Franklin County Marriage Records

Franklin County marriage records are on file with the County Clerk in Mount Vernon, the county seat. The clerk's office issues marriage licenses, holds the official marriage index for the county, and provides certified copies to those who need them. The FamilySearch database includes 5,593 indexed Franklin County marriage records, making historical research accessible online. For current licenses or certified copies, the County Clerk handles all requests.

Franklin County Clerk Office

The Franklin County Clerk is at the county courthouse in Mount Vernon. The office handles marriage license applications, certified copy requests, and other vital records for Franklin County residents. Call before your visit to confirm current business hours, what payment is accepted, and any other requirements. The county website provides basic contact information and office details.

Both applicants must come together to the clerk's office to apply for a marriage license. Each needs a valid photo ID and Social Security number. Acceptable photo IDs include a driver's license, passport, state ID, or military card. The clerk provides the application form at the office on the day of your visit.

Getting a Marriage License in Franklin County

Under Texas Family Code Chapter 2, both applicants must be 18 or older and appear in person together. No blood test is required. Texas has no residency requirement. After the license is issued, a 72-hour waiting period applies before the ceremony can take place.

The Twogether in Texas premarital education program lets couples skip the 72-hour wait and pay a reduced fee. You must present the completion certificate at the clerk's office when you apply. The certificate is valid for one year from completion. Without it, the standard fee and 72-hour wait apply. The license is valid for 90 days from the date of issue.

After your ceremony, the officiant signs the license and returns it to the Franklin County Clerk within 30 days. The clerk files it and sends a copy to the Texas vital statistics unit for inclusion in the statewide index.

Certified Copies from Franklin County

Certified copies of Franklin County marriage licenses are available only from the County Clerk in Mount Vernon. The Texas DSHS Vital Statistics unit can issue a $20 verification letter for marriages from 1966 forward, but that is different from a certified copy. For legal purposes, you need the certified copy from the issuing county.

Request in person at the clerk's office or by mail. Include the full names of both parties, approximate marriage date, and payment for the fee. Call the clerk first to confirm the current copy fee and accepted payment methods. Include a self-addressed stamped envelope for mail returns.

Historical Franklin County Marriage Records

FamilySearch holds 5,593 indexed Franklin County marriage records. These are available free online and are useful for family history research. Franklin County is also among the Texas counties featured in the FamilySearch "Texas: Select County Marriage Records, 1837-1965" collection, which includes index and image access for many early marriages. This makes Franklin County's older records more accessible than many rural Texas counties.

For records not available online or for certified copies needed for legal purposes, the Franklin County Clerk holds the original books and can assist with requests. The Texas State Library and Archives Commission in Austin may also hold relevant statewide indexes covering Franklin County data.

Informal Marriage Registration

Texas law at Family Code Section 2.401 recognizes informal marriage. Franklin County couples can register a Declaration of Informal Marriage at the clerk's office. Both parties sign in person. The resulting public record has the same legal standing as a formal marriage license.

Franklin County Record Sources

The Franklin County website provides basic contact information for the clerk's office in Mount Vernon.

The Franklin County Clerk in Mount Vernon is the official source for all Franklin County marriage licenses and certified copies.

The Texas DSHS Vital Statistics portal provides the statewide marriage index and verification letters for marriages recorded from 1966 onward.

Together, the county clerk's records and the state index provide comprehensive coverage of Franklin County marriages across different time periods.

Cities in Franklin County

Mount Vernon is the county seat of Franklin County. The county is rural and no cities meet the population threshold for a dedicated page here. All Franklin County residents use the County Clerk in Mount Vernon for marriage license services.

Nearby Counties

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