Faulkner County Marriage Records Search

Faulkner County marriage records are maintained by the County Clerk in Conway, with files covering every marriage license issued since the county was established in 1873. Conway is one of Arkansas's fastest-growing cities, so the clerk's office handles a high volume of requests. This page covers how to get a license, request a copy, and find older records.

Faulkner County Clerk Office Details

The Faulkner County Clerk is at 801 Locust Street, Conway, AR 72034. Call (501) 450-4903 to ask about fees, confirm office hours, or check on a pending request. Regular hours are Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM. On Thursdays the office stays open until 6:00 PM, which is useful if you work a standard daytime schedule and cannot get there before 4:30 on most days. The late Thursday hours are a practical option for many Conway residents.

Both people applying for a marriage license must appear in person at the clerk's office together. Each must bring a valid photo ID. Valid forms include a driver's license, state-issued ID card, or passport. The clerk will verify identities, take the fee, and issue the license. After the license is issued, state law requires a 72-hour waiting period before the ceremony can take place. The license is valid for 60 days from the date of issue. If the ceremony does not happen within 60 days, the couple must reapply and pay again.

Arkansas has not allowed common law marriage since 1941. Living together, sharing finances, or calling someone your spouse does not create a legal marriage in this state. A license and ceremony are required. No blood test is needed in Arkansas, which keeps the process straightforward.

Searching Faulkner County Marriage Records

The clerk's office holds the full, certified copies of every marriage recorded in Faulkner County since 1873. To request a certified copy, visit in person or send a mail request. In person is faster. Bring the names of both parties and the approximate year of marriage, and staff can usually pull the record quickly. The certified copy carries the clerk's signature and the county seal and is accepted by courts, government agencies, and financial institutions as legal proof of marriage.

For mail requests, write a letter with the names of both parties, the year of the marriage, your mailing address, and a check or money order made payable to the Faulkner County Clerk. Include a self-addressed stamped envelope. Mail processing takes longer than an in-person visit, so allow at least one to two weeks. Call ahead to get the current fee amount before sending payment.

The Arkansas Department of Health holds a statewide coupon index going back to 1917. This index lets you confirm a marriage and identify the county, but it does not include full documents. Certified copies come only from the county clerk. Online ordering is available through VitalChek, which charges an extra convenience fee on top of the state fee and processes your order electronically.

Historical Records and Genealogy Resources

Faulkner County was created in 1873 from Pulaski and White counties during the Reconstruction era. Conway grew steadily through the late 1800s and became home to three colleges and universities, which has shaped the county's demographics and record-keeping needs over many decades. The oldest marriage records date to 1873 and cover the period when Conway was just beginning to form as a city.

The Arkansas State Archives in Little Rock holds microfilm of early Faulkner County marriage records. These can supplement courthouse records, especially for the period before 1900. FamilySearch has indexed many Faulkner County records and offers free online access to its database. The Encyclopedia of Arkansas covers county history and can help identify prominent families whose records you might be searching for.

Faulkner County Official Website and County Resources

The image below is from the Faulkner County official website, which provides information about county services, offices, and contact details for departments including the County Clerk.

The county website is a useful first stop if you need contact information, office locations, or details about other county services. The clerk's page on the site may have updated fee schedules and forms that can help you prepare before visiting in person. Bookmark it if you expect to visit the courthouse more than once.

University of Central Arkansas and Community Impact

The image below is from the University of Central Arkansas website, highlighting Conway's identity as a college town and the demand it creates for county services like marriage licensing.

The University of Central Arkansas brings thousands of students, faculty, and staff to Conway each year. Many marry locally, which means the Faulkner County Clerk processes a high number of marriage license applications compared to smaller counties. The extended Thursday hours are in part a response to the needs of a busy, growing community. Students and recent graduates who need records for legal purposes can contact the clerk by phone before visiting to confirm what to bring.

State Marriage Law Basics

Arkansas Code Title 9 sets the marriage rules that every county must follow. The minimum age is 18 without parental consent. At 17, a parent or guardian must appear at the clerk's office with the applicant and provide written consent. No one younger than 17 may marry in Arkansas. Applicants who have been married before should be prepared to provide documentation showing the prior marriage ended, whether by death, divorce, or annulment.

The 72-hour wait is mandatory and starts the moment the clerk stamps the license. After the ceremony, the person who performed it must return the signed license to the Faulkner County Clerk within 60 days. The clerk records it and sends a coupon to the state Department of Health under Arkansas Code Title 20. Failure to return the license promptly can create problems later when you need records, so follow up with your officiant if you do not hear back within a couple of weeks after the wedding. The Arkansas Legislature website has the full text of these statutes if you want to read them directly.