Access Bastrop County Marriage Records
Bastrop County marriage records are maintained by the County Clerk in Bastrop, Texas. The clerk issues marriage licenses, keeps vital records, and handles certified copy requests for all marriages licensed in the county. Bastrop County is east of Austin and has been growing steadily. If you need to find a marriage record or apply for a license here, the County Clerk is the place to start.
Bastrop County Overview
Bastrop County Clerk Office
The County Clerk's office in Bastrop handles all marriage licenses, birth and death certificates, probate records, and land records for Bastrop County. The county is east of Austin along the Colorado River and has seen significant growth as part of the Austin metro area. Call ahead to confirm current hours and any appointment requirements for marriage licenses.
| Office | Bastrop County Clerk |
|---|---|
| County Seat | Bastrop, TX |
| Website | co.bastrop.tx.us |
For specific phone numbers and hours, visit the county website or call the main county line. Growing counties like Bastrop may add office locations or extend hours over time, so checking the official site is always the safest approach.
Applying for a Marriage License
Both parties must appear in person at the Bastrop County Clerk's office. Each needs a valid photo ID and a Social Security number. Both must be at least 18. 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.
The Twogether in Texas premarital course waives the 72-hour wait and reduces the fee by $60. The program is free and courses are offered throughout Texas. Find one near Bastrop at twogetherintexas.com. Present the certificate at the time of your license application.
Bastrop County is near Austin and serves a mix of long-time residents and newcomers. You can apply for a license at any Texas county clerk, including Travis County in Austin, if that is more convenient. The license is valid statewide regardless of where it was issued.
Marriage License Fees in Bastrop County
Standard fees in Bastrop County follow the Texas range of $76 to $82 for a marriage license. Call the clerk to confirm the exact amount. With the Twogether in Texas certificate, the fee drops by $60. Certified copies of marriage licenses carry a fee set by the county, typically $7 to $9 per copy in Texas.
The state cannot issue certified copies. Only the Bastrop County Clerk can provide a certified copy of a license issued here. For marriages from 1966 to present, the Texas DSHS Vital Statistics office verifies marriage facts for $20 per search but does not issue certified copies.
Bastrop County Marriage Record Searches
For recent records, contact the County Clerk directly. For historical genealogy research, FamilySearch has digitized some Texas county marriage records. The Texas State Library and Archives at tsl.texas.gov also holds records from early Texas history.
Under Texas Health and Safety Code Chapter 194, the state vital statistics office maintains a statewide index of marriage license applications from 1966 forward. The index does not replace the records at the county level. All certified copies must come from the county clerk.
Note: Bastrop County is growing fast. Contact the clerk directly for the most current hours and fees rather than relying on older sources.
Texas Marriage Laws That Apply Here
Texas requires both parties to be 18 or older, to appear in person, and to provide valid IDs and Social Security numbers. The 72-hour wait applies after the license is issued. The license is valid for 90 days. Texas also recognizes informal marriage under Section 2.401 when couples sign a Declaration of Informal Marriage at the county clerk.
For legal help, visit Texas Law Help or call the State Bar referral line at (800) 252-9690. The Texas Bar website has a lawyer directory to help you find someone in Bastrop County if you need legal advice about marriage or family law matters.
Cities in Bastrop County
Bastrop County includes the city of Bastrop and several fast-growing communities east of Austin. All marriage licenses are issued through the County Clerk in Bastrop.
No cities in Bastrop County currently meet the population threshold for a dedicated city page.