Taylor County Marriage Records

Taylor County marriage records are maintained by County Clerk Larry G. Bevill in Abilene. The clerk issues marriage licenses, keeps certified copies of all licenses filed in the county, and maintains records going back to 1878. Whether you need to get a marriage license or request a certified copy of a past record, the Taylor County Clerk's office in Abilene is your source.

Taylor County Clerk - Larry G. Bevill

County Clerk Larry G. Bevill operates the clerk's office at 300 Oak Street, Suite 100, Abilene, TX 79602. Call (325) 674-1202 or (325) 674-1205 for general inquiries. Fax: (325) 674-1279. The office handles marriage licenses, land records, court filings, and all official county documents. Marriage records in Taylor County go back to 1878.

Taylor County is in West Central Texas and is the most populous county in the Abilene area. The clerk's office serves the city of Abilene and surrounding communities. Both applicants must appear in person to apply for a marriage license. The office is open Monday through Friday during regular business hours.

Getting a Marriage License in Taylor County

Both parties must appear together at the clerk's office in Abilene. No blood test is needed. Each person must be at least 18 years old. Bring a valid photo ID, such as a driver's license or passport. Each applicant also needs to provide their Social Security number.

The standard fee is $81. Under Texas Family Code Chapter 2, a 72-hour waiting period applies between issuance and the ceremony. The license is valid for 90 days from the date it is issued. Completing the Twogether in Texas program reduces the fee to around $21 and waives the 72-hour wait. The Twogether certificate must be current (within one year) at the time you apply.

Active-duty military members are exempt from the waiting period. Bring your military ID if this applies to you.

Certified Copies of Taylor County Marriage Records

Certified copies of Taylor County marriage licenses come from the Taylor County Clerk's office in Abilene. The Texas DSHS Vital Statistics Section holds a statewide index from January 1966 forward and issues $20 verification letters, but it cannot provide certified copies. Only the Taylor County Clerk can issue a certified copy of a license filed here.

To request a copy, contact the clerk's office with both parties' full names and the date of the marriage. Requests can be made in person or by mail. Mail requests should include payment. Certified copies carry the clerk's official seal and are accepted for name changes, insurance claims, government IDs, and other legal uses.

Informal Marriage in Taylor County

Texas recognizes informal marriages under Texas Family Code Section 2.401. Couples in Taylor County can register a Declaration of Informal Marriage at the County Clerk's office in Abilene. Both parties must appear and sign the declaration. The fee is typically $46. A registered informal marriage has the same legal standing as a formal license.

Without registration, an informal marriage can be legally established by proving three elements: an agreement to be married, living together as spouses in Texas, and holding out to others as being married. Registering is simpler because it creates a public record and removes the need to prove anything later in court.

Historical Taylor County Marriage Records

Taylor County marriage records go back to 1878 when the county was organized. These historical records are maintained by the county clerk. FamilySearch has digitized marriage records from many Texas counties and may hold early Taylor County entries. Ancestry.com's Texas Marriage Index covers 1824 to 2014 and is another resource for genealogy research.

For pre-1966 records not yet digitized, the Taylor County Clerk in Abilene is your best direct source. Contact the office with names and approximate dates. The state's vital statistics index starts in 1966, so earlier records must come from the county directly or from genealogical databases.

Taylor County Marriage Record Sources

The Taylor County Clerk website provides contact information, office hours, and details on the marriage license process in Abilene.

The Taylor County Clerk site lists the address and phone numbers for the office in Abilene, along with information on fees and what you need to bring when applying for a marriage license.

Cities in Taylor County

Taylor County includes Abilene and surrounding communities. All marriage licenses in the county are issued and recorded at the Taylor County Clerk's office in Abilene.

Other communities in Taylor County include Merkel, Tye, and Tuscola. Marriage records for all of these areas are filed with the Taylor County Clerk in Abilene.

Nearby Counties

These counties border Taylor County. Each county maintains its own marriage records at the county clerk's office.