Reagan County Marriage Records
Reagan County marriage records are maintained by the County Clerk in Big Lake. The clerk's office handles all marriage license applications, keeps the official county marriage index, and provides certified copies of records on file. Reagan County records begin in 1903 when the county was created from Tom Green County. The clerk in Big Lake is the right office for both new license applications and historical searches for Reagan County marriage records.
Reagan County Overview
Reagan County Clerk Office
The Reagan County Clerk is Tammy Hodge. Notably, she serves as both County Clerk and District Clerk. The office is at 300 North Plaza Avenue, P.O. Box 100, Big Lake, TX 76932. Phone: (325) 884-2442. Fax: (325) 884-1503. In smaller Texas counties under 8,000 population, the county clerk often serves dual roles, making it simpler to handle multiple types of records requests through a single office.
Reagan County was created on March 7, 1903, from Tom Green County. Some records from 1883 were transferred from Tom Green County when Reagan County was formed. The county holds birth, marriage, death, divorce, probate, court, and land records starting from 1903. Contact the office directly to ask about earlier transferred records and what is available for research.
| Office | Reagan County Clerk / District Clerk |
|---|---|
| Clerk | Tammy Hodge |
| Address | 300 North Plaza Avenue Big Lake, TX 76932 |
| Mailing | P.O. Box 100, Big Lake, TX 76932 |
| Phone | (325) 884-2442 |
| Fax | (325) 884-1503 |
Applying for a Marriage License
Both applicants must appear in person together at the Reagan County Clerk's office in Big Lake. Each person needs a valid, unexpired photo ID and Social Security number. No blood test is required. Both must be at least 18. Under Texas Family Code Chapter 2, a license issued in Reagan County is valid for a ceremony anywhere in Texas.
The standard fee is $81 for most Texas counties. Texas Family Code Section 2.204 requires a 72-hour waiting period after issuance before the ceremony can take place. This wait is waived for active military members on duty. A judge with family law jurisdiction can also grant a written waiver for good cause. Couples who complete the free Twogether in Texas premarital education course skip the wait and pay a reduced fee of $21. The certificate must be presented at time of application and be less than one year old.
The license is valid for 90 days. It cannot be extended. If you miss the 90-day window, you must start the process over. Set your ceremony date before applying to avoid this situation. Call the office at (325) 884-2442 to confirm current fees and hours before your visit.
Certified Copies of Reagan County Marriage Records
Certified copies of Reagan County marriage licenses must come from the Reagan County Clerk in Big Lake. The Texas DSHS Vital Statistics Section can provide a $20 statewide verification letter from its index (1966 to present), but it cannot issue certified copies. Under Texas Health and Safety Code Section 194.004, that authority stays with the county of issuance.
To request a certified copy, contact the clerk at (325) 884-2442 or visit the office in Big Lake. For mail requests, include both parties' full names, the date of marriage, and payment. Certified copies carry the official seal and signature and are accepted for name changes, insurance, government filings, and other legal uses.
Historical Marriage Records
Reagan County marriage records begin in 1903 when the county was formed from Tom Green County. Some records from 1883 were transferred from Tom Green County at the time of formation, which may extend research possibilities slightly. Tom Green County records from before 1903 may also contain information relevant to this area, since marriages in the region before county formation would have been recorded there.
For deeper genealogical research, FamilySearch holds digitized records from many West Texas counties. The Texas State Library and Archives Commission may also have materials from this region. The DSHS statewide index covers 1966 to present and is searchable for $20 per request by mail or online through Texas.gov.
Informal Marriage
Texas recognizes informal marriage under Texas Family Code Section 2.401. Couples in Reagan County can sign a Declaration of Informal Marriage at the county clerk's office to create an official public record. The declaration has the same legal standing as a formal marriage license.
Three elements are required: agreement to be married, living together in Texas as spouses, and holding out to others as married. All three must exist. Without a declaration, informal marriage can still be proved in court, but it takes more effort. Once established, community property rules apply and a formal divorce is required to end the marriage.
Reagan County Record Sources
The Reagan County main website provides contact information and guidance on county services including marriage license and vital records.
Check the county website before visiting the Big Lake office or submitting a mail request for Reagan County marriage records. Call the office directly to confirm current fees and procedures.
Cities in Reagan County
Reagan County includes Big Lake and a few small communities. All marriage licenses for the county are issued at the Reagan County Clerk's office in Big Lake.
No cities in Reagan County meet the population threshold for a dedicated city page. All marriage records for the county are maintained at the county clerk's office in Big Lake.
Nearby Counties
These counties are adjacent to Reagan County. Each keeps its own marriage records at the county clerk's office.