Find Marriage Records in Wichita Falls
Wichita Falls is the county seat of Wichita County, which means the county clerk's office is right in town. If you need a marriage license or a certified copy of a marriage record in Wichita Falls, the Wichita County Clerk handles those requests. The county has kept marriage records going back to 1882, making it a strong resource for both current filings and historical research.
Wichita Falls Overview
Wichita County Clerk - Marriage Licenses
The Wichita County Clerk is the main office for marriage licenses in Wichita Falls. The office is located at 900 7th St., Room 250 in the county courthouse. This is the same office that has been issuing licenses and recording marriages since Wichita County was organized in 1882. That history means the county clerk holds a deep set of records going back well over a century.
| Office | Wichita County Clerk |
|---|---|
| Address | 900 7th St., Room 250 Wichita Falls, TX 76301 |
| Phone | (940) 766-8195 |
| Fax | (940) 716-8554 |
| Website | co.wichita.tx.us |
The Wichita County Clerk takes marriage license applications, issues licenses, files them after the ceremony, and maintains permanent marriage records. They also record land records, probate filings, court records, and military discharge papers. The county office is the one-stop shop for official vital records in Wichita Falls.
The Wichita Falls City Clerk is at 1300 Seventh St., Room 104, phone (940) 761-7409. That office handles city-level records and some birth and death records for the city. Marriage licenses are not issued there. All marriage filings go through the county clerk.
Marriage License Requirements in Wichita Falls
Both parties must appear at the county clerk's office together. You cannot apply for someone else, and you can't mail in your application for a first-time license. Plan to go together on the same day.
What you need to bring:
- Valid government-issued photo ID for both applicants
- Social Security numbers for both parties
- Both must be 18 or older (court order required for younger applicants)
- If divorced, the divorce must be at least 30 days final
- Fee payment at the time of application
Under Texas Family Code Chapter 2, both applicants must be legally eligible to marry. This means not currently married, not closely related, and both meeting the age requirement. The clerk will verify this through questions and documentation at the time of application.
Note: If either applicant cannot be present in person, ask the Wichita County Clerk about the Affidavit of Absent Applicant process under Texas Family Code sections 2.006 and 2.007. This is limited to specific situations and requires a sworn statement.
72-Hour Waiting Period
After the Wichita County Clerk issues your license, Texas law requires a 72-hour wait before the wedding ceremony. This is set by Texas Family Code § 2.204. The countdown starts the moment the license is issued. Time your application so the wait ends at least a day before your planned ceremony, giving yourself some flexibility.
The Twogether in Texas premarital education program waives the 72-hour wait. Complete the course and bring the certificate with you when you apply. The wait is eliminated, and you can hold your ceremony as soon as you have the license. Courses must be completed within one year before you apply.
Your license is valid for 90 days from the issue date, per Texas Family Code § 2.201. If you haven't used it within 90 days, it expires. You'd need to apply again and pay the fee a second time. It's not a common problem, but it does happen when couples push back their wedding date after already getting licensed.
Historical Marriage Records in Wichita County
Wichita County has marriage records dating back to 1882, when the county was officially organized. Some records from before 1882 may exist in Clay County or Montague County, since Wichita County was created from territory that was previously part of those areas. If you're researching a marriage from the very early years, it's worth checking all three counties.
For recent records, the Wichita County Clerk maintains the official files. Certified copies are available in person or by mail. When requesting by mail, include the names of both parties, the approximate date of marriage, and a check or money order for the fee. Include a copy of your ID and explain your relationship to the record.
The Texas DSHS Vital Statistics Unit can provide certified copies of marriages from 1966 forward. For older records, the county clerk is the best source. FamilySearch has some historical Wichita County marriage collections as well, which can be useful for genealogy research without needing a certified copy.
Under Texas Health and Safety Code Chapter 194, certified copies of vital records are available to those with a direct interest in the record. Proof of identity is required for all certified copy requests.
Wichita Falls Marriage Resources
The City of Wichita Falls provides city-level services and information. The city website has contacts for the City Clerk and other departments. For marriage licenses, use the Wichita County Clerk contact above.
Municipal judges in Wichita Falls have authority to perform wedding ceremonies under Texas law. The Municipal Court at 1300 Seventh St. handles Class C cases and city ordinance matters. A judge there can officiate your wedding, but you still need the license from the county first.
The Wichita Falls city portal provides city services and contact information.
The City of Wichita Falls website links to city departments, including the City Clerk who handles city-level records.
The Wichita County Clerk information page shows county marriage license services.
Wichita County Clerk maintains marriage records going back to 1882 and issues new marriage licenses for Wichita Falls residents.
Common-Law Marriage in Wichita County
Texas recognizes informal marriage under Texas Family Code § 2.401. An informal marriage exists when two people agree to be married, live together in Texas as a married couple, and hold themselves out to others as being married. No ceremony is needed.
Couples can formalize this by filing a Declaration of Informal Marriage with the Wichita County Clerk. The declaration is a public record and can serve as proof of marriage for insurance, benefits, and legal matters. There is a fee for filing. Contact the clerk's office at (940) 766-8195 to ask about the current amount and what you need to bring.
Wichita County Marriage Records
Wichita Falls is the county seat of Wichita County. The Wichita County Clerk handles all marriage license applications and maintains all marriage records for the area. For full details on fees, hours, and services, visit the Wichita County marriage records page.
Nearby Cities
Other qualifying cities in the region with marriage records information: