La Salle County Marriage License

La Salle County issues marriage licenses through the County Clerk's office in Cotulla. Both parties must appear in person to apply, and the license is valid for 90 days from the date the county clerk signs it. This page covers what you need to bring, how much you'll pay, and what happens after the ceremony. La Salle County sits in South Texas along the Nueces River corridor, and the clerk's office handles all vital records for the county, including marriage licenses, certified copies, and informal marriage declarations.

La Salle County Clerk Office

The La Salle County Clerk's office is where you apply for a marriage license in Cotulla. This is the only office in the county that issues marriage licenses, so both applicants need to show up together. The clerk records all official documents for the county, including marriage licenses, deed records, and court filings.

The La Salle County official website at www.lasallecounty.com provides contact details and office information. You can visit the site to confirm current hours before making the trip to Cotulla. La Salle is a small county, so it's always smart to call ahead if you're coming from outside the area. The clerk's staff can tell you what forms to fill out and answer questions about your specific situation.

Most county clerk offices in Texas are open Monday through Friday during regular business hours. Because La Salle is a rural county, staffing can be limited. Plan to arrive early in the day.

What You Need to Apply

Both people getting married must appear at the County Clerk's office at the same time. You cannot send someone else in your place, and there is no online option to complete the marriage license application in La Salle County. The Texas Family Code Chapter 2 sets the rules for marriage licenses statewide, and the county clerk follows those requirements.

Bring these items when you go to the clerk's office:

• Valid government-issued photo ID (driver's license, state ID, passport, or military ID)
• Your Social Security number (card or a document that shows it)
• If divorced within the last 30 days, bring a certified copy of your divorce decree
• If a previous spouse died, bring the death certificate if that marriage ended within 30 days
• Payment for the license fee (cash or money order is safest for small counties)

You must be at least 18 years old to marry without parental consent in Texas. Ages 16 and 17 require parental consent plus a court order. Those under 16 cannot obtain a marriage license in Texas.

Note: No blood test is required to get a marriage license in Texas.

Fees and the 72-Hour Wait

The marriage license fee in La Salle County is approximately $82.00. That cost covers the license itself. If you've completed the Twogether in Texas premarital education course, bring your completion certificate to the clerk's office. The Twogether certificate reduces the fee significantly, typically bringing it down to around $22.00.

Texas law requires a 72-hour waiting period after the county clerk issues your license. The ceremony cannot take place until that window passes. The wait starts from the exact time the clerk signs the license, not from when you applied or paid. There are a few exceptions to this rule. Active-duty military members can request a waiver. Couples who complete the Twogether in Texas course also get the waiting period waived. A judge can issue a court order waiving the wait in certain circumstances.

Once the 72 hours pass, you have 90 days to use the license. If the 90-day window expires before the ceremony, you'll need to start over, pay the fee again, and wait another 72 hours.

An informal marriage, also called a common law marriage, can also be declared at the County Clerk's office. The fee for that is typically around $41.00 to $46.00. Both parties must appear in person to sign the declaration.

After the Ceremony

Once you're married, the officiant must return the completed license to the County Clerk's office within 30 days of the ceremony. The officiant signs the license after the ceremony and is responsible for getting it back to the clerk. Texas law requires this under Family Code Section 2.202.

After the clerk records the license, it becomes part of the permanent public record for La Salle County. You can then request certified copies. A certified copy is an official document that proves the marriage legally took place. It typically costs around $6.00 per copy, though local fees can vary slightly. You'll need a certified copy for name changes, insurance updates, and other legal purposes.

The Texas Department of State Health Services also maintains a statewide marriage index. You can request a verification letter from DSHS Vital Statistics if you need confirmation of a marriage on record in Texas. That letter costs $20.00 and is separate from the certified copy that comes from the County Clerk.

Marriage License Records Search

Marriage license records in La Salle County are public records. Anyone can request access to them during business hours at the County Clerk's office. If you're doing genealogical research or need to verify a marriage that took place in La Salle County, start at the clerk's office in Cotulla.

For marriages recorded after 1966, you can also check the DSHS statewide index. That index covers most Texas counties and is updated quarterly. The DSHS does not issue certified copies, but it can confirm whether a record exists.

Historical marriage records for La Salle County may be available through Texas Vital Statistics or through genealogical resources like FamilySearch and the Texas State Library and Archives Commission. These records can go back to when the county was formed in 1880.

Note: For the most current record search options in La Salle County, contact the clerk's office directly, as online access for small counties is often limited.

Nearby Counties

La Salle County borders several other South Texas counties. If you're looking at options in neighboring areas, here are nearby counties that also issue marriage licenses:

• McMullen County - County seat: Tilden
• Maverick County - County seat: Eagle Pass
• Medina County - County seat: Hondo
• Frio County - County seat: Pearsall
• Zavala County - County seat: Crystal City

There is no residency requirement to apply for a marriage license in Texas. You can apply in any Texas county regardless of where you live or where the ceremony will take place. The license is valid throughout the state.