Nevada County Marriage Records Lookup
Nevada County marriage records have been maintained by the County Clerk in Prescott since the county was formed in 1871. The clerk's office holds all marriage licenses, original applications, and completed marriage certificates filed in the county. Nevada County has a limited online presence compared to larger Arkansas counties, so most requests for marriage records go through the clerk directly or through state-level databases. This page explains the main access methods, the rules for getting a new license, and the genealogical resources available for older Nevada County marriage records.
Nevada County Marriage Records
Nevada County Clerk and Marriage Records
The Nevada County Clerk's office is at 215 E. 2nd Street South, Prescott, AR 71857. Hours are Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. The phone number is (870) 887-2710. The clerk keeps the official register of all marriages that took place in Nevada County and issues new marriage licenses. If you need a certified copy for a legal matter, inheritance, insurance claim, or any other purpose, this office is your primary source.
Nevada County does not have a large web presence for its government offices, so most requests are handled by phone or in person. When you call ahead, the staff can tell you the current copy fee, whether your record is on file, and how to submit a mail request if you cannot visit in person. A written mail request should include both parties' names, the approximate date of marriage, and a return address. Enclose the correct fee as a check or money order. The clerk will search the records and send the copy once it is found and certified. In-person visits are welcome during regular hours and are often the fastest way to get a same-day copy.
For local city-level information about Prescott, the City of Prescott website covers municipal services and contacts.
Nevada County, Arkansas Image
Prescott, the county seat of Nevada County, is where the County Clerk's office handles all marriage license applications and record requests. Source: City of Prescott
Marriage License Requirements for Nevada County
The process for getting a marriage license in Nevada County is the same as in every other Arkansas county because the rules are set by state law. Both people who plan to marry must appear together in person at the County Clerk's office. No blood test is required. After the license is issued, both parties must wait 72 hours before the ceremony can legally take place. The license is valid for 60 days from the date of issue. If that window passes without a ceremony, the license expires and a new one must be obtained.
Both parties must be 18 or older to marry without any special requirements. A 17-year-old may marry with written consent from a parent or guardian. Anyone under 17 needs a court order as well as parental consent. Arkansas has not recognized common-law marriage since 1941, so there is no informal process that creates a valid marriage. Every legal marriage in Nevada County must go through the county clerk. After the ceremony, the officiant signs the license and returns it to the clerk, where it is recorded permanently.
If either party was previously married, the clerk may ask for documentation showing that the prior marriage ended. A certified copy of a divorce decree or a death certificate typically serves this purpose. Call the clerk's office before you go to confirm exactly what to bring.
Searching Nevada County Marriage Records
For records from 1917 onward, the Arkansas Department of Health offers a state-level copy service. You can order certified copies through the Arkansas Department of Health at 4815 W. Markham Street, Slot 44, Little Rock, AR 72205 by calling (501) 661-2336 or through the VitalChek portal for online orders. Each copy costs $10. Keep in mind that ADH provides summary coupons rather than full certified copies from the county. The coupon lists the core facts but may not have every detail that appears on the original county license. For the complete record, contact the Nevada County Clerk.
For older records and genealogical research, FamilySearch's Nevada County guide is a good starting point. FamilySearch has free access to indexes and digitized records for many Arkansas counties, and some Nevada County records from the 19th century are available online. The Arkansas State Archives holds historical records and can supplement what is available through FamilySearch. The Archives website describes their holdings and allows you to plan requests before contacting them.
The Encyclopedia of Arkansas provides useful background on Nevada County's development. The Arkansas Genealogical Society offers research guidance and access to member-compiled databases that can fill gaps in the standard sources.
Historical Nevada County Marriage Records
Nevada County was carved out of Hempstead County in 1871. Early records from the county's formation period are held at the County Clerk's office and may also be available through the Arkansas State Archives or FamilySearch. Because the county is small and rural, some older record series may be fragmented. Genealogical researchers have found it useful to check Hempstead County records for families that lived in the area before 1871, since that county was the predecessor jurisdiction.
The University of Arkansas Special Collections genealogy guide is a solid reference for understanding which Arkansas record collections are available and where. Their guide notes which county-level records have been digitized and which still require on-site research. For Nevada County, a combination of FamilySearch indexes and direct contact with the clerk or state archives is the most reliable path for pre-1917 records.
Arkansas Marriage Law Applied in Nevada County
Nevada County clerks follow the same state statutes as every other Arkansas county. Title 9 of the Arkansas Code governs marriage requirements, and Title 20 covers vital statistics and record-keeping obligations. Both are available on the Arkansas Legislature website. These statutes require the county clerk to maintain a permanent register of all marriages and to issue certified copies on request. The statutes also define who is authorized to perform marriages and what the officiant must do after the ceremony.
The CDC's Where to Write guide for Arkansas confirms the state's vital records procedures for out-of-state requesters. The Arkansas Secretary of State handles other state records but does not manage marriage records directly.
Nearby Counties to Nevada County
Nevada County is in southwestern Arkansas. Neighboring counties may hold records for families who lived near the county borders or moved between jurisdictions.
- Hempstead County - to the west
- Columbia County - to the south
- Calhoun County - to the east
- Ouachita County - to the northeast
- Howard County - to the northwest
Hempstead County is especially relevant because it was the source county when Nevada County was formed in 1871. Records for families from the pre-1871 period will likely be in Hempstead County.