How To Get Married In Missouri

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While most states and counties have similar procedures for applying for a marriage license, they are subject to some local variation. Therefore, it is extremely important to check with the state and county where you plan to purchase your marriage license before making your final arrangements. Obtaining the marriage license is an important part of the process of joining together with your loved one. It will require some preparation, but should not be unduly difficult.

1
Find the contact information for the local Recorder of Deeds. Many features of the process are distinctive to each county. This includes the quantity of the fee, types of payment accepted, and hours in which the application can be filed. You should contact the office to determine the answer to these questions and ask if there is anything else you should know. A list of locations is available here.
- A Missouri license can be used for ceremonies throughout the state. Visit whichever office is most convenient for you.
2
Verify eligibility. Any prior marriage should have been dissolved at least 30 days prior to the application. You cannot be the first cousin of your intended spouse or a closer blood relation. The legal age to wed in Missouri is 18, but special procedures can be followed to marry at a younger age.
- If you are under 18 years of age, you can marry with the consent of one parent. The parent will need to come with the you to the office of the Recorder of Deeds to verify consent. (As of Aug 28, 2018, there are more restrictions about marriages of minors, including restrictions on the age of the other party. Consult the local Missouri Recorder of Deeds).
- If you are under 15 years old you will only be able to marry if you obtain an order from a circuit court. (As of Aug 28, 2018, people 15 & younger ARE NOT ALLOWED to marry, even with a parent's consent or a court order.)
3
Gather proper identification to apply for a marriage license. You will need a valid form of identification to prove your birth date. You may need to present your Social Security card (you must know your SS#, but some counties don't require presentation of the card).^[1]
- To verify your identity the office will require one of the following: driver's license, state ID, U.S. Passport, foreign passport, or military ID.

1
Visit the recorder of deeds office together to apply for a marriage license. Missouri does not allow proxy applications; both parties must be present. A parent or legal guardian must be present if you are 16 or 17 years of age. (There are some allowances made for military members or persons who are incarcerated. Contact your Recorder of Deeds).
- If you have previously been married, you will need to wait at least 30 days from when the marriage ended before applying for a new license.^[2]
2
Complete the application and pay the appropriate fees. The fee will vary depending upon county. If you have been unable to verify the fee or payment methods, bring at least $50 in cash. Some cities, including St. Louis, will take other forms of payment but charge an extra fee for anything other than a cash transaction.^[3]
- Applicants will be expected to provide current and former names, age, date of birth, place of birth, race, education level, current address, number of marriages, and the way as well as date that previous marriages were dissolved. You will be asked to swear to the accuracy of these facts.^[4]
- Have the name and phone number of the officiant on hand.
- If you intend to change your name, figure out what you would like for it to be before arriving at the office of the Recorder of Deeds. You will need to take the marriage certificate to the DMV to prove the name change and make it legally binding. (The Recorder of Deeds has nothing to do with your name change, other than being able to furnish a certified copy of the returned marriage license as proof for the Social Security office, DMV, or anywhere else you need to change your name. There is a fee for the certified copy, unless you are in the military).^[5]
3

Receive your marriage license immediately with no waiting period. Unlike many states, Missouri is able to give you a license immediately upon completion of the application. However, if you don't intend to use it immediately, you can also pick it up later, as much as six months after the completion of the application. This way you can apply early, without worrying about the license expiring before the date of the wedding.^[6]
4
Get married anywhere in the state of Missouri. The license will expire within 30 days if a ceremony is not performed. Have the official performing the ceremony sign and return the marriage license to the recorder of deeds office within 15 days.
- The officiant at the wedding can be a judge or a religious official.

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Things You'll Need

Valid identification with birth date listed
Social Security card
Date last marriage ended
Cash for fees

About This Article

Article SummaryX

Applying for a marriage license in Missouri is straightforward, and you can take the license home right away. You'll need to visit your local recorder of deeds office with your partner. Bring your social security card and another form of ID, like your passport, driver's license, or state ID, and $50 in cash. You'll also need the name and phone number of your officiant. All you need to do is fill out the form and pay the fee. Unlike many other states, you'll be given your marriage license right away. The license must be used within 30 days, and it's valid anywhere in the state of Missouri. For more tips from our Legal co-author, including how to get married in Missouri if you're under 18, read on!

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