Bandera County Marriage Records
Bandera County marriage records are on file with the County Clerk in Bandera, Texas. The clerk issues marriage licenses and maintains vital records for this Hill Country county. If you want to apply for a marriage license or need a certified copy of a marriage record in Bandera County, the clerk's office in Bandera handles all requests. This page outlines the process, fees, and what to expect.
Bandera County Overview
Bandera County Clerk Office
The County Clerk's office in Bandera handles marriage licenses, birth and death records, probate matters, and land records. Bandera County observes 12 holidays each year including New Year's Day, Good Friday, Memorial Day, Independence Day, Labor Day, Veterans Day, Thanksgiving (two days), and Christmas (two days). Plan your visit accordingly. The office may be closed on Columbus Day and Presidents Day as well.
| Office | Bandera County Clerk |
|---|---|
| County Seat | Bandera, TX |
| Website | banderacounty.org |
Call the office before visiting to confirm current hours, fees, and whether an appointment is required for marriage license applications. Bandera County has a public records portal accessible through the county website.
Marriage License Requirements in Bandera County
To get a marriage license in Bandera County, both applicants must appear in person. Each needs a valid photo ID. Social Security numbers must be provided verbally to the clerk. Both parties are required to be at least 18 years old under Texas law effective September 1, 2017.
The 72-hour waiting period under Texas Family Code Section 2.204 applies after the license is issued. The license is valid for 90 days and can be used at any ceremony location in Texas. Completing the Twogether in Texas course waives the wait and reduces the fee by $60. Find a local course at twogetherintexas.com.
If either party was recently divorced, Texas Family Code Section 2.009 requires waiting 30 days after the divorce was finalized. Bring your divorce decree if you were divorced less than 30 days ago. The decree must include a judicial waiver of the 30-day period, or you must wait it out.
Marriage License Fees
Bandera County license fees are in the standard Texas range of $76 to $82. Call the clerk to confirm the exact current amount before your visit. With the Twogether in Texas certificate, the fee drops by $60. Without the certificate, the standard fee applies.
For certified copies of marriage licenses, the fee is typically $7 to $9 per copy in Texas counties. Only certified copies are released. Plain uncertified copies of vital records are generally not provided. Contact the clerk to confirm the specific fee for Bandera County.
Note: Bandera County observes 12 holidays per year. Check the county website or call ahead to avoid making a trip on a county holiday.
Certified Copies and Verification
Certified copies of Bandera County marriage licenses come only from the County Clerk. The state does not issue certified copies. For marriage verifications from 1966 to present, the Texas DSHS Vital Statistics office provides verification letters at $20 each. Call them at (888) 963-7111. For certified copies with a raised seal for legal use, contact the Bandera County Clerk directly.
For genealogy searches, FamilySearch and the Texas State Library and Archives have some historical Texas marriage records. Not all are indexed, and older records may require an in-person visit to the courthouse.
Informal Marriage in Bandera County
Texas recognizes common law marriage (informal marriage) under Texas Family Code Section 2.401. Couples in Bandera County can sign a Declaration of Informal Marriage at the County Clerk. Three elements must be present: agreement to be married, cohabitation in Texas as spouses, and public representation of the marriage to others. Once filed, the declaration is a public record with full legal effect.
For legal assistance with marriage questions in Bandera County, visit texaslawhelp.org or call the State Bar referral line at (800) 252-9690. The Texas Bar website also has a find-a-lawyer directory for the region.
Requesting Bandera County Records by Mail
You don't have to visit Bandera in person to get a certified copy of a marriage license. The County Clerk accepts written mail requests. Send a letter to the clerk's office with both parties' full names and the approximate year the marriage took place. Include your return mailing address and a check or money order for the copy fee. Call the clerk first to confirm the exact fee and the preferred payment method before you send anything.
Allow extra time for mail requests. Processing can take a week or more depending on the clerk's workload. If you need the record urgently, an in-person visit to the Bandera courthouse is faster. The clerk's office can usually produce a certified copy while you wait.
For genealogy work, the FamilySearch database has some older Texas marriage records indexed online. The Texas State Library and Archives Commission also holds historical records. Neither can issue a certified copy, but both can help confirm a marriage took place before you contact the clerk.
Cities in Bandera County
Bandera County includes the city of Bandera and several smaller communities. All marriage licenses are issued through the County Clerk's office in Bandera.
No cities in Bandera County currently meet the population threshold for a dedicated city page.