Access Pasadena Marriage Records
Pasadena marriage records are part of the Harris County system, and there is a Harris County Clerk annex right in Pasadena that handles marriage license applications and records requests. If you live in Pasadena and need to get a marriage license or find an existing record, you can go to the local annex instead of traveling all the way to downtown Houston. Harris County maintains official marriage records for all cities within the county, including Pasadena, Baytown, and the surrounding communities.
Pasadena Overview
Harris County Clerk - Pasadena Office
Harris County operates an annex in Pasadena specifically to serve residents in the southeast Houston area. This location handles marriage license applications, vital records requests, and other county clerk services. You do not need to go downtown for these services if you live in Pasadena.
The Pasadena location processes the same services as the main Harris County office. Both applicants must appear in person, bring valid photo ID, and provide their Social Security numbers. The process is the same at all Harris County locations.
| Office | Harris County Clerk - Pasadena Annex |
|---|---|
| Address | 101 S. Richey Street Pasadena, TX 77506 |
| Phone | (713) 274-6230 |
| Hours | Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM |
| Website | records.harriscountytx.gov |
Harris County also has a vital statistics page at records.harriscountytx.gov/vital-statistics with details on marriage licensing and record requests.
What to Bring to the Clerk's Office
Texas requires both parties to appear in person when applying for a marriage license under Texas Family Code Chapter 2. Each person needs a valid government-issued photo ID. A Texas driver's license, state ID, passport, or military ID all work. Bring your Social Security number as well. You do not need the physical card, just the number.
Both applicants must be at least 18 years old. If someone was recently divorced, there is a 30-day waiting period before they can remarry under Family Code Section 2.009. If a prior spouse is deceased, bring the death certificate if it has been less than 30 days since the death.
Harris County accepts multiple forms of ID and has staff available to walk you through the process at the Pasadena Annex. If you have questions before your visit, call (713) 274-6230.
Fees and Waiting Period
Harris County charges $82 for a standard marriage license. If you and your partner complete the Twogether in Texas premarital education program before applying, you get a $60 discount. The fee drops to $22 with the certificate. The Twogether program is free and available online and in person through providers across Texas.
Texas Family Code Section 2.204 requires a 72-hour waiting period between when the clerk issues the license and when the ceremony can take place. This applies unless you have a Twogether certificate, which waives the wait. The 72-hour clock starts the moment the license is issued, not when you pick it up or leave the office.
Your license is valid for 90 days from the issue date. If the ceremony does not take place within 90 days, the license is no longer valid. You must apply for a new one and pay the fee again. Under Family Code Section 2.201, there are no extensions to this period.
Certified copies of marriage licenses can be obtained from the Harris County Clerk. Fees for certified copies vary, so call the Pasadena Annex for current pricing. The state DSHS office cannot issue certified copies; only the county clerk can.
Searching Harris County Marriage Records
The Harris County Clerk maintains marriage records for all of Harris County, including Pasadena. You can search records in person at the Pasadena Annex or at the main office in downtown Houston. The Harris County public records portal at records.harriscountytx.gov/Public-Records provides online access to various record types.
To search for a specific marriage record, you need the full names of both parties and an approximate date. If you have the license number, that helps too. Staff can pull records and make copies on request. Certified copies are available the same day if you visit in person.
For records from 1966 to the present, the Texas DSHS Vital Statistics Section maintains a statewide index. They can issue a verification letter for $20 per marriage. Mail requests using Form VS-142.9 or order online through Texas.gov. Processing times for mail orders run six to eight weeks.
Common Law Marriage in Harris County
Harris County, like all Texas counties, recognizes informal marriage under Texas Family Code Section 2.401. Three elements must exist: agreement to be married, cohabitation in Texas as spouses, and public representation as married. There is no required duration of cohabitation.
Pasadena residents can sign a Declaration of Informal Marriage at the Harris County Clerk's Pasadena Annex. This declaration is recorded and provides official documentation of the marriage. Once an informal marriage is established, both parties need a formal divorce to dissolve it. The same community property rules apply as in a ceremonial marriage.
Legal Resources in Pasadena
Lone Star Legal Aid serves Harris County, including Pasadena, and provides family law assistance to income-qualifying residents. Their main line is (800) 733-8394 and their website is lonestarlegal.org. Houston Volunteer Lawyers also serves the area at (713) 228-0732. For a paid attorney, the State Bar of Texas referral line is (800) 252-9690. Self-help guides are available at TexasLawHelp.org and official forms at txcourts.gov/rules-forms.
The City of Pasadena maintains city services, while marriage licenses and vital records are handled by Harris County through the Pasadena Annex.
Pasadena residents can access Harris County marriage license services at the local annex on S. Richey Street without traveling to downtown Houston.
The Harris County Clerk vital statistics page covers marriage licenses and record requests for all of Harris County.
Harris County's vital statistics page provides current fees, requirements, and contact information for all county locations including the Pasadena Annex.
Harris County Marriage Records
Pasadena is in Harris County. All marriage licenses and official records for the city run through the Harris County Clerk. For more on Harris County's marriage records system and office locations, visit the county page.
Nearby Cities
Other qualifying cities near Pasadena with records pages: