Erath County Marriage Records

Erath County marriage records are on file with the County Clerk in Stephenville, the county seat. The clerk issues marriage licenses, holds certified copies of recorded licenses, and maintains the official marriage record index for Erath County. Records go back to 1869, and a large number have been indexed and are accessible through genealogical databases. For current license applications or copy requests, the County Clerk is your starting point.

Erath County Clerk Office

The Erath County Clerk is at 100 West Washington, Stephenville, TX 76401. The main phone number is 254-965-1482. E-filing is available. The office handles marriage license applications, certified copy requests, and other vital records services for Erath County residents.

Both people applying for a marriage license must come in together to the Stephenville office. Bring a valid photo ID and your Social Security number. The clerk's staff will assist with the application at the office. Call ahead to confirm current hours and payment options before your visit.

Getting a Marriage License in Erath County

Under Texas Family Code Chapter 2, both applicants must be at least 18 and appear in person together. Each needs a valid photo ID such as a driver's license, passport, military ID, or state ID card. Social Security numbers are required. No blood test is needed. Texas has no residency requirement for getting a marriage license, so out-of-state couples may apply here.

After you receive the license, you must wait 72 hours before the ceremony. The Twogether in Texas premarital education course waives this wait and lowers your fee significantly. Complete the course and bring the certificate when you apply. The certificate expires one year after completion, so check the date before your visit.

The license expires 90 days after issue. If your ceremony has not taken place by then, you start over. After the ceremony, the officiant signs the license and returns it to the Erath County Clerk within 30 days. The clerk files it and sends a copy to the state vital statistics unit.

Historical Erath County Marriage Records

Erath County has a rich collection of historical marriage records. FamilySearch has indexed 15,645 Erath County marriage records, making this one of the larger county collections in the FamilySearch database. The indexing covers marriage records from 1869 to 1956 and an index extending to 1971. Death records from 1903 to 1967 and birth records from 1903 to 1926 are also indexed.

These historical records are searchable for free through the FamilySearch website. Many include scanned images of original documents. For records outside the indexed range, or if you need a certified copy, the Erath County Clerk holds the original books and can assist with requests. The Texas State Library and Archives Commission also holds statewide indexes that may include Erath County data.

Note: Historical index records and genealogical database results are not certified copies. For legal purposes, contact the County Clerk directly to request an official certified copy with the clerk's seal.

Certified Copies from Erath County

Certified copies of Erath County marriage licenses must come from the County Clerk in Stephenville. The Texas DSHS Vital Statistics unit maintains a statewide marriage index from 1966 forward and can issue a $20 verification letter, but only the issuing county provides a certified copy with a legal seal.

To get a certified copy, visit the clerk's office in person at 100 West Washington or send a written mail request with the full names of both parties, approximate marriage date, and payment for the copy fee. Call 254-965-1482 to confirm the current fee and accepted payment methods before mailing your request. Include a self-addressed stamped envelope for return by mail.

Informal Marriage Registration

Texas law at Family Code Section 2.401 recognizes informal marriage. Couples in Erath County who meet the legal elements of an informal marriage can register a Declaration of Informal Marriage at the County Clerk's office. Both parties sign the declaration in person. The resulting record is public and has the same legal standing as a formal marriage license.

Erath County Record Sources

The Erath County Clerk website provides contact information and service details for the Stephenville office.

The Erath County Clerk at 100 West Washington in Stephenville handles all marriage license applications and certified copy requests for the county.

The Texas DSHS Vital Statistics portal covers statewide marriage records from 1966 forward and provides verification letter services.

The statewide index complements the county's own records for researchers looking at marriages recorded after 1966.

Cities in Erath County

Stephenville is the county seat of Erath County. Other communities include Dublin and Lingleville. No cities in Erath County currently meet the population threshold for a dedicated page here. All county residents use the Erath County Clerk for marriage license services.

Nearby Counties

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