Fort Worth Marriage License Records
Fort Worth marriage records are handled by the Tarrant County Clerk, which issues marriage licenses and keeps official records for all ceremonies in Tarrant County. Residents of Fort Worth and surrounding Tarrant County communities obtain marriage licenses at the main courthouse in downtown Fort Worth or at one of several Tarrant County subcourthouse locations spread across the county. The county keeps marriage records dating back to 1876 and offers certified copies through the clerk's office and an online ordering option through VitalChek.
Fort Worth Overview
Tarrant County Clerk - Vital Records
The Tarrant County Clerk's vital records division operates out of the Plaza Building in downtown Fort Worth. This is the main location for marriage licenses. But Tarrant County is large, and the clerk maintains several subcourthouse locations to serve residents throughout the area. If you live in a part of the county far from downtown, check for a location near you before making the drive to Fort Worth.
| Main Office | Plaza Building, 200 Taylor St, 3rd Floor Fort Worth, TX 76196 |
|---|---|
| Phone | (817) 884-1550 |
| Hours | Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM |
| Website | tarrantcountytx.gov |
Tarrant County subcourthouse locations include Arlington (700 E. Abram St, Suite 101), Hurst (Northeast subcourthouse), Lake Worth (Northwest subcourthouse), Mansfield, Southlake, and Southwest Fort Worth. All of them can process marriage licenses and provide vital records services. Call (817) 884-1550 to confirm current hours at any location before your visit.
Marriage License Fees in Tarrant County
The standard Tarrant County marriage license fee is $80.00. That's one of the more detailed fee structures in Texas, and they also offer the Twogether in Texas discount. Couples who complete the state-approved premarital education course pay only $20.00 for their license. That's a full $60 savings. The certificate from the course must be no older than one year when you apply. Find a course provider near Fort Worth at twogetherintexas.com.
Certified copies of a Tarrant County marriage license cost $21.00 for the first copy and $11.00 for each additional copy ordered at the same time. You can order certified copies in person at any clerk location, by mail, or online through VitalChek. Historical records dating back to 1876 are on file, though records from before a courthouse fire in 1876 may not exist.
Courthouse wedding ceremonies with a judge cost $100.00 and allow up to 14 guests. Appointments are required and available by contacting the clerk's office. Ceremonies take place at the main courthouse in Fort Worth.
Applying for a Fort Worth Marriage License
Both applicants must appear together in person when applying. Each person needs a valid government-issued photo ID. You also need to provide your Social Security number. The process follows Texas Family Code Chapter 2, which governs all marriage licenses in the state.
After the clerk issues the license, the 72-hour waiting period under § 2.204 begins. You cannot legally marry until 72 hours have passed. Completing the Twogether in Texas premarital course waives this waiting period. Your license expires after 90 days under § 2.201, so plan your ceremony within that window.
The ceremony can be performed by a judge, justice of the peace, licensed or ordained minister, or other authorized officiant under Texas law. When the ceremony is done, the officiant must sign the license and return it to the Tarrant County Clerk within 30 days. That filing creates the official marriage record.
Fort Worth Marriage Record Searches
Tarrant County marriage records go back to 1876. The County Clerk maintains these files and can assist with record searches. In-person searches at the main office or any subcourthouse location are the most reliable way to find older records. Staff can search by name and pull physical files if needed.
For certified copies, contact the clerk's office directly. In-person requests are typically filled while you wait. Mail requests take longer. VitalChek provides an online ordering option for certified copies with delivery by mail. Use the Tarrant County marriage license page for links to VitalChek and current fee information.
The Texas DSHS in Austin maintains a statewide marriage record index from 1966 to present. They issue verification letters only, not certified copies. A verification costs $20.00. Call (888) 963-7111 or visit dshs.texas.gov/vital-statistics.
The Tarrant County Clerk vital records page lists all subcourthouse locations, current fees, and services available at each office.
The main office is at the Plaza Building in downtown Fort Worth, but multiple branch locations serve communities across Tarrant County including Arlington and Mansfield.
The Tarrant County certified copy page explains how to order a certified copy of a marriage license by mail, in person, or through VitalChek.
First certified copies cost $21.00, with additional copies at $11.00 each when ordered at the same time.
Fort Worth City Resources
The Fort Worth City Secretary's office handles city-level administrative functions. For marriage-related matters, the County Clerk is the right office. But the City Secretary can help with name changes on city records or other administrative questions after marriage. The city's main portal at fortworthtexas.gov links to municipal services.
Legal Resources in Fort Worth
Legal Aid of Northwest Texas has offices in Fort Worth and serves Tarrant County residents with low incomes. They handle family law matters at no cost for those who qualify. The State Bar of Texas lawyer referral service is at (800) 252-9690. Self-help guides are available at texaslawhelp.org. You can also search for a private attorney at texasbar.com.
Tarrant County Marriage Records
Fort Worth is the county seat of Tarrant County. The Tarrant County Clerk processes all Fort Worth marriage licenses and maintains the official record. For full details on Tarrant County marriage services, fees, and office locations, visit the Tarrant County marriage records page.
Nearby Cities
Other qualifying cities in or near Tarrant County with marriage record pages: