DeWitt County Marriage Records

DeWitt County marriage records go back to 1846 and are maintained by the County Clerk in Cuero, Texas. If you need to find a marriage record or get a certified copy, the clerk's office at 307 N. Gonzales Street is where to go. DeWitt County has also made official public records available online, so some searches can be done without a trip to Cuero. This page explains how to access DeWitt County marriage records, what the process involves, and what online tools are available.

DeWitt County Clerk Office

The DeWitt County Clerk is located at 307 N. Gonzales Street in Cuero. The office handles marriage license applications, issues certified copies, and maintains the official public records for the county. Marriage records go back to 1846 when the county was created. The clerk can be reached by phone at (361) 275-0864 or by fax at (361) 275-0866.

DeWitt County now offers online access to its Official Public Records (OPR) through an index and image system. You can search records by name online, though some records are index-only due to confidentiality. Criminal records show the index only, with confidential information redacted. Civil and probate records are also index only. For full images or certified copies, you need to contact the clerk directly.

DeWitt County Online Records Search

DeWitt County's online records portal lets you search official public records by name. For best results, try both "Doe, John" format and "Doe John" without the comma. The database does not serve as the official records repository, but it is useful for finding what records exist and their index information. For certified copies or full document access, you must contact the clerk's office directly.

The online database includes records that have been digitized and indexed. Older records, particularly those from the 1800s, may not all be in the online system. For records going back to 1846, you may need to contact the clerk in person or by phone to search older archives. The system redacts information that is protected under state law.

For genealogical research, FamilySearch has indexes for Texas marriage records and may have early DeWitt County entries. The statewide marriage index at DSHS covers 1966 to present. For marriages before 1966, the county clerk's office or the Texas State Library are the best sources.

Getting a Marriage License in DeWitt County

Both applicants must appear in person at the DeWitt County Clerk's office to apply for a marriage license, as required by Texas Family Code Chapter 2. Bring a valid photo ID such as a driver's license, passport, certified birth certificate issued within the past 10 years, or military ID. You need your Social Security number. The application is filled out at the clerk's office.

After the license is issued, a 72-hour waiting period applies before the ceremony. This is set by Texas Family Code Section 2.204. The license is valid for 90 days from issue under Section 2.201. After the ceremony, the officiant signs the license and it must be returned to the county within 30 days.

Completing the Twogether in Texas premarital course waives the 72-hour wait and reduces the license fee by $60. The course is free and covers communication, finances, and relationship topics. Bring the certificate to the clerk when you apply. It stays valid for one year from completion.

DeWitt County Historical Marriage Records

DeWitt County was created on March 24, 1846 from Goliad, Gonzales, and Victoria Counties. Marriage records start from 1846, making this one of the older county marriage record collections in Texas. Land records also go back to 1846, and naturalization records run from 1851 to 1929. Probate records from 1846 to 1938 are available, and birth and death records start from 1903.

Under Texas Health and Safety Code Chapter 194, the county clerk files copies of marriage license applications with the state's vital statistics unit within 90 days. This creates the statewide index. For marriages before 1966 that predate the state index, the DeWitt County Clerk's archives are the primary source.

What DeWitt County Marriage Records Show

A marriage license in DeWitt County shows the full legal names of both parties, their dates of birth, residential addresses, and identification. The license number, date of issue, and county of issue are also on the document. After the ceremony, the return portion shows the ceremony date, the officiant's name and credentials, and witness signatures. The completed document becomes a permanent public record with the county clerk.

Texas also allows informal marriage under Texas Family Code Section 2.401. Three elements must be met: agreement to be married, living together in Texas as spouses, and holding out to others as married. Couples in DeWitt County can file a Declaration of Informal Marriage with the clerk to create a formal record. This is public and stored with the clerk just like a formal marriage license.

DeWitt County Online Records Portal

The DeWitt County online public records system allows name-based searches of indexed county records including marriage licenses and other official documents filed with the clerk.

Use the online portal as a starting point for your search. Contact the clerk at (361) 275-0864 for certified copies or to access records not available in the online index.

Cities in DeWitt County

Cuero is the county seat and main city in DeWitt County. No cities in DeWitt County meet the population threshold for a dedicated city page on this site. Marriage licenses for all residents of DeWitt County are issued at the County Clerk's office in Cuero.

Nearby Counties

DeWitt County is in South Texas between San Antonio and the Gulf Coast. These counties are nearby.