Marriage records in Fort Bend County, Texas, are available through several access points. FortBendCourt.us can help you find publicly available marriage record information for Fort Bend County. You can also request records directly from the Fort Bend County Clerk's Office, which issues marriage licenses and maintains recorded marriage documents. Records may be obtained online, in person at the clerk's office in Richmond, or by mail. The Texas Department of State Health Services maintains statewide marriage indexes as an additional resource.
Fort Bend Marriage Records Search
The Fort Bend County Clerk's Office is the issuing authority for marriage licenses and the custodian of marriage records filed in the county. Under Texas law, the county clerk issues marriage licenses, and once a completed marriage license is returned after the ceremony, it becomes part of the county's Official Public Records.
The collection includes:
- Marriage license applications and issued licenses
- Returned (executed) marriage licenses recorded in the Official Public Records
- Historical marriage records dating back to the county's formation in 1837
You can search recorded documents — including marriage records — through the county's Online Record Search portal, which provides access to Official Public Records indexed by the County Clerk's Office. The Texas DSHS Vital Statistics Section also maintains a public index of Texas marriages from 1966 forward, though it does not issue certified copies of marriage records.
Certified Marriage Record Copies and Fees in Fort Bend
Fees for marriage record copies from the Fort Bend County Clerk are set by the Texas Local Government Code and the county's fee schedule. Below are the standard fees:
| Service | Fee |
|---|---|
| Certified copy of a marriage license (first copy) | $6.00 |
| Each additional copy (same record, same order) | $4.00 |
| Search fee (if applicable) | Included in copy fee for basic requests |
Fees are based on Texas Local Government Code §118.011 and §118.0145. Payment methods accepted in person typically include cash, check, and money order. Contact the County Clerk's Office at 281-342-3411 to confirm current fees and accepted payment methods before visiting, as fees may be updated periodically.
Processing times for in-person requests are generally same-day. Mail requests may take one to two weeks depending on volume.
Order Marriage Certificates Online or In Person in Fort Bend
There are three ways to obtain a copy of a marriage record from Fort Bend County:
Online
You can search the Fort Bend County Clerk's online record search portal to locate marriage records in the Official Public Records. This tool allows you to view index information and, in many cases, document images. To order a certified copy online, check whether the County Clerk offers an e-commerce option through the portal, or contact the office directly for instructions.
For statewide searches, the Texas DSHS marriage index covers marriages recorded since 1966, though certified copies must still be obtained from the county where the license was issued.
In Person
Visit the Fort Bend County Clerk's Office at the address below during regular business hours. Appointments are available but not required. Bring a valid photo ID — effective December 4, 2025, SB16 amended Local Government Code 191.010(b) to require the County Clerk to ask for photo identification from anyone requesting documents in person.
By Mail
To request a certified copy of a marriage record by mail, send the following to the County Clerk's Office:
- A written request that includes the full names of both spouses, the approximate date of the marriage, and the purpose of the request
- A copy of your valid photo ID
- A check or money order for the applicable fee, payable to the Fort Bend County Clerk
- A self-addressed stamped envelope for return delivery
Mail your request to:
If you are unsure whether a particular marriage was recorded in Fort Bend County, start with the online record search or call the office at 281-342-3411 before submitting a mail request. For additional guidance on accessing Texas court and vital records, the Texas State Law Library offers research tools and reference assistance.