Denton County Marriage Records Search

Denton County marriage records are kept by the County Clerk, which operates six locations across this fast-growing North Texas county. Whether you live in Denton, Flower Mound, Lewisville, or another part of the county, you can find a clerk location near you to apply for a marriage license or request a certified copy of a marriage record. Records in Denton County go back to 1876, and the main Vital Statistics office in Denton handles most records requests.

Denton County Clerk - Vital Statistics

The Denton County Clerk's Vital Statistics office is the main location for marriage records and vital records requests. It is at 1450 East McKinney Street, Suite 1103, in Denton. The phone number for Vital Statistics is (940) 349-2012. For birth and death certificates, there is a separate line at 940-349-2010 or 972-434-8820. The fax is 940-349-2013. Office hours are Monday through Friday from 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM.

Denton County has six total clerk locations across the county, which is helpful given how spread out the population is. Note that the Cross Roads location cannot issue birth or death records between noon and 1:00 PM daily. For marriage license applications specifically, check the Denton County Marriage Licenses page for details on which locations handle those requests and any special instructions.

How to Get a Marriage License in Denton County

Marriage licenses in Denton County are issued through the County Clerk's office. Under Texas Family Code Chapter 2, both applicants must appear in person. Bring a valid photo ID. A driver's license, passport, certified birth certificate issued within the last 10 years, or military ID all work. You also need your Social Security number. The application is filled out at the clerk's office with staff assistance.

After the license is issued, Texas law requires a 72-hour waiting period under Family Code Section 2.204 before the ceremony can take place. The license is valid for 90 days from the date of issuance under Section 2.201. If you do not get married within 90 days, you need to apply again. The officiant signs the license after the ceremony and it must be returned to the County Clerk within 30 days.

Denton County participates in the Twogether in Texas program. Couples who complete the free premarital education course receive a $60 discount on the license fee and have the 72-hour waiting period waived. Bring the completion certificate to the clerk's office when you apply. The certificate is valid for one year from the completion date.

Searching Denton County Marriage Records

Denton County marriage records are available from 1876. FamilySearch has indexed Texas County Marriage Records including Denton County for the period 1837 to 1965. This is a good starting point for older records. The statewide index maintained by the Texas Department of State Health Services covers marriages from 1966 to present. DSHS can provide a verification letter for $20 but not a certified copy.

For recent records, contact the Vital Statistics office at (940) 349-2012. Staff can search by name and tell you what is available. Birth certificates available through the Denton County Clerk include abstracts for births outside Denton County but within Texas, which is useful for genealogy research. Death certificates are limited to deaths that occurred within Denton County.

The Denton County Marriage Licenses page has information on applying for a new license and the clerk's services. Check the county's website for any public search tools or online ordering options for certified copies of marriage records.

Certified Copies of Denton County Marriage Records

Only the Denton County Clerk can issue certified copies of marriage licenses from this county. The state office does not provide them. Under Texas Health and Safety Code Chapter 194, DSHS can only verify a marriage. If you need a certified copy for a name change, legal filing, or government document, go to the County Clerk.

Request in person at the Vital Statistics office at 1450 East McKinney Street, Suite 1103. You can also contact the office by phone to ask about mail-in requests. Have the full names of both parties and the approximate date of marriage ready. Bring a photo ID for in-person requests. Call (940) 349-2012 for current fees before you visit or mail a request.

Informal Marriage in Denton County

Texas recognizes informal marriage under Texas Family Code Section 2.401. Three things must all be present: an agreement to be married, living together in Texas as spouses, and representing to others that you are married. There is no time minimum. A couple can file a Declaration of Informal Marriage at the Denton County Clerk's office to create a written official record, which makes it much easier to prove the marriage later.

An informal marriage in Texas has the same legal effect as a formal marriage. You must go through a formal divorce to dissolve it. The declaration is a public record that the clerk files and maintains. Contact the Vital Statistics office at (940) 349-2012 for information on the informal marriage declaration process.

Denton County Clerk Portal

The Denton County Vital Statistics page provides information on marriage license applications, certified copy requests, and office locations across the county.

Visit the Denton County website to find the nearest clerk location and review current office hours and fees before your visit.

Cities in Denton County

Denton County includes several large cities. Residents of any city in the county can apply for a marriage license at any Denton County Clerk location.

Nearby Counties

These counties border Denton County. If you are not sure which county issued a marriage license, check where the couple was living at the time of application.