Marriage Records in Austin
Austin marriage records are issued and kept by the Travis County Clerk, which handles all marriage licenses for Austin and the rest of Travis County. If you want to apply for a marriage license, search for an existing Austin marriage record, or get a certified copy of a past license, the Travis County Clerk's office near Airport Boulevard is where you start. Travis County keeps marriage records going all the way back to 1840 and offers several ways to search and access those records depending on what you need.
Austin Overview
Travis County Clerk Marriage Services
The Travis County Clerk handles marriage license issuance out of the main office on Airport Boulevard. Both applicants must appear in person at the same time. Bring valid government-issued photo ID and your Social Security number. The clerk verifies identities, takes the fee, and issues the license that day.
| Office | Travis County Clerk - Recording Division |
|---|---|
| Address | 5501 Airport Blvd., Suite 100B Austin, TX 78751 |
| Phone | (512) 854-9188 |
| Hours | Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM |
| Website | countyclerk.traviscountytx.gov |
Travis County marriage records date back to 1840, making them among the oldest in Texas. Some digitized historical marriage records from 1941 to 1964 and earlier periods are accessible through the Portal to Texas History, a project of the University of North Texas that has digitized county courthouse records statewide.
Getting a Marriage License in Austin
Travis County charges $80.00 for a standard marriage license. Couples who complete the Twogether in Texas premarital education program pay only $20.00. The $60 discount applies when you bring your valid completion certificate to the clerk's office at the time of application. The course is free and offered throughout the Austin area. Search for a provider at twogetherintexas.com. Your certificate must be no more than one year old.
One special exemption applies in Travis County and across all of Texas: active-duty military personnel who are deploying to a hostile fire zone are exempt from the marriage license fee entirely. If this applies to you, bring documentation of your deployment orders along with your ID.
The Texas Family Code requires a 72-hour waiting period after the license is issued under § 2.204. Your ceremony cannot take place until 72 hours have passed. Completing Twogether in Texas waives this requirement. The license expires after 90 days under § 2.201. Plan your ceremony within that window.
After the ceremony, the officiant signs the license and returns it to the Travis County Clerk within 30 days. That return filing creates the permanent marriage record for Austin.
Austin Marriage Record Searches
Travis County marriage records go back to 1840. That depth makes Austin one of the more genealogy-rich counties in Texas. For recent records, the Travis County Clerk can assist with in-person searches and certified copy requests at the Airport Boulevard office. Call (512) 854-9188 before your visit to confirm what documents you need to bring.
For historical records before 1966, the Travis County Clerk's archives hold the original documents. Some earlier records from 1941 to 1964 have been digitized and are available through the Portal to Texas History. This free online resource lets you browse scanned copies of old marriage licenses without leaving your home.
The Texas DSHS Vital Statistics Section maintains a statewide index from 1966 to present. They issue verification letters confirming a marriage occurred for $20.00 each, but they cannot provide certified copies. For a certified copy of an Austin marriage license, contact the Travis County Clerk directly. Reach DSHS at dshs.texas.gov/vital-statistics or (888) 963-7111.
The Travis County Clerk marriage license page provides complete information on fees, hours, required documents, and the application process.
The clerk's office is at 5501 Airport Blvd. and serves Austin and all of Travis County. They maintain marriage records going back to 1840.
The Portal to Texas History provides digitized access to Travis County courthouse records including historical marriage licenses from the mid-20th century and earlier.
Some records from 1941 to 1964 are digitized and searchable for free through this University of North Texas project.
Austin City Clerk and Municipal Services
The Austin City Clerk's office handles city-level administrative records. For marriage licenses, the Travis County Clerk is the right office. The Austin City Clerk can assist with questions about city permits, municipal records, and other administrative needs after your marriage. The main city portal at austintexas.gov links to all city departments.
Austin Municipal Court judges have the authority to perform marriage ceremonies. You must have a valid, active marriage license in hand. The license must have been issued at least 72 hours prior unless you have a Twogether in Texas waiver. Contact the Municipal Court directly for ceremony availability and scheduling.
Informal Marriage in Travis County
Texas recognizes informal marriage under Texas Family Code § 2.401. Three elements must exist: both parties agree to be married, they cohabit as spouses in Texas, and they represent the relationship as a marriage to others. Austin couples can file a Declaration of Informal Marriage with the Travis County Clerk to create an official record. This is a clean, straightforward way to establish your marriage legally without a formal ceremony. Once recorded, it carries the same legal effect as a ceremonial marriage license.
Legal Help in Austin
Austin Volunteer Lawyers provides free legal services to qualifying Travis County residents. Texas Legal Aid organizations operate throughout Austin and can help with family law questions. The State Bar of Texas runs a lawyer referral service at (800) 252-9690. You can also search for attorneys at texasbar.com. Free self-help guides and forms are at texaslawhelp.org.
Travis County Marriage Records
Austin is the county seat of Travis County and the state capital of Texas. All Austin marriage licenses go through the Travis County Clerk. For a full look at Travis County marriage services, search options, and record access, visit the Travis County marriage records page.
Nearby Cities
Other qualifying cities near Austin with marriage record pages: