How to Get a Marriage License in Missouri

Dubbed the Show-Me State, Missouri is filled with one-of-a-kind landmarks that make this Midwestern region an appealing locale for your wedding. Not only does this area in middle America feature the famous Gateway Arch, the tallest man-made national monument, but it’s also brimming with cultural attractions, such as the Titanic Museum and the St. Louis International Film Festival, that will bring vitality and vigor to any affair.

Since most of Missouri comprises rural farmlands and sweeping prairies, the state also offers a range of wedding venues that are nestled in the countryside with unparalleled views of nature, like farms, orchards, lodges, estates, and châteaus. But that's not all: The Mother of the West even houses a few bustling cities, such as Kansas City, St. Louis, and Springfield, where you can tie the knot while admiring the skyline. To top it off, Missouri is home to barbecue and Budweiser, plus other unique dishes, like toasted ravioli, gooey butter cake, and pork steaks, that will set your big day apart.

While selecting your wedding venue is one of the first and most important steps you’ll take while planning your celebration, in order to legally marry in Missouri, you’ll need to apply for a marriage license. If you aren’t sure how to go about that process, we’ve completed a comprehensive guide to help you. Ahead, how to get a marriage license in Missouri.

Where to Apply for a Missouri Marriage License

Although you can start the application process for a Missouri marriage license online in many counties (which will actually expedite the process), you’ll have to finish it in person—and you and your partner must both be present during your appointment in order to proceed. Whether or not you choose to jumpstart this undertaking online, the two of you will need to pay a visit to the Recorder of Deeds office in any Missouri county. In the office, you’ll share your information and fill out the application before the recorder of deeds or the deputy recorder to obtain the legal document.

When to Get a Missouri Marriage License

Missouri marriage licenses have zero wait times, so it’s likely that you’ll receive your document the same day you apply for it. Since this license is only valid for 30 days after the recorder of deeds or deputy recorder issues it, you’ll need to tie the knot within 29 days of receiving it. 

What to Bring for a Missouri Marriage License

There are a few legal documents and other essentials that you’re required to present to the Recorder of Deeds office in order to secure your marriage license. These prerequisites are as follows:

• Proof of Identity and Age: You must provide an accepted form of identification that proves your full legal name and your date of birth, such as a driver's license, state ID, passport, or military ID. Since 18 is the legal age to say “I do” in Missouri, one of the aforementioned documents will verify that you’re of legal marrying age, while confirming that you’re the person you say you are. 
• Social Security Number: In addition to the above forms of identification, make sure to have your social security number on hand or memorized. The physical card isn’t required, however.
• Parental Consent for Minors: Minors can get married in Missouri, but they must seek authorization. If you’re younger than 18, you’ll need consent from a parent or legal guardian. For those who are younger than 15, seeking a circuit court order is required. 
• Divorce Decree: If you were previously married, remember to bring a divorce decree since you’ll need to add the date of your divorce to the license. Make sure that your divorce is finalized at least 30 days before applying for your Missouri marriage license.
• Money: The cost of your Missouri marriage license varies by county, so double check the amount before you head to your appointment. For instance, a license in St. Louis County is $48, while one in Jackson County is $50. At either of these counties, you can pay either by cash or by card. If you’re using bills, make sure to bring the exact amount, and if you’re charging the payment, be prepared to pay a small bank processing fee.

How to Get Married in Missouri

After you apply for your Missouri marriage license, you’ll need to pick up the legal document at some point before your ceremony. Don’t forget to bring the license with you to your venue, and make sure you hand it to your officiant. (A word of caution, though: It’s actually a misdemeanor if you don’t present your license before you start your service.) Additionally, in order to legally marry your partner, your officiant must be a clergyman (either active or retired) of a church or synagogue or a judge of the court of record.

Either before or after your wedding ceremony, your officiant will fill out the paperwork, sign the document, and obtain signatures from you, your partner, and two witnesses. Then, the one who presided over your vow exchange will return the marriage license to the same Recorder of Deeds office that issued the document. Just note that they have 15 days to bring the license back to the office. 

How to Receive Your Missouri Marriage License

After processing the document, the Recorder of Deeds will mail the original version back to you and your spouse. In order to change your name and marital status on legal documents, from your passport to your social security card, you’ll probably want to secure a few copies. You can file your request online, by phone, or in person at the marriage license desk at the same Recorder of Deeds office where you applied for the license. Each copy costs a small fee, which varies depending on the county. For example, Boone County charges $9 for a certified copy, whereas one in DeKalb County is $10.