Search Austin County Marriage Records

Austin County marriage records are filed with the County Clerk in Bellville, Texas. Austin County is one of the original 23 Texas counties, incorporated in 1837, and has maintained vital records since that time. The clerk handles marriage license applications, certified copies, and official public records. If you need to search marriage records or apply for a license in Austin County, this page explains how.

Austin County Clerk Office

The County Clerk's office in Bellville handles marriage licenses, birth and death certificates, land records, and probate matters for Austin County. Being one of the original 23 Texas counties means Austin County has a long record history. Many land and vital records date back to the early days of the Texas Republic.

Call the office to confirm current hours before your visit. Hours can vary and are subject to change around holidays and elections. The clerk can help you look up a marriage record, apply for a license, or request a certified copy.

Marriage License Requirements

To apply for a marriage license in Austin County, both applicants must appear in person. Bring a valid photo ID and your Social Security number. Texas requires both parties to be at least 18 years old. After the license is issued, the 72-hour waiting period under Texas Family Code Section 2.204 applies before the ceremony can take place.

The license is valid for 90 days and can be used anywhere in Texas. Completing the Twogether in Texas premarital course waives the 72-hour wait and reduces the fee by $60. Find a course at twogetherintexas.com. The certificate must be presented when you apply and must be less than one year old.

Under Texas Family Code Section 2.401, couples can also sign a Declaration of Informal Marriage at the county clerk to establish common law marriage without a formal ceremony.

Austin County Historical Marriage Records

As one of the original Texas counties, Austin County has some of the oldest public records in the state. Marriage, birth, death, and land records are all maintained by the County Clerk. Early records may be in handwritten volumes at the courthouse.

For genealogy research, FamilySearch has digitized some Texas county records including some from Austin County. The Texas State Library and Archives also holds Republic-era records that can supplement county-level research.

Certified copies of marriage licenses from Austin County must come from the County Clerk. The state DSHS Vital Statistics office provides verifications for $20 each for marriages from 1966 to present, but not certified copies.

Getting Certified Copies

To get a certified copy of a marriage license from Austin County, contact the clerk's office at (979) 865-5911. You need to provide the full names of both parties and the approximate date of the marriage. There is a per-copy fee. Call ahead to confirm the amount and accepted payment methods.

The CDC guide on Texas vital records confirms that certified copies of marriage licenses are only available from the county clerk where the license was issued. The state office in Austin only provides verification letters.

Texas Marriage Laws That Apply Here

All Texas counties follow the same state requirements. Both parties must be 18 or older. Both must appear in person. A valid photo ID is required. Social Security numbers must be provided. A 72-hour wait follows issuance of the license. The license is valid for 90 days.

Texas also has a 30-day wait after a divorce before remarriage. Texas Family Code Section 2.009 governs this rule. If you were divorced less than 30 days ago, bring a certified copy of your divorce decree with the waiting period waived, or wait out the 30 days first.

For legal help with marriage questions in Austin County, contact the Texas Law Help website or call the State Bar of Texas lawyer referral service at (800) 252-9690.

Cities in Austin County

Austin County includes Bellville and several smaller communities. All marriage licenses for the county are handled at the County Clerk's office in Bellville.

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

Nearby Counties