Find Marriage Records in Mitchell County
Mitchell County marriage records are on file with the County Clerk in Colorado City, the county seat. The clerk issues marriage licenses, records them after the ceremony, and keeps certified copies available to the public. If you need to get a marriage license or find an existing Mitchell County marriage record, the county clerk's office in Colorado City is where to go. Records in this county date back to 1888.
Mitchell County Overview
Mitchell County Clerk Office
The Mitchell County Clerk is at 349 Oak St, Room 103, in Colorado City, TX 79512. Phone is (325) 728-3481 and fax is (325) 728-5322. The county website is at co.mitchell.tx.us. The clerk handles marriage licenses, vital records, and official county records. Call ahead to confirm hours and fee amounts before visiting.
Mitchell County was organized on August 21, 1876 from the Bexar Land District. Marriage records go back to 1888. The county seat is Colorado City, which serves as the hub for all county records including marriage licenses.
| Office | Mitchell County Clerk |
|---|---|
| Address | 349 Oak St, Room 103 Colorado City, TX 79512 |
| Phone | (325) 728-3481 |
| Fax | (325) 728-5322 |
| Website | co.mitchell.tx.us |
Mitchell County Marriage License Process
Both applicants must appear together at the county clerk's office in Colorado City to apply for a marriage license. You each need a valid government-issued photo ID and your Social Security number. Under Texas Family Code Chapter 2, you must be at least 18 years old to apply without a court order.
The standard fee in Mitchell County is $82. If you and your partner complete the free Twogether in Texas premarital education course, the fee drops to $22. You present the certificate at the time you apply. This also waives the 72-hour waiting period that Texas Family Code Section 2.204 otherwise requires. Without the certificate, you must wait 72 hours after getting the license before the ceremony can take place.
The license is valid for 90 days and can be used anywhere in Texas. If it expires unused, you start over. There is no extension.
Certified Copies of Mitchell County Marriage Records
Certified copies of Mitchell County marriage licenses must come from the Mitchell County Clerk. The Texas Department of State Health Services maintains a statewide marriage index from 1966 forward and can issue $20 verification letters, but it cannot provide certified copies. The county of issue is the only source for certified copies.
Submit requests in person at the clerk's office in Colorado City or by mail to 349 Oak St, Room 103, Colorado City, TX 79512. Include the full names of both parties, the approximate marriage date, and payment. Call (325) 728-3481 to get the current fee and accepted payment methods before sending a mail request.
Note: Certified copies carry the clerk's official seal and are accepted for legal name changes, government ID updates, insurance changes, and similar uses.
What Mitchell County Marriage Records Show
Mitchell County marriage license applications include both parties' full legal names, dates of birth, addresses, and Social Security numbers. The record shows the date the license was issued, the ceremony date, the location, and who performed the ceremony. Prior marriages and how they ended are also included.
Under Texas Health and Safety Code Chapter 194, the county clerk sends a copy to the state vital statistics unit within 90 days. The statewide index is searchable under both parties' names. The county holds the original license. Both records are public documents.
Informal Marriage in Mitchell County
Texas recognizes informal marriage under Family Code Section 2.401. Couples in Mitchell County who want to document a common law marriage can do so by signing a Declaration of Informal Marriage at the county clerk's office. This gives the relationship the same legal standing as a formal marriage.
You can also prove an informal marriage without a declaration by showing all three elements: an agreement to be married, living together in Texas as spouses, and representing to others that you are married. All three must be present. Once established, you need a formal divorce to end it, just like any other marriage.
Mitchell County Marriage Record Sources
The Mitchell County official website provides contact information for the county clerk and details about marriage license procedures at the Colorado City courthouse.
The county website is the best first stop for confirming current fees, hours, and requirements before visiting the clerk's office in Colorado City.
TexasFile's directory can help you see what Mitchell County records are indexed before you contact the clerk for certified copies.
Cities in Mitchell County
Mitchell County includes Colorado City and several smaller communities. All marriage licenses for this area are issued through the Mitchell County Clerk in Colorado City.
Communities include Colorado City, Loraine, and Westbrook. None currently meet the population threshold for a dedicated city page. All marriage records for these areas are on file with the Mitchell County Clerk.
Nearby Counties
These counties border Mitchell County. Each county clerk maintains their own marriage records.