Little River County Marriage Records
Little River County marriage records are held by the County Clerk in Ashdown and date back to 1867 when the county was created. The clerk's office on 2nd Street is the official source for marriage licenses and certified copies of marriage documents for the entire county. Little River County sits in the far southwest corner of Arkansas near the Texas and Oklahoma borders, and the Ashdown courthouse handles all marriage filings for the area. This page explains the license process, what you need to apply, how to request copies of past records, and where to look for older records for genealogy purposes.
Little River County Marriage Records
Little River County Clerk Office Details
The Little River County Clerk is at 351 N. 2nd Street, Ashdown, AR 71822. Office hours run Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. The office phone is (870) 898-7209. Visit the Little River County website for additional contact information and county services.
The clerk issues marriage licenses and is the keeper of all marriage records in Little River County. Both parties must appear in person to apply for a license. After the ceremony, the officiant returns the signed license to the clerk's office, where it is filed as a permanent public record. Certified copies of filed records can be ordered at any time.
Ashdown is a small county seat, and the clerk's office is well positioned to assist residents and visitors with records requests. If you plan to come from a distance, call ahead to confirm the fee amount and verify the clerk will be available.
The City of Ashdown has local contact information and city services that may be useful to residents of the county seat.
Note: The clerk's office does not perform wedding ceremonies; couples must arrange an officiant separately before the ceremony.
Little River County Marriage License Requirements
Arkansas state law governs marriage licenses in every county, including Little River. Under Arkansas Code Title 9, anyone who is 18 or older can apply for a license without parental consent. A 17-year-old needs written parental or guardian approval. Anyone under 17 must have both parental consent and a court order before the clerk can issue a license.
A 72-hour waiting period applies after the license is issued. The ceremony cannot take place until 72 hours have passed. The license is valid for 60 days from the date it is issued. If the ceremony does not occur within 60 days, the license expires and the couple must reapply and pay again. No blood test is required in Arkansas.
There is no residency requirement for getting a license in Little River County. Couples from other Arkansas counties or from Texas, Oklahoma, or other states can apply here. Bring a valid government-issued photo ID such as a driver's license, state ID, or passport. If either party was previously married, provide proof that the prior marriage ended legally, either a divorce decree or a death certificate.
Arkansas has not recognized common-law marriage since 1941. A formal ceremony performed by a qualified officiant is required. Authorized officiants in Arkansas include ordained ministers, circuit judges, district judges, and justices of the peace. Given Little River County's location near state borders, couples who live in Texas or Oklahoma sometimes choose to marry in Ashdown.
Note: Call (870) 898-7209 to confirm the current license fee before your visit, as fees can change without much notice.
Requesting Copies of Little River County Marriage Records
In-person requests at the clerk's office are the fastest way to get a certified copy of a Little River County marriage record. Bring your photo ID and the names of both parties along with the approximate year of marriage. The clerk will search the files and issue a certified copy. A fee is charged per copy.
If you cannot visit in person, send a written request to the Little River County Clerk, 351 N. 2nd Street, Ashdown, AR 71822. Include the names of both parties, the marriage year or date, your return address, and a check or money order for the applicable fee. The clerk will process the request and mail the copy back to you. Allow several business days for mail processing.
The Arkansas Department of Health holds statewide marriage coupons from 1917 onward. These are summary records, not certified copies. They can confirm a marriage occurred and give basic details, but they are not accepted as a replacement for the original certified license when you need one for legal purposes. The ADH is at 4815 W. Markham Street, Little Rock, AR 72205, phone (501) 661-2336. Their website is healthy.arkansas.gov. Online requests go through VitalChek.
Note: Records before 1917 are only at the Little River County Clerk; ADH coverage begins in 1917.
The CDC Arkansas vital records reference outlines which offices hold which types of records and what fees typically apply across the state.
This federal reference is a useful overview for understanding the full landscape of Arkansas marriage records and who to contact for specific types of documentation.
Historical Little River County Marriage Records
Little River County was formed in 1867, and marriage records have been kept since that year. For records from the 1800s and early 1900s, the Arkansas State Archives and FamilySearch are the most useful resources beyond the county clerk's office.
The Arkansas State Archives in Little Rock holds microfilm and original documents from Little River County, including early marriage registers. Staff can help researchers figure out what records are available and how to order copies remotely.
The FamilySearch Little River County page shows which record sets are available in digital form. Marriage indexes and images from earlier decades have been scanned by volunteers and are free to view and search. This is a practical option for researchers who cannot make the trip to Ashdown.
The Encyclopedia of Arkansas has a county article with background on Little River County that helps set context for genealogical work. For a comprehensive statewide resource guide, check the University of Arkansas Libraries genealogy guide. The Arkansas Genealogical Society can assist with records that are not yet in digital form.
Name Change After Marriage in Little River County
Your certified copy of the Little River County marriage record is the starting document for all name changes. Begin at the Social Security Administration. Take your certified record and a current photo ID to any SSA office. The update is free and must come before other name change steps.
After the SSA update, go to the Arkansas Department of Finance and Administration for a new driver's license. Bring your updated Social Security card and certified marriage record. For a passport, file with the U.S. State Department using your certified record and current passport. Processing times vary, so start early if you plan to travel internationally soon after marrying. General state-level guidance on name change procedures is available through the Arkansas Secretary of State.
Note: Order at least two certified copies at the same time, since multiple institutions often keep a copy on file permanently.
Nearby Counties with Marriage Records
Little River County borders a small number of counties in southwest Arkansas. If a marriage may have taken place just across the line, check the clerks listed below.
- Sevier County - De Queen
- Howard County - Nashville
- Hempstead County - Hope
- Miller County - Texarkana