Kenedy County Marriage License

To get a marriage license in Kenedy County, both applicants must appear in person at the County Clerk's office in Sarita. The clerk issues all marriage licenses for the county under Texas Family Code Chapter 2. Kenedy County is one of the least populated counties in Texas, so calling ahead before your visit is strongly recommended. No Texas residency is required. Both people need valid photo ID and their Social Security numbers. A 72-hour wait applies after the license is issued, and the license is valid for 90 days.

Kenedy County Clerk - Marriage License Office

The Kenedy County Clerk in Sarita is the only office in the county that issues marriage licenses. Because Kenedy County has a very small population and limited services, it is essential to call ahead before making the trip. The clerk handles all applications, collects fees, and keeps official marriage records. Staff can walk you through the requirements and confirm office availability.

The office is in the Kenedy County Courthouse in Sarita. There are no branch locations. Regular business hours apply on weekdays. Call first to confirm the office will be open and staffed on the day you plan to visit, especially if you are traveling from outside the area.

The standard fee is about $82. Cash and check are typical payment methods for a small county office like this one. Call ahead to confirm. Couples who complete the Twogether in Texas premarital education program pay around $22 and can skip the 72-hour wait. Bring the completion certificate when you apply.

Note: If either applicant was divorced within the last 30 days, you must bring a certified copy of the divorce decree per Texas Family Code Section 2.009.

The Kenedy County official website has contact information and services for the County Clerk in Sarita.

Review the county website before your trip to confirm current hours and any changes to the office schedule or procedures in Sarita.

How to Get a Marriage License in Kenedy County

Both applicants must appear together at the County Clerk's office. Bring the required documents, fill out the state application, and pay the fee. Call ahead to Sarita before you travel given the county's remote location.

What each applicant must bring:

• Valid government-issued photo ID (driver's license, state ID, passport, or military ID)
• Social Security number (know it; a card helps)
• Certified divorce decree if divorced within the last 30 days
• Court order if under 18 (required since September 1, 2017)

No blood test is required. No Texas residency is needed. The license is valid anywhere in the state. The application under Texas Family Code Section 2.004 asks for full legal names, birth dates, birthplaces, Social Security numbers, and prior marriage history. The clerk reviews the form and issues the license the same day once everything is verified.

72-Hour Waiting Period and Fees

Texas requires a 72-hour wait from when the license is issued to when the ceremony can occur. Texas Family Code Section 2.204 sets this rule. Plan your trip to Sarita with your ceremony date in mind, especially since the county is remote and a second trip would be inconvenient.

The wait can be waived. Active duty military can skip it. A judge can grant a waiver for cause. Couples who complete Twogether in Texas skip the wait and pay a lower fee of about $22 instead of the standard $82. The eight-hour course is offered at locations around Texas. Given the distance involved in visiting Kenedy County, completing Twogether before you apply can save a lot of hassle.

The license is valid for 90 days. If it expires before you use it, you need to apply again. Most couples apply one to two weeks before the ceremony. For a remote county like Kenedy, planning a bit further in advance makes sense.

Kenedy County Marriage Records

After the ceremony, your officiant must return the signed license to the Kenedy County Clerk within 30 days. This is required by Texas Family Code Section 2.206. The clerk records it and the marriage becomes part of the permanent public record. Certified copies are available after that.

Certified copies cost about $21 each. You can request them in person or by mail from the clerk. The Texas DSHS Vital Statistics unit maintains a statewide index of Texas marriages since 1966. A DSHS verification letter costs $20 and confirms a record exists but is not a certified county copy.

Older Kenedy County records are held at the clerk's office. Given the county's small size, the records archive is limited but complete. Contact the office to ask about historical records and how to request them by mail if you cannot visit in person.

Nearby Counties

Kenedy County is in South Texas near the coast. Neighboring county clerks issue marriage licenses under the same state rules.