Caldwell County Marriage Records
Caldwell County marriage records are maintained by the County Clerk in Lockhart, the county seat. The clerk issues marriage licenses, maintains the official public index of all marriages filed in the county, and provides certified copies on request. Caldwell County sits between Austin and San Antonio, and the clerk handles all vital records for the area.
Caldwell County Overview
Caldwell County Clerk Office
The Caldwell County Clerk is located in Lockhart. Visit co.caldwell.tx.us for current contact information, office hours, and service details. The clerk maintains official public records for the county including marriage licenses, vital statistics, property documents, and court records. Lockhart is about 30 miles south of Austin, so the county sees residents from the Austin metro area applying for licenses regularly.
For statewide marriage verification, the Texas Department of State Health Services maintains a statewide index from 1966 forward. DSHS can issue a $20 verification letter. Certified copies of Caldwell County marriage licenses must come from the county clerk in Lockhart.
| Office | Caldwell County Clerk |
|---|---|
| County Seat | Lockhart, TX |
| Website | co.caldwell.tx.us |
Getting a Marriage License in Caldwell County
Both applicants must appear in person at the Caldwell County Clerk's office in Lockhart. Each needs a valid photo ID and their Social Security number. Both must be at least 18 years old. Under Texas Family Code Chapter 2, a license issued in Caldwell County is valid anywhere in Texas.
The standard fee is $81. Couples who complete the Twogether in Texas premarital education course pay $21 and have the 72-hour waiting period waived. Without the course certificate, Section 2.204 requires a 72-hour wait from issuance before the ceremony. The license is valid for 90 days. If the ceremony does not happen in that time, the license expires and you must reapply.
Certified Copies of Caldwell County Marriage Licenses
Certified copies of Caldwell County marriage licenses are available from the county clerk in Lockhart. Contact the office for current fees and the mail request process. For mail requests, include both parties' full names, the approximate marriage date, your return contact information, and payment. Certified copies carry the clerk's official seal and are accepted for name changes, government filings, and insurance updates.
Texas does not issue marriage certificates. The marriage license is the official document. A certified copy is what you need for any legal use.
What Caldwell County Marriage Records Contain
A Caldwell County marriage license includes both parties' full legal names, dates of birth, addresses, and Social Security numbers. It records the issuance date, ceremony date, location, and the officiant's name. Prior marriages and how they ended are documented. Under Texas Health and Safety Code Chapter 194, the clerk files a copy with the state vital statistics unit within 90 days. Both records are public and searchable by either party's name.
Informal Marriage in Caldwell County
Under Texas Family Code Section 2.401, Caldwell County couples can register an informal marriage by signing a Declaration of Informal Marriage at the clerk's office. This creates a public record with the same legal standing as a formal license. Without a declaration, an informal marriage requires proving agreement, cohabitation as spouses, and public representation as married.
Caldwell County Clerk Resources
The Caldwell County website provides access to county clerk contact information, public records, and service details for Lockhart and the surrounding area.
The Caldwell County website is the starting point for getting current clerk office hours, contact details, and marriage license information for the Lockhart area.
After the Wedding: Filing and Recording in Caldwell County
Once the ceremony is over, the officiant signs the marriage license and returns it to the Caldwell County Clerk. The clerk records the return, noting the ceremony date and the officiant's information. This completed document becomes part of the county's permanent vital records. Under Texas Health and Safety Code Chapter 194, the clerk sends a copy to the Texas Department of State Health Services Vital Statistics unit within 90 days. The state uses these to build its statewide index.
The statewide DSHS index is useful for confirming a marriage took place but cannot replace the county record. For name changes, government filings, or insurance, you need a certified copy from the Caldwell County Clerk in Lockhart. The clerk can issue these in person or accept a written mail request. Include both parties' full names and the year of the marriage when you write in.
If either applicant was recently divorced, Texas Family Code Section 2.009 requires waiting 30 days after the divorce becomes final before remarrying. Bring the divorce decree. If the decree has a judicial waiver of the waiting period, the clerk can proceed sooner. For legal questions, call the State Bar of Texas referral line at (800) 252-9690.
Cities in Caldwell County
Caldwell County communities include Lockhart, Luling, and Martindale. No cities in Caldwell County meet the population threshold for a dedicated city page. All marriage records are on file with the Caldwell County Clerk in Lockhart.
Nearby Counties
These counties border Caldwell County in Central Texas. Each has its own clerk office for marriage records.