Houston County Marriage Records

Houston County marriage records are filed with the County Clerk in Crockett, Texas. This is not Harris County or the city of Houston. Houston County is a rural East Texas county with Crockett as its county seat. The clerk's office at 401 East Houston Ave. in Crockett handles marriage license applications and certified copies of marriage records. The county requires appointments for some services, so calling ahead is strongly recommended.

Houston County Clerk Office

The Houston County Clerk is located at 401 East Houston Ave., Suite D, Crockett, TX 75835. Call (936) 544-3255, Option 2, or fax at (936) 544-9523. Visit co.houston.tx.us for details on current services. This office requires an appointment for certain services. No appointments are taken after 3:00 PM. Call the clerk's office to schedule before you visit.

The District Clerk is at 401 East Houston Avenue, Suite E, Crockett, TX 75835, reachable at (936) 544-3255, Extension 235. The District Clerk handles court filings, but the County Clerk is the right office for marriage licenses and vital records. Houston County was organized in 1839, making it one of the oldest counties in Texas. Two courthouse fires, in 1865 and 1882, destroyed many early records, but surviving records go back to 1882.

Getting a Marriage License in Houston County

Both applicants must appear together at the Houston County Clerk's office. Call first to set an appointment at (936) 544-3255, Option 2. Each person needs a valid photo ID and their Social Security number. No blood test is required. Both must be 18 or older. Under Texas Family Code Chapter 2, the license is valid anywhere in Texas once issued.

The fee is $81. Couples who complete the Twogether in Texas premarital education course pay only $21. Bring the completion certificate when you apply. The course also waives the 72-hour waiting period. Without it, a 72-hour wait is required between when the license is issued and when the ceremony can take place. Plan your dates accordingly.

The license expires after 90 days from the issue date. If you don't marry within 90 days, it's void. There is no extension. Confirm your ceremony date before applying. Certified copies of the license cost $21 from the Houston County Clerk.

Note: Texas does not issue marriage certificates. The certified copy of the marriage license is the official proof of marriage recognized for legal and government purposes.

Certified Copy Requests

Certified copies of Houston County marriage records are available only from the Houston County Clerk. The Texas DSHS Vital Statistics Section can issue a $20 verification letter for marriages in the statewide index from 1966 forward, but DSHS cannot provide certified copies. To get an official copy with the clerk's seal, contact the Houston County Clerk in Crockett.

The current fee for a certified copy is $21. For in-person requests, call ahead to set an appointment and bring full names of both parties and the approximate marriage date. For mail requests, send a written request with that information plus a money order for $21 to Suite D, 401 East Houston Ave., Crockett, TX 75835. Include a self-addressed stamped envelope. Certified copies are accepted for name changes, insurance, legal filings, and government applications.

Houston County Marriage Record History

Houston County has a distinctive record history. The county was organized in 1839, but two courthouse fires destroyed many early documents. The first fire hit in February 1865, and a second destroyed the replacement courthouse in November 1882. As a result, surviving marriage records start from 1882. Birth and death records start from 1903. Land records begin in 1865 and probate from 1859.

Current marriage license applications record both parties' full legal names, dates of birth, addresses, and Social Security numbers. They document the license issue date, ceremony date, location, and officiant. Prior marriages are also noted. The county clerk sends a copy to the Texas Vital Statistics Section within 90 days of the application. These records are public and available to anyone who can identify the record.

Informal Marriage in Houston County

Texas law recognizes informal marriage under Texas Family Code Section 2.401. Couples in Houston County can file a Declaration of Informal Marriage at the clerk's office in Crockett to create an official public record. Call ahead to schedule an appointment before going in for this service.

Without a declaration, an informal marriage can still be recognized if the couple proves they agreed to be married, lived together in Texas as spouses, and held themselves out as married to others. Filing at the clerk is simpler and puts the record in the official index right away. Ask the Houston County Clerk's office for the declaration form and any current filing requirements.

Houston County Record Sources

The Houston County Clerk page provides contact information, the appointment requirement notice, and information on services available at the Crockett courthouse.

The clerk's page confirms the requirement to call for an appointment before visiting and lists the phone number and address in Crockett.

The Houston County website provides access to all county departments and records resources, including historical context about the county's document preservation.

The county site notes the record losses from the 1865 and 1882 courthouse fires, which is important context for anyone researching older Houston County marriage records.

Cities in Houston County

Crockett is the county seat and main community in Houston County. Other communities in the county include Grapeland, Kennard, and Lovelady. All marriage records for the county are on file with the Houston County Clerk in Crockett.

No cities in Houston County currently meet the qualifying population threshold for a dedicated city page. All marriage record services are available at the clerk's office in Crockett by appointment.

Nearby Counties

Houston County is in East Texas. These neighboring counties each have their own marriage records held at their county clerk's offices.