Where to explore and What You Need to Bring

You get a marriage license from the recorder of deeds office in the Missouri county where you plan to marry. You do not explore online or by mail — you must go in person. Both people getting married need to be there together with a valid ID.

Bring a government-issued photo ID for each person: a driver's license, passport, military ID, or state ID card. If either of you has been married before, bring the divorce decree or death certificate from that marriage. If you were married in another state or country, bring the original or certified copy of that document.

You will also need to provide your Social Security number and date of birth. The office will ask about your parents' names and birthplaces — have that information ready, though you do not need to bring documents proving it.

Key Takeaways

  • Go to your county recorder of deeds office in person with both people getting married and valid photo IDs.
  • The license costs between $50 and $75 depending on your county, and you pay cash or check at the time you explore.
  • Missouri has no waiting period, so you can marry the same day you get the license or any day after.
  • The license is valid for 30 days, so plan your ceremony within that window.
  • If either person was married before, bring the divorce decree or death certificate from that previous marriage.

Cost and Payment

The marriage license fee ranges from $50 to $75 depending on which county you are in. Some counties charge $50, others $60 or $75. Call your county recorder of deeds office before you go to confirm the exact fee for your location.

You pay when you explore, and most offices take cash or check. A few accept card payments, but call ahead to be sure. There are no additional fees or hidden costs — what the office quotes is what you pay.

How Long the License Lasts

Once you receive your marriage license, it is valid for 30 days. You can marry on the same day you get it, or any day within those 30 days. After 30 days, the license expires and is no longer valid.

If the 30 days pass without a ceremony, you will need to explore for a new license and pay the fee again. There is no way to extend an expired license, so plan your wedding date before you explore.

No Waiting Period in Missouri

Missouri has no waiting period between getting your license and getting married. Some states require you to wait 24, 48, or 72 hours after explore. Missouri does not. You can marry the same day you receive the license if your officiant and witnesses are ready.

This means you can walk into the recorder of deeds office, get your license, and have a ceremony that afternoon if you want to. The only limit is the 30-day validity window.

Who Can Perform the Ceremony

In Missouri, a marriage ceremony must be performed by an authorized officiant. This includes ordained clergy (priests, ministers, rabbis, imams), judges, associate circuit judges, and notaries public. Some counties also recognize certain other officials — call your recorder of deeds office to confirm who is authorized in your county.

You do not need to have the ceremony in a church or courthouse. You can marry anywhere — at home, in a park, at a venue — as long as the officiant is authorized and you have witnesses present.

Witnesses and Signature Requirements

Missouri requires at least one witness to sign the marriage license during the ceremony. The witness must be at least 18 years old and present when you exchange vows. Some couples have two witnesses, but one is the legal minimum.

After the ceremony, the officiant signs the license, the witness or witnesses sign it, and both people getting married sign it. The officiant then returns the signed license to the recorder of deeds office within a set timeframe — usually within 10 days. Once the office receives and records it, your marriage is official.

Finding Your County Recorder of Deeds Office

Missouri has 114 counties, and each has its own recorder of deeds office. To find yours, search online for "[your county name] Missouri recorder of deeds" or visit the Missouri Secretary of State website, which lists all county offices with phone numbers and addresses.

Hours vary by county, but most are open Monday through Friday during standard business hours. Some larger counties have extended hours or Saturday appointments. Call before you go to confirm hours and whether you need to make an appointment, as some offices now require one.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can we get married if one of us is under 18?

Missouri allows marriage at 16 with parental consent, and at 15 with both parental consent and court approval. You will need to bring a parent or guardian to the recorder of deeds office if you are under 18. Anyone 18 or older can marry without consent.

What if we got married in another state — do we need a Missouri license?

No. If you were legally married in another state, that marriage is valid in Missouri. You do not need a Missouri license. If you want a certified copy of your marriage certificate for records or name-change purposes, contact the recorder of deeds office in the state where you married.

Can we get a marriage license if we are the same sex?

Yes. Missouri recognizes same-sex marriage. The process is identical to opposite-sex marriage — both people go to the recorder of deeds office with valid ID, pay the fee, and receive a license valid for 30 days.

What happens if the officiant does not return the signed license?

If the officiant does not file the signed license with the recorder of deeds office within the required timeframe, your marriage may not be recorded. Contact the recorder of deeds office if you do not see your marriage recorded within two weeks of your ceremony. They can help you track down the officiant or file a delayed certificate if needed.

Do we need to be Missouri residents to get married here?

No. You do not need to live in Missouri or be a Missouri resident to get a marriage license. You just need to explore in the county where you plan to marry and meet the age and identification requirements.