My Government
Marriage/Divorce
Marriage
A marriage license is issued by the Recorder of Deeds in each Missouri county and is valid only in Missouri.
A man and woman applying for a marriage license do not need to be Missouri residents.
Both must appear in person before the recorder of deeds or a deputy recorder and present valid identification containing date of birth, along with a Social Security card, to apply for a marriage license. (Please contact the county for required documentation at www.MoRecorders.com or http://www.sos.mo.gov/MOroster/county_officials.pdf).
- Applicants for a marriage license must be at least 18 years old. (Revised Statutes of Missouri, 451.040)
- Applicants who are younger than 18 must have consent from a custodial parent or guardian. (RSMO 451.090)
- Applicants wishing to apply who are younger than 15 must obtain a circuit court order. (RSMO 451.090)
- Applicants cannot be married already and may not be related by blood, through and including first cousins. (RSMO 451.020)
- It is the public policy of this state to issue a marriage license only to a man and woman. (RSMO 451.022)
- The license must be picked up prior to the marriage ceremony. The person performing the ceremony must have the license prior to the ceremony. (RSMO 451.120)
- The person performing the marriage ceremony shall return the license to the issuing Recorder of Deeds within 15 days. (RSMO 451.130)
- If a marriage ceremony does not occur, the license shall be void after thirty days from the date of issuance. (RSMO 451.040)
Fees for a marriage license and copies may vary by county.
For more information on marriage licenses, contact your county’s Recorder of Deeds at www.MoRecorders.com. Once there, click on the Missouri map of county-specific information.
For information on obtaining certified copies of marriage and divorce records visit the Vital Records web site.
