


 * Search the FHLC by county.
 * Select the topic Vital Records. Look for records authored by the county clerk.
 * For a small fee, order the microfilm to view at a local FamilySearch Center.

Return to the Top: Choose another marriage year

Marriages 1837 to Present

 * Marriages are kept by the county clerk for each county and usually begin at the creation of the county
 * In Texas, duplicate copies are not sent to the Department of State Health Services

STEP TWO: Obtain the Certificate
If you did not find your ancestor in the above database, follow the instructions below:

PART A: You don't know the exact date or place of marriage


 * If you know the county of marriage, you can request a search for a fee from the county clerk.
 * If you don't know the date or county of marriage, you can also try searching for marriage information in other records.

PART B: You know the exact date and place of marriage from your records


 * Order a copy of a marriage record for a fee from the county clerk.

OR


 * View a copy of a marriage record on microfilm at a Family Search Center:

Some images of county marriage records may be available on microfilm at your local Family Search Center. If you know the approximate date and county where the marriage took place, use the Family History Library Catalog (FHLC) to see what is available.


 * Search the FHLC by county.
 * Select the topic Vital Records. Look for records authored by the county clerk.
 * For a small fee, order the microfilm to view at a local FamilySearch Center.

Return to the Top: Choose another marriage year

Wiki Articles

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