Arlington Marriage Records
Arlington marriage records are handled by the Tarrant County Clerk, which operates a subcourthouse location right in Arlington to serve residents locally. You don't have to drive to Fort Worth to get a marriage license or search marriage records if you live in Arlington. The Tarrant County Arlington Subcourthouse on East Abram Street provides the same full marriage license services as the main Fort Worth office, including birth certificates, death certificates, marriage licenses, and DD-214 military discharge records.
Arlington Overview
Tarrant County Arlington Subcourthouse
Tarrant County maintains a full-service subcourthouse in Arlington specifically for residents who don't want to travel to the main office in Fort Worth. This location handles all the same vital records services. Both parties must appear in person when applying for a marriage license. Bring valid government-issued photo ID and your Social Security number.
| Office | Tarrant County Clerk - Arlington Subcourthouse |
|---|---|
| Address | 700 E. Abram St, Suite 101 Arlington, TX 76010 |
| Phone | (817) 884-1550 |
| Hours | Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM |
| Website | tarrantcountytx.gov |
The Arlington location handles the full range of vital records services: birth certificates, death certificates, marriage licenses, assumed name (DBA) certificates, and military discharge (DD-214) records. The main Fort Worth courthouse at 200 Taylor St, 3rd Floor, is also available if you prefer that location or need additional services not offered at the subcourthouse.
Getting a Marriage License in Arlington
The marriage license process in Arlington follows Tarrant County rules and Texas state law under Texas Family Code Chapter 2. Both applicants must be present at the same time. Each needs a valid government-issued photo ID and Social Security number. You pay the fee and walk out with the license.
Tarrant County's standard marriage license fee is $80.00. The Twogether in Texas premarital education program reduces this to $20.00 when you present a valid completion certificate. That's a $60 savings for a free course. Find a provider near Arlington at twogetherintexas.com. Your certificate must be from within the past year.
Texas requires a 72-hour waiting period between when the license is issued and when the ceremony can take place. This is set by § 2.204. Completing the Twogether in Texas course waives this period. The license is valid for 90 days per § 2.201. Use it in that window or you'll need to reapply.
After your ceremony, the officiant signs the license and returns it to the Tarrant County Clerk within 30 days. That filing completes the official marriage record.
Arlington Marriage Record Searches
Marriage records for Arlington residents are part of the Tarrant County records system. The County Clerk maintains these files at the main Fort Worth courthouse. You can request searches and certified copies at the Arlington Subcourthouse as well, or call (817) 884-1550 to confirm what services are available at each location.
Tarrant County keeps marriage records dating back to 1876. For certified copies, you can request them in person, by mail, or through VitalChek online. First certified copies cost $21.00. Additional copies ordered at the same time are $11.00 each. Visit the Tarrant County marriage license page for current fee details and the VitalChek link.
For state-level verification, contact Texas DSHS Vital Statistics at dshs.texas.gov/vital-statistics or (888) 963-7111. They provide verification letters for $20.00 each but cannot issue certified copies. Only the Tarrant County Clerk can provide a certified copy of an Arlington marriage license.
The City of Arlington portal connects residents to city services, though marriage licenses are issued by the Tarrant County Clerk at the local subcourthouse on E. Abram St.
Arlington residents can obtain marriage licenses locally at the Tarrant County subcourthouse without driving to Fort Worth.
Marriage Ceremonies in Arlington
Arlington residents have several options for civil marriage ceremonies. Tarrant County Justices of the Peace operate throughout the county and can perform ceremonies by appointment. Courthouse wedding ceremonies with a Tarrant County judge cost $100 and can accommodate up to 14 guests. These take place at the main Fort Worth courthouse. Contact the clerk's office at (817) 884-1550 for scheduling.
You need a valid, 72-hour-old marriage license in hand for any ceremony. If you completed Twogether in Texas and have the waiver certificate, the waiting period is removed and the ceremony can happen as soon as the license is issued. Make sure the license is not expired before you schedule your ceremony.
Informal Marriage in Tarrant County
Texas recognizes informal marriage under Texas Family Code § 2.401. You must agree to be married, live together as spouses in Texas, and represent yourselves as married to others. Arlington couples can file a Declaration of Informal Marriage at the Tarrant County Clerk's office. This creates an official record and makes it much easier to prove the marriage if it ever becomes necessary. Once filed, the informal marriage carries the same legal rights and obligations as a ceremonial one.
Legal Help in Arlington
Legal Aid of Northwest Texas serves Arlington and Tarrant County residents. Free family law help is available for qualifying individuals. Call the State Bar referral service at (800) 252-9690 or search for a private attorney at texasbar.com. Self-help forms and guides are at texaslawhelp.org.
Tarrant County Marriage Records
Arlington is in Tarrant County. The Tarrant County Clerk issues and records all marriage licenses for Arlington residents. For complete information on Tarrant County marriage services, fees, and record access, visit the Tarrant County marriage records page.
Nearby Cities
Other qualifying cities near Arlington with marriage record pages: