Find Marriage Records in Dallas County

Dallas County marriage records date back to 1844, making this one of Arkansas's older record collections for the south-central part of the state. The County Clerk's office in Fordyce holds every license issued since the county was formed, and staff can help you find what you need whether you are working on a legal matter or tracing your family tree.

Dallas County Clerk Contact and Hours

The Dallas County Clerk is located at 3rd and Oak Streets, Fordyce, AR 71742. The phone number is (870) 352-2307. Office hours are Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM. If you plan to drive to Fordyce for a license or certified copy, call ahead to make sure the office is open and to ask about the current fee. Fees for marriage licenses and certified copies can change, and having the right amount ready saves time.

Getting a marriage license in Dallas County follows the same rules as the rest of Arkansas. Both people must go to the clerk's office at the same time and each must bring a valid photo ID. A driver's license, state ID card, or passport all work. After the clerk issues the license, you must wait 72 hours before the ceremony can take place. The license stays valid for 60 days. If the wedding does not happen within 60 days, you need to apply again and pay the fee again. No blood test is needed, and Arkansas has not recognized common law marriage since 1941.

Dallas County Marriage Record Searches

To get a certified copy of a marriage record from Dallas County, contact the clerk at (870) 352-2307. You will need the full names of both people and the approximate year of the marriage. Staff can search the records and, if found, provide a certified copy with the county seal. This type of copy is accepted by Social Security, insurance companies, courts, and government agencies for legal name changes and benefit claims.

Mail requests are accepted. Send a written request with the names, date, your contact information, and a check or money order made out to the Dallas County Clerk. Include a self-addressed stamped envelope so the clerk can return the record to you. Processing time for mail requests is longer than in-person visits, so plan accordingly if you have a deadline.

For marriages in Dallas County since 1917, you can also check the statewide index held by the Arkansas Department of Health. The state holds coupons, which are brief summary records, not full documents. They are useful for confirming a marriage happened and finding the right county. For the actual certified copy, go to the county clerk or use VitalChek for online ordering.

Historical Records Dating to 1844

Dallas County was established in 1844 and named for George M. Dallas, Vice President under President James K. Polk. The county's marriage records stretch back to that founding year, giving genealogists a rich set of documents from the antebellum period through the present. The oldest records are on paper and in ledger form, and some may show wear from age, but the clerk's office has worked to preserve them.

The Arkansas State Archives in Little Rock holds microfilm copies of many early Dallas County marriage records. If the courthouse copy is unclear or incomplete, the archives may have a backup. FamilySearch has digitized and indexed some of these records, making them searchable online at no cost. The Encyclopedia of Arkansas offers background on the county's settlement and early families, which can give context to names and dates you find in the records.

Arkansas Marriage Law and Age Requirements

Arkansas Code Title 9 governs marriage in the state, including Dallas County. The minimum age to marry without parental consent is 18. A 17-year-old can marry if a parent or legal guardian appears at the clerk's office and gives written consent in person. Anyone under 17 cannot marry in Arkansas regardless of circumstances.

The 72-hour waiting period is set by state law and applies to every county. It begins the moment the clerk stamps and issues the license. A judge of the circuit court can waive this waiting period in very limited situations, but waivers are not routinely granted. Once the ceremony takes place, the person who performed it must return the signed license to the county clerk within 60 days. The clerk records it and sends a summary coupon to the Arkansas Department of Health.

The Arkansas Legislature's website has the full text of Title 9 and Title 20, which covers vital records. Reading the statutes directly is the most reliable way to confirm current requirements, since laws can be amended by the legislature. Always verify current rules with the clerk before your appointment.

Fordyce and Dallas County Resources

The image below is from the City of Fordyce website, which provides community information for the county seat of Dallas County.

Fordyce is a small city in south-central Arkansas. The courthouse where the clerk's office is located sits near the center of downtown. If you are visiting from out of the area, the city's website can help you find parking and other services nearby. The drive from Little Rock is about 80 miles south on US-167.

Online and State-Level Record Access

The CDC's vital records reference page for Arkansas is a good starting point to understand where to send requests and what to include. The VitalChek service allows you to order Arkansas marriage records online, though it charges a convenience fee above the state fee. Payment is by credit or debit card. Processing times through VitalChek are similar to mail requests sent directly to the county.

Keep in mind that VitalChek and the Department of Health can only provide records from 1917 onward, and even then only the coupon summary. For a full certified copy of any Dallas County marriage record, the county clerk remains the only source. If you are researching marriages before 1917, your best options are the county clerk directly and the Arkansas State Archives.