EDINBURG – The County Clerk’s office is now offering Hidalgo County couples an option when applying for a marriage license. County Clerk Arturo Guajardo Jr. says couples can select from two styles of the marriage license certificates, which come in burgundy or blue, to commemorate their special day.
The County Clerk’s office began researching and organizing the transition into the two styles after the New Year and debuted the new options at the end of May. Guajardo and his staff issue about 5,000 licenses each year.
“My staff and I wanted to provide couples with a special keepsake to celebrate this new chapter in their lives,” said Guajardo. “The option of selecting between two different certificates allows couples to honor their union and commemorate the day in their own unique way.”
Guajardo adds that the implementation of the two colored certificates comes at no additional cost to county taxpayers; the money normally appropriated for the marriage license certificates was reprioritized to accommodate the new designs.
In order to obtain a marriage license, couples are encouraged to apply online at www.hidalgocountyclerk.us. The online application does not guarantee the license will be approved but it does speed up the process once both the bride and groom arrive at the clerk’s office to complete the transaction. The couple must bring documents showing proof of identification and age, such as birth certificate, government issued license or ID from any state. All documents must be the original or a certified copy of the original; expired documents will not be accepted. A Social Security Card is also required, if applicable. A complete list of approved documents can be found on their website.
Once they arrive at the courthouse to finalize their purchase, the couple can select from the burgundy or blue certificates. The fee for a marriage license is $82; however, if a couple completes a certified marriage preparation course, for example through a church or the State of Texas, they can receive a $60 discount on the license. There is a 72 hour waiting period immediately following the date the license is issued.
For more information you can contact the County Clerk’s Office at 956-318-2100 or visit their website: hidalgocountyclerk.us.
For media interviews with Arturo Guajardo Jr., please contact the Public Affairs Division at 956-292-7026.
Attached you will find examples of the new Blue and Burgundy marriage license certificates.
