Search Leon County Marriage Records
Leon County marriage records are kept at the County Clerk's office in Centerville. You can apply for a marriage license, get certified copies of past records, or look up marriages in the county's files. Records here begin in 1885, following a courthouse fire that destroyed earlier documents.
Leon County Overview
Leon County Clerk Office
The Leon County Clerk in Centerville holds all marriage records for the county. The office issues new licenses, records returned ceremonies, and handles certified copy requests. You must visit in person to apply for a new license since Texas law requires both parties to appear together.
Leon County was organized in 1846 from Robertson County. The county had an early courthouse fire in 1885 that destroyed most records from before that date. If you are researching Leon County families from before 1885, you may find some information through neighboring county records or church archives from the period. For marriages after 1885, the clerk's files are the primary source.
| Office | Leon County Clerk |
|---|---|
| Address | 155 North Cass, Centerville, TX 75833 |
| Mailing Address | P.O. Box 98, Centerville, TX 75833 |
| Phone | (903) 536-2352 |
| Fax | (903) 536-4366 |
| Hours | Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM |
The Leon County website has information about county services and the clerk's office.
Confirm hours and fees with the clerk before making a trip to Centerville for records research.
Marriage License in Leon County
Both applicants must appear at the County Clerk's office to get a license. Bring a valid photo ID and your Social Security number. The fee is paid on the same visit and the license is issued that day. You cannot use it for 72 hours.
The 72-hour waiting period is required by Texas Family Code Section 2.204. The license is then good for 90 days. The Twogether in Texas premarital course is free and waives the waiting period. It also saves $60 on the fee. Bring the certificate to the clerk's office when you apply.
| Standard Fee | $82 (approximately) |
|---|---|
| With Twogether in Texas | $22 |
| Waiting Period | 72 hours |
| License Valid | 90 days |
Certified Copies of Leon County Marriage Records
Certified copies of marriage records in Leon County come from the County Clerk in Centerville. The state can verify but not certify. You can request copies in person or by mail. Include both parties' names and the year of the marriage. The clerk will confirm the fee when you call.
For marriages after 1966, the Texas Department of State Health Services Vital Statistics Section has a statewide index and can issue a $20 verification letter. Under Texas Health and Safety Code Chapter 194, the county must send a copy of each application to the state within 90 days, creating both a local and state record.
What Leon County Marriage Records Contain
A Leon County marriage record includes the application form with both parties' names, dates of birth, addresses, Social Security numbers, and prior marriage history. After the ceremony, the returned license adds the ceremony date and the officiant's information.
All marriage records in Texas are public documents. Anyone can request them. The records do not include financial details or sensitive personal data beyond what is on the standard application form.
Common Law Marriage in Leon County
To register a common law marriage in Leon County, both parties can file a Declaration of Informal Marriage at the County Clerk's office. Under Texas Family Code Section 2.401, the marriage requires an agreement to be married, living together in Texas, and holding yourselves out as married. Both parties must be present to sign the declaration. Once filed, it has full legal standing in Texas.
Mail Requests and Legal Resources in Leon County
The Leon County Clerk accepts mail requests for certified copies of marriage licenses. Write to the office at P.O. Box 98, Centerville, TX 75833. Include both parties' full names, the year of the marriage, your return address, and payment. Call (903) 536-2352 first to confirm the fee and any specific instructions. Certified copies carry the clerk's official seal and work for name changes, passport applications, and other legal needs.
One thing to keep in mind: Leon County had a courthouse fire in 1885 that destroyed many earlier records. If you are looking for a marriage that took place before 1885, the clerk may not have a record. In that case, try neighboring county records or the Texas State Library and Archives Commission, which holds some historical materials not stored at the local level.
For marriages after 1966, the Texas Department of State Health Services statewide index can verify a marriage exists. Contact DSHS at (888) 963-7111. For legal help in Leon County, visit Texas Law Help or call the State Bar referral line at (800) 252-9690.
Nearby Counties
Leon County is in east-central Texas. Neighboring counties all maintain separate marriage records.