Armstrong County Marriage Records

Armstrong County marriage records are kept by the County and District Clerk in Claude, Texas. Armstrong County is a small Panhandle county with one office that handles both county and district clerk duties. Marriage licenses have been on file since 1890. If you need to apply for a marriage license or request a certified copy of a record, the clerk's office in Claude is the right place to start.

Armstrong County Clerk Office

Tawnee Blodgett serves as both County Clerk and District Clerk for Armstrong County. This is common in Texas counties with smaller populations where one office handles both roles. The office is on Trice Street in Claude. A key point about the schedule: the office is open Monday through Thursday only. It is closed on Fridays. Hours run from 8:00 am to 6:00 pm Monday through Thursday, and the office stays open through the lunch hour.

Applying for a Marriage License in Armstrong County

Both applicants must appear in person at the clerk's office to apply for a marriage license. Bring a valid photo ID and know your Social Security number. Texas requires both parties to be at least 18 years old. Under Texas law, both parties sign and take an oath before the clerk when the license is issued.

After the license is issued, the 72-hour waiting period begins. Under Texas Family Code Section 2.204, you must wait at least 72 hours before holding the ceremony. The license stays valid for 90 days. You can use it anywhere in Texas.

The Twogether in Texas program waives the 72-hour wait and gives a $60 reduction in the license fee. The program is free to complete. Visit twogetherintexas.com to find a course near Claude or Amarillo. Present the certificate at the time you apply. The certificate must be less than a year old.

Armstrong County Marriage Record History

Armstrong County was formed on August 21, 1876 from the Bexar Land District. The county was organized in 1890, which is when marriage records start. Land records go back to 1883, which predate the county's organization since land surveys were done before settlement. Birth and death records begin in 1903. Court records start from 1898.

The county seat is Claude, named after a railroad engineer. Armstrong County is one of the smaller Panhandle counties, with a 2018 population of about 1,767. Despite the small population, the clerk's office maintains a full range of records and can help with most standard records requests.

For genealogy research in Armstrong County, FamilySearch has an Armstrong County genealogy wiki. The Claude Public Library at 605 High St, Claude, TX 79019 (phone 806-226-2341) also holds local history resources. FamilySearch centers in Amarillo and Pampa serve researchers in the area.

Records Search for Armstrong County

Armstrong County's records can be partially searched through online services. Document copies from 2017 to present are available through records search services. Earlier records may require an in-person visit or written request to the clerk's office.

Armstrong County is part of the Randall, Potter and Armstrong Counties Omnibus Order for court purposes. For legal records connected to marriage cases such as divorce or annulment, the District Clerk for this area handles those files. Since Tawnee Blodgett serves as both County and District Clerk for Armstrong County, you can reach both offices at the same number and address.

For certified copies of marriage licenses, contact the clerk's office directly. For verification of a Texas marriage from 1966 to present, contact Texas DSHS Vital Statistics at (888) 963-7111. The state charges $20 for each marriage verification but does not issue certified copies.

Informal Marriage in Armstrong County

Texas recognizes common law marriage, called informal marriage under Texas Family Code Section 2.401. A couple can sign a Declaration of Informal Marriage at the county clerk's office. Three things must be true: the parties agreed to be married, they lived together in Texas as spouses, and they told others they were married. All three must be present for an informal marriage to be valid.

Once the declaration is signed and filed, the informal marriage is legally recognized in Texas. It carries the same rights and responsibilities as a formal marriage. To end the marriage, the couple must go through a formal divorce. Contact the Armstrong County Clerk for the current fee on informal marriage declarations.

Cities in Armstrong County

Armstrong County is centered around Claude. The county is sparsely populated. All marriage licenses are issued at the County Clerk's office in Claude.

No cities in Armstrong County currently meet the population threshold for a dedicated city page.

Nearby Counties

Armstrong County is in the Texas Panhandle. Amarillo and Potter County are the nearest metropolitan area for additional services.