Falls County Marriage Records Search

Falls County marriage records are maintained by the County Clerk in Marlin, the county seat. The clerk's office issues marriage licenses, processes certified copy requests, and keeps the official record of all marriages in Falls County. Records reach back to 1854, giving Falls County one of the older marriage record collections in central Texas. For a current license or a copy of a past Falls County marriage record, the clerk's office handles both.

Falls County Clerk Office

The Falls County Clerk operates from the courthouse in Marlin. The Elections Administrator address is 125 Bridge St., Marlin, TX 76661, and the main phone is (254) 883-1521. The clerk's office manages marriage license applications and certified copy requests for Falls County. Call before your visit to confirm current business hours and what identification and payment are required.

Both applicants must appear in person together at the clerk's office to apply for a marriage license. Each person needs a valid photo ID and their Social Security number. The clerk will provide the application form at the office. The process is straightforward and typically takes a short time if you come prepared.

Marriage License Requirements

Texas law under Family Code Chapter 2 applies to all Falls County marriage licenses. Both parties must be 18 years old or older. Both must appear in person at the clerk's office. Each needs a valid photo ID and Social Security number. No blood test is required. Texas has no residency requirement, so couples from other states can get a license here.

The 72-hour waiting period starts when the license is issued. Your ceremony cannot happen until that time expires. The Twogether in Texas premarital education program lets couples skip this wait and also reduces the license fee. Bring the course completion certificate to the clerk's office when you apply. It must be less than one year old. Without the certificate, the full fee applies and you wait 72 hours.

The license is valid for 90 days. After the ceremony, the officiant signs the license and returns it to the Falls County Clerk within 30 days. The clerk files it and sends a copy to the state vital statistics unit for the statewide index.

Historical Falls County Marriage Records

Falls County holds one of the larger FamilySearch indexed marriage collections in the region. The FamilySearch database includes 16,160 Falls County marriage records. The index covers marriage records from 1854 to 1952, with the index extending to 1964. Divorce records from 1894 to 1945 (index from 1869 to 1950) and birth and death indexes are also available through FamilySearch.

These historical records are available for free on the FamilySearch website and are useful for genealogical research. Many include images of the original documents. For records not yet digitized, or for certified copies needed for legal purposes, contact the Falls County Clerk directly. The clerk holds the original record books and can assist with in-person and mail requests.

The Texas State Library and Archives Commission holds statewide indexes that may also include Falls County data. Local genealogical societies in the central Texas region are another resource for finding older marriage records.

Getting Certified Copies

The Falls County Clerk is the only source for certified copies of marriage licenses issued in Falls County. The Texas DSHS Vital Statistics office maintains a statewide marriage index from 1966 forward and can issue a $20 verification letter, but only the county clerk provides a legally certified copy with a seal.

To request a certified copy, visit the clerk's office in person or send a written request by mail to 125 Bridge St., Marlin, TX 76661. Include the full names of both parties, the approximate marriage date, and payment for the applicable fee. Call (254) 883-1521 to confirm the current copy fee before sending your request. Include a self-addressed stamped envelope for mail returns.

Informal Marriage Registration

Texas recognizes informal marriage under Family Code Section 2.401. Couples in Falls County who have lived together as spouses, agreed to be married, and held themselves out to others as married may be informally married under Texas law. To create an official record, both parties can sign a Declaration of Informal Marriage at the Falls County Clerk's office. The resulting record has the same legal weight as a formal marriage license.

Falls County Record Resources

The Falls County website provides contact information for the clerk's office and information about available services in Marlin.

The Falls County Clerk in Marlin is the official source for current marriage licenses and certified copies of all Falls County marriage records.

The Texas DSHS Vital Statistics portal covers the statewide marriage index and provides verification letter services for marriages recorded from 1966 forward.

The state vital statistics index and the county clerk's records together provide comprehensive coverage of Falls County marriages across different time periods.

Cities in Falls County

Marlin is the county seat of Falls County. The county is primarily rural, and no cities currently meet the population threshold for a dedicated page here. All county residents use the Falls County Clerk for marriage license services.

Nearby Counties

These counties border Falls County. Marriage records for each area are held at that county's own clerk office.