Deborah Chan
Missouri is an idyllic place for a wedding ceremony, but it's important to ensure that your wedding complies with the state's marriage laws. In this paragraph, we will outline the key requirements for a legally recognized wedding in Missouri, including information on marriage licenses, age restrictions, prohibited relationships, and authorized officiants. By understanding and adhering to these regulations, you can ensure that your special day is not only memorable but also compliant with Missouri law.
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What You'll Learn
- Marriage licenses are issued by the Recorder of Deeds in each Missouri county
- Applicants must be 18 years old to marry without parental consent
- Same-sex marriages are legal in Missouri
- Marriages may be solemnized by a clergyman, judge, or religious society
- Couples must state their intent to take each other as spouses in the presence of a minister and two witnesses
Marriage licenses are issued by the Recorder of Deeds in each Missouri county
Marriages in Missouri are required by law to be solemnized by an "officiant" authorized according to law. This can be any clergyman, either active or retired, who is in good standing with any church or synagogue in the state. It 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 in the state, according to their regulations and customs, when either party to the marriage is a member of such an organization.
The license fee of $51 must be paid in cash or by debit/credit card at the time of application. The marriage license is valid for 30 days from the date of issuance and may be used anywhere within the State of Missouri. The person performing the ceremony must complete a portion of the license, have it signed by two witnesses, and return it to the Recorder's office within 15 days after the wedding. The license becomes a permanent record.
Missouri restricts certain blood relatives from getting married. Marriages between parents and children, siblings, grandparents and grandchildren, aunts and nieces, uncles and nephews, and first cousins are not legally recognized. Any state official who issues a marriage license to a person lacking the legal capacity to consent to marriage will have committed a misdemeanor offense.
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Applicants must be 18 years old to marry without parental consent
Marriage laws vary from state to state in the US, and there are some important considerations for those planning to marry in Missouri. Firstly, Missouri does not mandate any particular form of ceremony or vows, but there are some legal requirements that must be met. One of the most important requirements is that applicants must be at least 18 years old to marry without parental consent. This is a key point to note for those under the age of 18 who are considering marriage in Missouri. Parental consent is required for applicants under 18, and there are further restrictions for minors.
Missouri law sets the minimum age of 18 years for individuals to enter into a valid marriage contract without the need for parental consent. This means that both parties must be 18 or older to marry without the involvement and approval of their parents or legal guardians. For applicants who have not yet reached their 18th birthday, the law requires the consent of a parent or legal guardian. This consent must be given either in person or in writing, and it is an important step to ensure that the marriage is legally recognised.
The requirement for parental consent for applicants under 18 years of age is a protective measure. It ensures that minors seeking to marry have the support and approval of their parents or guardians. This requirement also reinforces the seriousness and legal implications of the marriage contract. By obtaining parental consent, the process acknowledges the importance of familial consent and guidance in major life decisions made by minors.
It is important to note that Missouri has additional age-related restrictions on marriage. While individuals aged 16 or 17 may marry with parental consent, no minor is permitted to marry a person over the age of 21. These age restrictions are in place to further safeguard minors and prevent inappropriate or exploitative marriages. Missouri also prohibits marriages between certain blood relatives, including parents and children, siblings, grandparents and grandchildren, aunts and nephews, uncles and nieces, and first cousins.
In summary, applicants must be at least 18 years old to marry without parental consent in Missouri. For those under 18, parental consent is required, and additional age restrictions apply. It is important to be aware of these legal requirements to ensure a valid and legally recognised marriage in Missouri. Understanding and adhering to the state's marriage laws are crucial steps in the wedding planning process.
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Same-sex marriages are legal in Missouri
Missouri statutes once banned same-sex marriage, and while same-sex marriage is now legal, a ban will remain in state statutes. In 2014, 71% of Missouri voters ratified Amendment 2, which restricted the validity and recognition of marriage in Missouri to the "union of one man and one woman". In February 2025, the Senate rejected a bill introduced by Senator Stephen Webber to repeal the now-defunct statutory ban on same-sex marriages.
Despite the complexities, same-sex couples can legally marry in Missouri. In 2013, Governor Jay Nixon issued an executive order allowing same-sex couples married in other jurisdictions to file a combined Missouri income tax return if they file their federal return jointly. In 2014, the ACLU filed a lawsuit, Barrier v. Vasterling, challenging the state's refusal to recognize same-sex marriages from other jurisdictions. On October 3, Judge J. Dale Youngs ruled that Missouri's refusal to recognize these marriages violated the plaintiffs' right to equal protection under both the state and federal constitutions.
In addition to age restrictions, Missouri also restricts certain blood relatives from getting married. Marriages between parents and children, siblings, grandparents and grandchildren, aunts and nieces or uncles and nephews, and first cousins are not legally recognized. Any state official who issues a marriage license to a person lacking the legal capacity to consent to marriage will have committed a misdemeanour offence.
