Search Ward County Marriage Records

Ward County marriage records are filed and kept by the County Clerk in Monahans, Texas. The clerk issues marriage licenses, maintains the official records index, and provides certified copies of past licenses. If you are looking for Ward County marriage records or need to apply for a new license, this page outlines what you need and where to go.

Ward County Clerk Office

The Ward County Clerk is Denise Valles. The office is at 400 S Allen, Suite 101, Monahans, Texas 79756. Phone numbers are (432) 943-3294 and (432) 943-3295. Fax is (432) 943-6054. Office hours are 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM Monday through Friday. Chief Deputy Clerk is Lorna Hawkins. Deputy Clerks are Barbara Childress and Julia Sauceda. Having a larger staff means the office can handle requests more efficiently than some smaller counties in the region.

Effective September 1, 2025, all persons presenting documents for filing in person must provide a photo ID to clerk staff. This is a new procedure and applies to all documents, not just marriage licenses. If you are visiting to file a document or request a record in person, bring a valid photo ID with you.

Note: The Ward County Clerk does not handle traffic tickets, felony cases, divorces, child support, or property taxes. For those matters, contact the appropriate court or county office. The clerk also has no legal duty to search records on your behalf per Attorney General Opinion WW-607 (1959), so be prepared to provide specific identifying details when requesting a records search.

Getting a Marriage License in Ward County

Both applicants must appear in person together at the Ward County Clerk's office. Each person needs a valid government-issued photo ID and their Social Security number. Under Texas Family Code Chapter 2, the license is valid for use anywhere in Texas. You do not need to hold the ceremony in Ward County or even in West Texas.

The standard fee is $81. If you and your partner complete the Twogether in Texas premarital education course, the fee is reduced and the 72-hour waiting period is waived. Without the certificate, a 72-hour waiting period applies under Section 2.204 of the Texas Family Code. The license is valid for 90 days. If the ceremony does not happen within that time, you must start over. Active military members on active duty may also qualify for an exemption from the waiting period.

If either applicant was previously divorced, the divorce must have been final for at least 30 days prior to applying. A court order can waive this in some situations. Bring documentation of any prior divorce when you visit the office.

Certified Copies of Ward County Marriage Records

Certified copies of Ward County marriage licenses are available from the Ward County Clerk in Monahans. The Texas DSHS Vital Statistics Section keeps a statewide index from 1966 forward and can issue $20 verification letters, but those are not certified copies. For a certified copy with the county clerk's seal, you must contact Ward County directly.

Request copies in person at the Monahans office or by mail. For mail requests, include the full names of both parties, the approximate date of marriage, and payment for the applicable fee. Direct mail to the Ward County Clerk at 400 S Allen, Suite 101, Monahans, TX 79756. Allow time for processing. The clerk will notify you if the record is not found or if additional information is needed to locate it.

Contents of Ward County Marriage Records

Ward County marriage license applications follow the state format prescribed under Texas Health and Safety Code Chapter 194. Records include both parties' legal names, dates of birth, addresses, and Social Security numbers. The issue date, ceremony date, ceremony location, and officiant's name are also included. Prior marriages and how they ended appear on the application as well.

The clerk sends a copy to the Texas DSHS Vital Statistics unit within 90 days of the application. Both county records and the state index are public. Records can be searched under either party's name at the county level. Anyone with identifying information can request a copy.

Informal Marriage in Ward County

Texas allows informal marriage under Texas Family Code Section 2.401. Couples in Ward County can register an informal marriage by signing a Declaration of Informal Marriage at the clerk's office. This creates a public record with the same legal standing as a standard license. The fee is typically around $46.

Without filing a declaration, a couple can still prove an informal marriage by demonstrating three elements: agreement to be married, living together in Texas as spouses, and holding themselves out to others as married. The declaration is the more straightforward and documented approach, especially if you anticipate needing legal proof later.

Recording Fees and Procedures

Ward County recording fees for official public records are $25.00 for the first page and $4.00 for each additional page. These fees apply to recorded documents such as deeds and real property filings, not to marriage license applications specifically. The new photo ID requirement for document filing took effect September 1, 2025.

Criminal and civil filing fees are also available through the clerk's office. For specific fee schedules related to marriage licenses or certified copies, call the office at (432) 943-3294 before your visit. Fees can change, and calling ahead ensures you bring the right amount.

Ward County Records Resources

The Ward County main website provides access to the County Clerk's page and other departments, including contact information for the clerk's office in Monahans.

The Ward County website is the primary online resource for the clerk's contact information, office hours, and the new photo ID requirement for document filing that took effect in 2025.

For broader context on how Texas manages marriage records at the state level, the Texas DSHS Vital Statistics portal covers the statewide index, verification request process, and how to find the right county office for certified copies.

The DSHS portal is a useful companion resource when you are researching Texas marriage records across multiple counties or need statewide verification of a marriage.

Nearby Counties

These counties border Ward County. Each maintains its own marriage records through its county clerk's office.