Limestone County Marriage Records

Limestone County marriage records are held by the County Clerk in Groesbeck. The office handles new license applications, certified copy requests, and historical record lookups. Records begin in 1873 following the reconstruction of the county's record system after an earlier courthouse fire.

Limestone County Clerk

The Limestone County Clerk in Groesbeck handles all marriage licenses and vital records. The office is located in the county courthouse on West State Street. Staff can help you search records by name or date, issue certified copies, and process new license applications. Both applicants must appear together in person.

Limestone County was organized in 1846 from Robertson County. The county had a courthouse fire in 1873 that destroyed many earlier records. Marriage records available from the clerk's office start from 1873. If you are researching older records from before the fire, check neighboring county records or historical archives through the Texas State Library and Archives Commission.

The Limestone County website has additional details about the clerk's office and available services.

Check the website or call ahead before visiting to confirm current fees and hours.

Marriage License in Limestone County

Both people must appear at the County Clerk's office to apply for a marriage license. You need a photo ID and Social Security number. The clerk processes the application and the license is issued the same day. Texas law then requires a 72-hour waiting period before the ceremony can happen.

The 72-hour rule comes from Texas Family Code Section 2.204. The license is valid for 90 days. To skip the wait and save $60 on the fee, complete the free Twogether in Texas premarital course and bring your certificate to the clerk when you apply.

Getting Certified Copies of Marriage Records

Certified copies of Limestone County marriage licenses are available from the County Clerk in Groesbeck. You can visit in person or send a written request by mail. Include both parties' names and the approximate year of the marriage. Certified copies cost $6 each.

The Texas Department of State Health Services Vital Statistics Section has a statewide index for marriages from 1966 forward. They issue $20 verification letters but cannot provide certified copies. Under Texas Health and Safety Code Chapter 194, the county files copies with the state within 90 days of each application, creating a dual record system.

What Limestone County Marriage Records Include

A Texas marriage license application records the full names, dates of birth, residences, Social Security numbers, and prior marriage history of both parties. Once the ceremony is done, the officiant returns the signed license with the ceremony date and their own identifying information. Both the application and the returned license are part of the permanent county record.

Marriage records are public in Texas. You do not need to be related to either party to request a copy. The record shows the names, date, county, and officiant but not sensitive financial or medical details.

Informal Marriage in Limestone County

Couples who have been living together as a married couple can register their informal marriage at the County Clerk's office. Under Texas Family Code Section 2.401, informal marriage requires agreement to be married, living together in Texas as a couple, and representing yourselves as married to others. Both parties must appear together to sign the declaration. Once on file, it has the same legal standing as a formal marriage.

Mail Requests and Legal Resources for Limestone County

The Limestone County Clerk accepts mail requests for certified copies of marriage records. Write to the office at 200 West State Street, Groesbeck, TX 76642. Include both parties' full names, the approximate year of the marriage, your return mailing address, and a check or money order for the fee. Call (254) 729-5504 first to confirm the current copy fee and the preferred payment method. Certified copies cost $6 each as of recent records, but fees can change.

Limestone County records start from 1873 following the courthouse fire that destroyed earlier documents. If you are researching marriages from before 1873, try neighboring county records or the Texas State Library and Archives Commission. For marriages from 1966 onward, the Texas DSHS Vital Statistics office maintains a statewide index and can issue verification letters at $20 each.

If either applicant was recently divorced, Texas requires waiting 30 days under Family Code Section 2.009. Bring your divorce decree to the clerk's office. A judicial waiver in the decree allows the clerk to proceed before the 30-day period ends. For legal questions about marriage law in Limestone County, contact Texas Law Help or call (800) 252-9690 for the State Bar referral line.

Nearby Counties

Limestone County is in east-central Texas. These bordering counties maintain their own marriage records.