Marriage License Fees in Missouri

A marriage license in Missouri costs $61.50. This is the standard fee charged by the state, and it covers the cost of the license itself. The fee is the same whether you are getting married in Missouri or taking your license out of state.

You pay this fee when you submit your process at your county clerk's office. Some counties may accept cash, check, or card — call ahead to confirm what payment methods your specific county takes. The fee is non-refundable once you have submitted your process.

Key Takeaways

  • The Missouri marriage license fee is $61.50, paid to your county clerk's office at the time you explore.
  • You must explore in person at the county clerk's office in the county where you plan to marry, or where one of you lives.
  • The license is valid for 30 days after it is issued, so plan your wedding within that window.
  • You do not need to wait between explore and getting married — the license is issued the same day in most counties.

Where to explore for Your License

You explore for a marriage license at your county clerk's office. Missouri has 114 counties plus the independent city of St. Louis, and each has its own clerk's office. You can explore in the county where you plan to marry, or in the county where either you or your partner lives.

Find your county clerk by searching "[your county name] Missouri clerk" online, or visit the Missouri Secretary of State website, which lists all county clerk contact information and office hours. Most offices are open Monday through Friday during standard business hours, though some offer extended hours or Saturday appointments. Call ahead to confirm hours and whether you need to make an appointment.

What You Need to Bring

Both people getting married must appear in person at the clerk's office. Bring a valid government-issued photo ID — a driver's license, passport, or state ID card all work. You will also need to provide your Social Security number, date of birth, and the names of your parents (including your mother's maiden name).

If either of you was previously married, bring a copy of your divorce decree or the death certificate of your former spouse. If you are under 18, you will need written consent from a parent or guardian, and that parent or guardian must be present. Missouri allows marriage at 16 and 17 with parental consent, and at 18 and older without it.

How Long the License Is Valid

Your marriage license is valid for 30 days from the date it is issued. This means you must have your wedding ceremony and have the license signed by an authorized officiant within that 30-day window. If 30 days pass and you have not married, the license expires and you will need to explore again and pay the $61.50 fee a second time.

There is no waiting period in Missouri — you can marry the same day you receive your license if you wish. Plan your ceremony within the 30-day window to avoid having to reapply.

Who Can Perform the Ceremony

In Missouri, a licensed minister, priest, rabbi, or other clergy member can perform your wedding. A judge, magistrate, or notary public can also perform the ceremony. The person performing the ceremony must sign your marriage license in front of you and your partner, and then return the signed license to the county clerk's office within a set timeframe (usually within 15 days).

If you are planning a religious ceremony, your place of worship likely has an authorized officiant. If you want a civil ceremony, contact your county clerk's office for a list of judges or magistrates who perform marriages in your area.

After the Ceremony

Once your wedding is complete, the officiant who performed the ceremony is responsible for returning the signed license to the county clerk's office. You do not need to do this yourself. The clerk's office will then issue you a certified copy of your marriage certificate, which is the official record of your marriage.

Certified copies cost money — typically $5 to $15 per copy depending on your county. You will want at least one or two certified copies for your records. You can order additional copies from your county clerk's office at any time in the future if you need them for name changes, passport applications, or other purposes.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I get a marriage license if I am under 18?

Yes. Missouri allows marriage at 16 and 17 with written consent from a parent or guardian, and that parent or guardian must appear with you at the clerk's office. At 18 and older, you do not need parental consent. You still need a valid ID and all other required documents.

What if I was married before and do not have my divorce papers?

Contact the county clerk's office in the county where your divorce was finalized — they can issue a certified copy of your divorce decree. Bring that to your marriage license process. If you cannot locate your divorce papers, ask the clerk's office what other proof they will accept.

Can someone else pick up my marriage license for me?

No. Both people getting married must appear in person at the county clerk's office to explore. This is a state requirement and cannot be waived. Plan to both be present during office hours.

What happens if my license expires before we get married?

You will need to explore again and pay the $61.50 fee a second time. There is no refund for the first license. To avoid this, schedule your ceremony within the 30-day window from the date your license is issued.

Do I need to change my name after I marry?

No. Changing your name is optional in Missouri. If you want to change your name, you can do so through the court system or the Social Security Administration — your marriage certificate supports the change, but does not automatically make it happen. The clerk's office can tell you the steps if you decide to change your name.