El Paso Marriage Records
El Paso marriage records are maintained by the El Paso County Clerk, which issues marriage licenses and keeps official documents for all ceremonies in El Paso County. If you need to search El Paso marriage records, apply for a new license, or get a certified copy of a past marriage license, the County Clerk's office in downtown El Paso is where to go. The county's records date back to 1873, and e-filing is available for some document types, making El Paso one of the more accessible counties for online record access in West Texas.
El Paso Overview
El Paso County Clerk - Marriage Division
The El Paso County Clerk's office is located in the El Paso County Courthouse in downtown El Paso. This is the main office for all marriage license applications and official record requests. E-filing is available in El Paso County, which streamlines some types of document filings. For marriage licenses, both parties must still appear in person.
| Office | El Paso County Clerk |
|---|---|
| Address | 500 E. San Antonio, Suite 105 El Paso, TX 79901 |
| Phone | (915) 546-2071 |
| Hours | Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM |
| Website | elpasocounty.com/county-clerk |
El Paso County offers extensive online marriage records search options. The county has digitized a significant portion of its historical records, and the online search system allows name-based searches for marriage records going back many years. This is useful for genealogy research and for confirming existing records before contacting the office.
Marriage License Application in El Paso
Applying for a marriage license in El Paso follows Texas state law under Texas Family Code Chapter 2. Both applicants must appear together at the County Clerk's office at 500 E. San Antonio. Each person needs a valid government-issued photo ID. You must also provide your Social Security number. The clerk confirms your information, collects the fee, and issues the license.
El Paso County charges standard Texas marriage license fees. The Twogether in Texas discount of $60 applies to couples who complete the state-approved premarital education program and present a valid certificate at application. The program is free and offered throughout the El Paso area. Find a provider at twogetherintexas.com. Completing the program also waives the 72-hour waiting period.
The 72-hour waiting period under Texas Family Code § 2.204 starts when the license is issued. Your ceremony cannot happen until 72 hours have passed unless you have the Twogether in Texas certificate. The license is valid for 90 days under § 2.201. If you do not use it within 90 days, it expires and you must start over.
Searching El Paso Marriage Records
El Paso County marriage records go back to 1873. That makes this one of the deeper historical archives in Texas. The County Clerk maintains these files and can assist with searches in person at the downtown courthouse. Call (915) 546-2071 before your visit to confirm hours and what documents to bring.
The county's online search system offers name-based searches for marriage records and other official documents. This is a good starting point before making an in-person trip. Certified copies must be requested from the clerk's office directly. In-person requests are typically filled same-day. Mail requests take longer.
The Texas DSHS maintains a statewide index from 1966 to present and issues verification letters only at $20.00 each. They do not provide certified copies. For a certified copy of an El Paso County marriage license, go through the county clerk at (915) 546-2071. Reach DSHS at dshs.texas.gov/vital-statistics or (888) 963-7111.
The El Paso City Clerk's office handles city administrative records and can assist with municipal matters related to marriage such as name changes on city documents.
For marriage licenses and certified copies, residents should contact the El Paso County Clerk at 500 E. San Antonio, Suite 105.
The City of El Paso portal provides links to city services and can direct residents to the appropriate county and city offices for vital records.
Marriage licenses are a county function handled by the El Paso County Clerk, not the city. Both offices are located in the downtown El Paso area.
The El Paso County website hosts the County Clerk's office information and links to online record search tools for marriage records dating back to 1873.
The county offers e-filing for some document types and maintains an extensive online database of historical marriage records.
Informal Marriage in El Paso County
Texas recognizes informal marriage under Texas Family Code § 2.401. The three elements required are: agreement to be married, living together as spouses in Texas, and representing the relationship as a marriage to others. El Paso couples can file a Declaration of Informal Marriage at the County Clerk's office to create an official written record. El Paso's large Spanish-speaking community should know that all clerk services are available in both English and Spanish.
Legal Help in El Paso
El Paso Legal Assistance Society provides free civil legal help to qualifying El Paso County residents. Their family law staff handles marriage and divorce-related questions. The State Bar of Texas lawyer referral line is (800) 252-9690. You can also find a private attorney at texasbar.com. Self-help guides are available at texaslawhelp.org.
El Paso County Marriage Records
El Paso is the county seat of El Paso County. All marriage licenses for El Paso residents are processed by the El Paso County Clerk at 500 E. San Antonio. For complete information on county services, fees, and record access, see the El Paso County marriage records page.
Nearby Cities
Other qualifying cities in West Texas with marriage record pages: