Search Bexar County Marriage Records

Bexar County marriage records are maintained by the County Clerk in San Antonio. The clerk's office issues marriage licenses, keeps the official index of all marriages recorded in the county, and provides certified copies to those who request them. Bexar County is the fourth most populous county in Texas, and the clerk handles a high volume of marriage license applications each year.

Bexar County Clerk Office

The Bexar County Clerk handles all marriage license applications and official record keeping for the county. The main office is in San Antonio. Bexar County offers extensive online services and maintains a public records search portal. Visit bexar.org for current contact information, office hours, and to access the public records search portal.

For public record searches, go directly to the Bexar County Public Record Searches page. This portal allows you to search for marriage records, property records, and other official public records. For marriage licenses specifically, you can search by name and date range. The county maintains records going back to its formation and has digitized many older records for easier access.

Marriage License Requirements in Bexar County

Both applicants must appear in person at the Bexar County Clerk's office. Each person needs a valid photo ID and their Social Security number. No blood test is required. Both parties must be at least 18 years old. Under Texas Family Code Chapter 2, any license issued in Bexar County is valid for use anywhere in Texas, and vice versa.

The standard fee for a marriage license in Bexar County is $81. Couples who complete the Twogether in Texas premarital education course pay only $21 and have the 72-hour waiting period waived. The course certificate must be presented at the time of application and must have been issued within the past year. Without the certificate, the 72-hour wait under Section 2.204 applies before the ceremony can take place.

The license is valid for 90 days. Plan your ceremony date before you go to the clerk to make sure it falls within that window. There is no extension process for expired licenses.

Bexar County Public Records Search

Bexar County provides online access to public records through its official portal at bexar.org. You can search for marriage records, land records, court filings, and other official documents. The system is searchable by name and date range. For older records or records not yet digitized, contact the clerk's office directly.

For statewide marriage verification, the Texas Department of State Health Services maintains a statewide index from 1966 forward. DSHS can issue a verification letter for $20 but cannot provide certified copies. Only Bexar County can issue a certified copy of a Bexar County marriage license.

Note: The DSHS statewide index covers records from January 1966 to present. For marriages before 1966, contact the Bexar County Clerk directly.

Certified Copies of Bexar County Marriage Licenses

Certified copies of Bexar County marriage licenses are only available from the Bexar County Clerk. The county can process requests in person, by mail, or through the online portal. Certified copies carry the clerk's official seal and are accepted for name changes, government filings, insurance updates, and similar legal uses.

To request a copy by mail, send the full names of both parties, the approximate marriage date, your contact information, and payment to the Bexar County Clerk's office. Check the county website for current fees and mailing address before sending your request.

What Marriage Records in Bexar County Contain

A Bexar County marriage license application includes both parties' full legal names, dates of birth, addresses, and Social Security numbers. The record also shows the date the license was issued, the ceremony date, where it took place, and who performed it. Prior marriages and how they ended are part of the file. Under Texas Health and Safety Code Chapter 194, the county clerk sends a copy to the state vital statistics unit within 90 days of the application.

Both the county index and the statewide index are public records. Anyone can request a copy with enough identifying information to locate the record.

Informal Marriage in Bexar County

Texas recognizes informal marriage under Texas Family Code Section 2.401. Couples in Bexar County can register an informal marriage by signing a Declaration of Informal Marriage at the clerk's office. This creates a formal public record with the same legal standing as a standard marriage license. The fee for an informal marriage declaration is typically lower than a standard license.

Without a declaration, an informal marriage can still be established if a couple can prove all three required elements: an agreement to be married, living together in Texas as spouses, and representing to others that they are married. Bexar County courts see informal marriage cases regularly. If you want to document your relationship officially, the Declaration form is available at the clerk's office.

Bexar County Clerk Resources

The Bexar County official website is the primary resource for marriage license information, public record searches, and contact details for the county clerk's office.

The Bexar County website provides access to all clerk services including marriage licenses and vital records.

The Bexar County Public Record Searches portal allows you to search marriage records, property records, and other official documents online without visiting the courthouse.

Use the public records portal to search Bexar County marriage records by name and date range from any device.

Cities in Bexar County

Bexar County is centered on San Antonio, one of the largest cities in Texas. All marriage licenses from these cities are filed with the Bexar County Clerk.

Other communities in Bexar County include Converse, Universal City, Schertz, Leon Valley, and Helotes. All marriage records for these areas are on file with the Bexar County Clerk in San Antonio.

Nearby Counties

These counties border Bexar County. Each maintains its own marriage records at the county clerk's office.