Marriage licenses are issued from 8:30 to 11:30 a.m. and 1 to 4 p.m. Monday through Friday excluding holidays. The license is valid for 30 days from the date of issuance and the marriage must be performed in the State of Missouri only!
Both parties must appear together at the Recorder’s Office with the required identification. However the provision can be waived for certain applicants who qualify under state and federal statutes (incarcerated, military duty assigned outside the State of Missouri or disabled under ADA). Please contact our office for a packet and instructions.
The Recorders Association of Missouri issued the following statement regarding the recent signing of HB 737 and SB 43 by Governor Mike Kehoe. These legislative changes will impact the issuance of marriage licenses across the state.
HB 737 and SB 43 raise the minimum age for marriage in Missouri to 18 years old and prohibit Recorders from issuing a marriage license to any person under the age of 18.
Recorders of Deeds across Missouri will update their office policies to comply with the statutory changes, which will take effect August 28, 2025.
As is required under current law, all applicants will continue to provide proof of age to the Recorder’s office in the form of a certified copy of their birth certificate, passport, or other government-issued identification.
The Recorders Association of Missouri and all county Recorders are committed to upholding the statutory requirements of their offices, and these changes will be implemented promptly upon the law’s effective date.
The nonrefundable marriage license fee is $46 either cash (exact change) or debit / credit card (bank charges an additional $2).
Marriages can be solemnized by any minister, either active or retired, who is in good standing with any church or synagogue in the State of Missouri. Marriages may also be solemnized, without compensation, by any judge, including a municipal judge. Marriages may also be solemnized by a religious society, religious institution, or religious organization of the State of Missouri, according to the regulations and customs of the society, institution or organization, when either party to the marriage to solemnized is a member of such society, institution or organization. There are no justices of the peace in Missouri.
You are responsible for delivering your marriage license to the person officiating at your marriage. This person must complete the license, have two witnesses sign and return it to the Recorder’s office within 15 days after the ceremony.