Rhiannon Hendricks
If you're planning a wedding in Missouri, it's important to understand the legal requirements to ensure your marriage is valid. While Missouri does not mandate a specific form of ceremony or vows, certain steps must be taken. One of the most important considerations is choosing the right officiant to preside over your wedding ceremony. So, can a family member officiate a wedding in Missouri?
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Can a family member officiate a wedding? | Yes, if they are a recognised minister of a religious denomination or a tribal judge. |
| Registration required | No registration with a government office is required. |
| Minimum age of officiant | 18 |
| Documents required | Proof of ordination, e.g. official Ministry Credentials, Ordination Certificate, Letter of Good Standing. |
What You'll Learn
Who can be a wedding officiant in Missouri?
In Missouri, there are several requirements that must be met for a person to be eligible to officiate a wedding. Here is a comprehensive guide on who can be a wedding officiant in the state of Missouri:
According to Missouri law, the following individuals are authorized to solemnize marriages in the state:
- Judges of a court of record
- Public officials with the power to solemnize marriages
- Mayors
- City judges
- Justices of the peace
- Notaries public
- Tribal judges
- Recognized ministers of religious denominations
- Leaders of Native American nations and tribes
It is important to note that the officiant must be at least 18 years of age and must be an ordained minister to legally perform marriages in Missouri.
Registration and Documentation
While Missouri law does not require wedding officiants to register with any government office, it is recommended that officiants keep personal records of their official ministry credentials. Proof of ordination may be requested by the couple, government officials, or the wedding venue.
Additionally, ministers are required to properly complete and return the marriage license and certificate within 15 days of the wedding ceremony. The minister must ensure that both witnesses have endorsed the original marriage certificate and that copies have been provided to all parties.
Online Ordination
Online ordination is recognized in Missouri, and several organizations offer free online ordination services. These include the Universal Life Church and American Marriage Ministries.
In summary, Missouri has specific requirements for wedding officiants, including age, ordination, and authorization by the state. It is important for individuals to familiarize themselves with these requirements before officiating a wedding in Missouri to ensure the marriage is legally valid.
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Do wedding officiants need to register in Missouri?
In Missouri, wedding officiants are not required to register with any government office prior to performing a marriage. The Missouri State Government has no laws requiring officiant registration or an office dedicated to the registration of wedding officiants.
However, Missouri law specifies who can solemnize a marriage. This includes all ministers, including online ordained ministers of American Marriage Ministries, mayors, notaries, and tribal judges. Ministers must be ordained by a religious organization and be at least 18 years old. While not mandatory, it is recommended that officiants keep records of their official ministry credentials as proof of their ordination.
To legally perform a wedding in Missouri, an officiant must ensure that the couple meets the state's marriage requirements. Both members of the couple must be at least 18 years old, and marriages between close relatives are prohibited. Same-sex marriage is recognized in Missouri, and couples must apply for a marriage license before the ceremony.
In summary, while wedding officiants in Missouri don't need to register with a government office, they must meet the criteria for who can solemnize a marriage and ensure compliance with the state's marriage laws.
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What are the requirements to get a marriage license in Missouri?
To get a marriage license in Missouri, you must be at least 18 years old. If you are 16 or 17, you may marry with the written permission of a parent or legal guardian, but you cannot marry someone over the age of 21. Those under 15 must obtain a circuit court order. Applicants cannot already be married and may not be closely related by blood—including grandparents, grandchildren, aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, and first cousins.
Both members of the couple must appear in person with valid identification containing their date of birth, along with their Social Security number, before the recorder of deeds or a deputy recorder to apply for a marriage license. Accepted forms of identification include a driver's license, state ID, passport, or military ID. The cost of a marriage license varies by county but is no less than $45. The marriage license must be picked up before the ceremony and is valid for 30 days. If the ceremony does not occur within this time, a new license must be obtained.
Once the license has been issued, the couple must marry within the state of Missouri. The person performing the ceremony must have the license prior to the ceremony and must return it to the issuing recorder of deeds within 15 days.
In Missouri, only mayors, notaries, tribal judges, recognised ministers of religious denominations, and leaders of Native American nations and tribes may perform marriage ceremonies. Anyone officiating a wedding must be at least 18.
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What are the steps to officiate a wedding in Missouri?
If you want to officiate a wedding in Missouri, there are a few steps you need to follow. Here is a guide to help you through the process:
Step 1: Become an Ordained Minister
To perform a wedding in Missouri, you must be an ordained minister. You can become ordained through organizations like the Universal Life Church or American Marriage Ministries, which offer free online ordination. This will give you the legal authority to officiate weddings in the state.
Step 2: Officiant Registration
In Missouri, wedding officiants are not required to register with any government office before performing a marriage. However, it is essential to keep records of your official ministry credentials, as proof of your ordination may be requested by the couple, government officials, or the wedding venue.
Step 3: Prepare for the Ceremony
Once you are ordained, you can start preparing for the wedding ceremony. This includes writing the wedding ceremony script, planning the format, and practicing to ensure a smooth and memorable experience for the couple and their guests.
Step 4: Officiate the Wedding
On the wedding day, your legal role as the officiant is to officiate the ceremony and complete the Missouri marriage license with the couple and any required witnesses. Make sure to have the marriage license before the ceremony, as it is required by law.
Step 5: Record the Wedding
After the wedding, make sure to take care of any follow-up duties, such as returning the completed marriage license to the issuing Recorder of Deeds within 15 days of the ceremony. You may also want to share your experience with other officiants or seek advice from seasoned wedding officiants.
By following these steps, you will be able to legally officiate a wedding in Missouri and create a meaningful and memorable experience for the couple.
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What are the legal rights of marriage?
In Missouri, marriage is considered a civil contract, and there are several legal rights and consequences that come with it. Both parties must be at least 18 years old, and those under 18 but over 15 must have parental consent. Marriages between close relatives are prohibited, and same-sex marriage is not recognised in Missouri.
Once married, each spouse becomes the heir of the other, and any children they have together also become their heirs. Spouses have a financial duty to support one another, and in the event of a divorce, a court will determine each party's obligations to support any children or the other spouse.
Marriage also brings rights regarding property ownership. Any property purchased after marriage is considered marital property and will be subject to division in the event of a divorce. It is advisable to consult a lawyer before marriage to discuss how property will be divided in this scenario.
Additionally, marriage affects tax returns, employment-related benefit programs, and the right to inherit assets if a spouse dies. Spouses may also wish to change their names and update their records with relevant authorities.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, a family member can officiate a wedding in Missouri as long as they are an ordained minister.
You can get ordained online through organizations like the Universal Life Church and American Marriage Ministries.
You must be at least 18 years old.
No, wedding officiants in Missouri are not required to register with any government office. However, it is a good idea to keep records of your official ministry credentials as proof of your ordination.
First, ensure that the couple has obtained a marriage license from the appropriate office. Then, on the wedding day, your legal role as the officiant is to officiate the ceremony and complete the marriage license with the couple and any required witnesses. Finally, return the signed marriage license to the issuing office within 15 days of the ceremony.
