King County Marriage Records
King County marriage records are maintained by the County Clerk in Guthrie. The clerk issues marriage licenses and holds certified copies of all licenses recorded in the county. King County is one of the least populous counties in Texas, so anyone seeking marriage records should call ahead before visiting the clerk's office in Guthrie.
King County Overview
King County Clerk Office
The King County Clerk's office is at P.O. Box 116, Guthrie, TX 79236. Call (806) 596-4412 to reach the office. The clerk handles marriage licenses, certified copies, and all official county records. King County was created in 1876 and named after William Philip King, a soldier who died at the Battle of the Alamo. It is the second least populous county in Texas. Guthrie is the only community in the county. Always call ahead before visiting to confirm office hours and availability.
Both applicants must appear in person with valid photo ID and their Social Security numbers. No blood test is needed. Under Texas Family Code Chapter 2, a license issued here is valid anywhere in Texas. Given the county's extreme remoteness and limited staffing, advance contact with the clerk is essential before making any trip.
| Office | King County Clerk |
|---|---|
| Mailing | P.O. Box 116 Guthrie, TX 79236 |
| Phone | (806) 596-4412 |
| Website | co.king.tx.us |
Getting a Marriage License in King County
Both applicants must appear in person at the clerk's office at the same time. Each needs a valid photo ID and their Social Security number. No blood test is required. Because King County has extremely limited services and one of the smallest populations of any Texas county, call (806) 596-4412 well in advance to arrange your visit and confirm the clerk will be available.
Texas law requires a 72-hour wait from when you receive the license until the ceremony can be held, per Texas Family Code Section 2.204. Completing the free Twogether in Texas premarital course and presenting the certificate at application waives this wait and reduces the license fee by $60. Standard fees run about $81; with the Twogether certificate, about $21. The certificate must be from within the past year. The license expires 90 days after issue.
Note: Minors under 18 cannot marry in Texas without a court order removing disabilities of minority.
Certified Copies in King County
Certified copies of King County marriage licenses can only come from the King County Clerk. The Texas Department of State Health Services maintains a statewide index from 1966 and issues $20 verification letters. But the state does not issue certified copies. For a certified copy of a King County marriage license, the clerk in Guthrie is the only source.
Contact the clerk at (806) 596-4412 before visiting or sending a mail request. For mail requests, write to P.O. Box 116, Guthrie, TX 79236. Include both parties' names, the approximate marriage date, and payment. DSHS statewide line is (888) 963-7111.
Certified copies carry the clerk's seal and are accepted for name changes, insurance, legal filings, and government documents. Under Texas Health and Safety Code Chapter 194, the county clerk files a copy with the state within 90 days of the application.
What King County Marriage Records Contain
King County marriage license records follow the Texas state format. Each record includes both parties' full names, dates of birth, addresses, and Social Security numbers. The record also shows when the license was issued, when and where the ceremony took place, who performed it, and any prior marriages. These records are public. Because of the county's tiny population, the volume of records is very low. King County records date back to the county's creation in 1876.
For genealogy research, FamilySearch has digitized records for many Texas counties, though coverage for small counties like King may be limited. The Texas State Library holds historical records from before 1966.
Informal Marriage in King County
Texas recognizes informal marriage under Texas Family Code Section 2.401. Couples can sign a Declaration of Informal Marriage at the King County Clerk's office to create a public record. Without a declaration, informal marriage can be established by proving agreement to be married, cohabitation in Texas as spouses, and representing to others that you are married. Informal marriages carry the same legal standing as formal ones and require a formal divorce to dissolve.
King County Marriage Record Sources
The King County official website provides basic information about county offices and how to contact the clerk in Guthrie.
The King County website has contact information for the county clerk's office in Guthrie where marriage licenses and records are maintained.
TexasFile provides free basic name searches of King County official records. Document images require a paid subscription to view.
Cities in King County
King County is one of the most remote and least populated counties in Texas, located in the Rolling Plains region. The county seat is Guthrie. All marriage records for the county are on file with the King County Clerk.
No cities in King County meet the population threshold for dedicated city pages. Guthrie is the only incorporated community in the county. All marriage licenses are handled by the county clerk's office there.
Nearby Counties
These counties share borders with King County. Each county clerk maintains marriage records for licenses issued in their jurisdiction.