Tarrant County Marriage Record Search

Tarrant County marriage records are official documents created by county government Authorities to document a couple's marriage in the county. The primary purpose of marriage records is to prove that a marriage did occur. The Bureau of Statistics and the Texas Department of State Health also use Tarrant County marriage records to calculate marriage statistics. Marriage licenses and certificates are among the many legal documents that make up Tarrant County marriage records. Each of these documents has a distinct function. For example, a marriage cannot be legally recognized in Tarrant County without a marriage license. On the other hand, a marriage certificate is produced following a marriage ceremony and serves as official documentation of the union.

Historical documents like marriage records are also crucial for genealogy research because they offer researchers verifiable evidence of the fundamental details of an ancestor's life. Marital information may also be featured within Tarrant County court records if relevant to judicial proceedings.

Marriage records can teach everyone the fundamentals of the couples' lives, especially regarding marriage documents. A Tarrant County marriage record may contain the following:

• The bride and groom's names.
• The couple's dates of birth.
• The names of their parents.
• Dates of birth of their parents.
• The birthplaces of their parents.
• Names of witnesses who might be family, friends, or other relatives.

Are Marriage Records Public?

Yes, Tarrant County marriage records are designated as public records under the Texas Public Records Act. This indicates that the public can view and obtain copies of them, usually via the county clerk's office where the marriage records were issued. Anyone who can prove that they have a social or personal interest in these records can request marriage records from any county records custodian. However, no private or personally identifiable information, like a social security number, may be disclosed in a Tarrant County marriage record. The private information will be redacted before being released if a marriage record includes this information.

One type of marriage record not available to the public is the Declaration and Registration of Informal Marriage certificate. Only the two parties involved in the marriage can access it.

Types of Marriage Records in Tarrant County

The following are the types of marriage records that are available in Tarrant County, Texas:

Marriage license: This document allows a couple to get married and is issued by the county clerk's office. It contains the date on which the marriage ceremony can lawfully take place and some basic information about the couple.

Marriage certificate: A marriage certificate is given to the couple as official documentation of their union following the wedding ceremony. The names of the spouses, the wedding date, and the officiant are among the details included in this certificate.

Marriage verification letter: A marriage verification document tells people who got married and when and where the event occurred. These letters are primarily used to confirm a historical marriage and are available for marriages between 1966 and the present. Nevertheless, this is not regarded as a valid replacement for a certified copy of a marriage license.

Unofficial Marriage Common law marriage licenses and certificates: Texas is one of the few states still accepting common-law unions. In Texas, completing a marriage declaration form at the county clerk's office is a simple way to prove a couple's common-law marriage. This document attests to a couple's agreement to live together, function as a married pair in the community, and have been married since a specific date.

How to Find Marriage Records in Tarrant County

Individuals can find marriage records in Tarrant County at the following places:

• The county clerk's office.
• Using third-party websites.

Tarrant County Marriage License Lookup

Individuals can perform a Tarrant County marriage license look-up at any of the county Clerk's vital records office locations. To make a request, citizens can visit the office closest to them in person during work hours (Monday through Friday, 8am to 5pm) and complete the marriage license request form. Requests can also be mailed and emailed by contacting any county clerk records request hotline: (817) 884-1195

Additionally, marriage licenses obtained and recorded in Tarrant County are searchable and viewable on the Tarrant Clerk Official Records portal. Citizens can download a free unofficial copy or buy an electronic certified copy from this website, which will be sent to the requestor's email address. Requests by mail can be sent to the Tarrant County Clerk with a check or money order and a self-addressed, stamped envelope. Requesters must provide the following: the wedding date and both partners' complete names as they appear on the marriage license.

MAILING ADDRESS:
Tarrant County Clerk
200 Taylor St., Ste. 301
Fort Worth, Texas 76196

Every Tarrant County marriage license copy costs $21, and each extra copy bought at the same time costs $11.

Note: In accordance with Title 25, Part 1, Chapter 181, Subchapter B, Rule 181.22 of the Texas Administrative Code, the county clerk's office charges $20 for the search and verification of a marriage record. Before filing a request, requesters can search the State of Texas database or the Tarrant County marriage license index to avoid this cost.

Where Do I Get A Certified Copy Of My Marriage Certificate

Similar to marriage licenses, certified copies of a Tarrant County marriage certificate can be obtained at the Tarrant County Clerk's office. To request records in person, interested citizens can make an appointment by calling the county's office or by making an unplanned visit and showing up at any of the vital records offices during work hours. Requestors will need to provide the name of the married persons and the date of the marriage ceremony. Individuals can also use the Texas county clerks online portal to search and pay for marriage certificates. Requestors can have the records delivered by email or U.S. mail.

Get a Marriage Certificate Online in Tarrant County

An alternative option to get marriage certificates online in Tarrant County is through third-party aggregators. These are searchable databases that are owned by private companies that offer access to different types of public records from a remote location. Third-party sites are widely used because they are hosted on easy-to-use web platforms. Third-party sites also provide a remote option for those not close to the government custodian offices. Users of third-party sites can access different types of public records in one place. To search for marriage certificates and licenses on third-party sites, individuals must provide the married parties' names, certificate or license numbers, and the date the permit was issued.

Find Public Marriage Records Free Online

Some third-party sites offer certain types of marriage records for free. However, most sites that provide these documents at no charge only provide non-certified copies of these records with limited information. The Tarrant County Clark portal also provides viewable marriage records at no cost; however, there is always a fee to download copies of these records and certify them. Requesters can also request a fee waiver at the county clerk's office.

To search for these records from third-party sites, individuals must provide the full name of the bride and groom, the marriage date, or the date the marriage license was issued or recorded.