To obtain a marriage license, both parties must appear in person before the recorder of deeds or a deputy recorder and present valid identification containing their birth date, along with a Social Security card. Marriages may be solemnized by any clergyman, either active or retired, who is in good standing with any church or synagogue in the state. Marriages may also be solemnized without compensation by any judge, including a municipal judge. The primary requirement for the ceremony is that the couple must state their intent to take the other as husband or wife in the presence of the minister and at least two witnesses.
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Marriages may be solemnized by a clergyman, judge, or religious society
Marriages in Missouri are governed by a set of laws and regulations. While the state does not mandate any specific form of ceremony or vows, it is essential to comply with legal requirements to ensure a valid marriage. One of the critical aspects of getting married in Missouri is the solemnization of the wedding. According to Section 451.100.1 of the Missouri Revised Statutes, marriages may be solemnized by authorised individuals or entities, including clergymen, judges, and religious societies.
Firstly, marriages in Missouri can be solemnized by any clergyman, whether active or retired, who is in good standing with a recognised church or synagogue within the state. This provision allows religious leaders from various faiths to officiate weddings as long as they are ordained and hold a positive standing in their religious community.
Secondly, the state also authorises judges, including municipal judges, to solemnize marriages. This option is available for couples who prefer a civil ceremony or for those who wish to have their wedding officiated by a judicial official. It is important to note that judges are not permitted to accept compensation for performing this role.
Additionally, marriages in Missouri may be solemnized by religious societies, religious institutions, or religious organizations. However, this option is typically available when at least one of the parties to the marriage is a member of such a religious group. In this case, the marriage ceremony would be conducted according to the regulations, customs, and traditions of the particular religious society or organization.
It is worth noting that Missouri does not require marriage officiants to register with any government office. However, individuals assuming the role of a minister or clergyman must be ordained by a legitimate religious organization. This ordination can be obtained through recognised churches or online services, and it is advisable to retain official credentials as proof of ordination.
In conclusion, Missouri provides flexibility in who may solemnize marriages. Couples can choose to have their wedding officiated by a clergyman, judge, or religious society, allowing them to personalise their ceremony according to their beliefs and preferences. By adhering to these regulations, couples can ensure their marriage is legally recognized and valid in the state of Missouri.
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Couples must state their intent to take each other as spouses in the presence of a minister and two witnesses
Missouri sets out clear laws for couples looking to get married in the state. While the state does not mandate any particular form of ceremony or vows, there are certain requirements that must be met for a marriage to be legally recognised. One of the most important requirements is the presence of a minister and two witnesses during the ceremony.
The couple must state their intention to take each other as spouses in the presence of a minister and at least two witnesses. This can occur at any point during the ceremony, allowing couples the freedom to tailor the ceremony to their needs and preferences. The witnesses must be at least 18 years old, and their contact information should be obtained for records.
The minister plays a crucial role in the wedding ceremony. In Missouri, only certain individuals are legally authorised to perform wedding ceremonies. These include mayors, notaries, tribal judges, recognised ministers of religious denominations, and leaders of Native American nations and tribes. The minister must be at least 18 years old and is responsible for solemnising the marriage during the ceremony. They must also properly complete and sign the marriage license and certificate, obtaining the signatures of the two witnesses.
After the ceremony, the minister has 15 days to return the completed documents to the official who issued the license, typically the clerk or recorder of deeds. This process ensures that the marriage is legally recognised and valid under Missouri law. It is important for couples to comply with the legal requirements to avoid any issues with the validity of their marriage.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, Missouri has age restrictions and does not allow marriages between certain relatives. To get married without parental consent, you must be at least 18 years old. People who are 16 or 17 may marry with parental consent, but no minor is permitted to marry someone over 21. Marriages between parents and children, siblings, grandparents and grandchildren, aunts and nephews, uncles and nieces, and first cousins are not recognised.
You will need to obtain a marriage license from the recorder of deeds in the relevant Missouri county. Both parties must appear in person and present valid identification containing their birth date, along with a Social Security card. You will also need to supply your Social Security number. If you have been married before, you must include the date of your divorce decree or the date of your spouse's death on the application. Divorces must be finalised at least 30 days before applying for a new marriage license.
Marriages may be solemnized by any clergyman, either active or retired, who is in good standing with any church or synagogue in the state. 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, according to the regulations and customs of the society, institution, or organization, when either party to the marriage is a member of such a group. Only mayors, notaries, and tribal judges, recognized ministers of religious denominations, and leaders of Native American nations and tribes may perform marriage ceremonies.
Missouri law requires each member of the couple to consent to the marriage. It also mandates that the minister pronounce the marriage during the ceremony, and that there are at least two witnesses present. The couple must state their intent to take each other as husband and wife in the presence of the minister and witnesses, but this can occur at any point during the ceremony. Missouri does not mandate any particular form of ceremony or vows.
