Franklin Dean
If you want to perform a wedding in Missouri, you must be ordained as a minister or recognized as a public official. There is no requirement to register with a Missouri government office, but you must be ordained by a religious organization, such as American Marriage Ministries. To obtain a marriage license, both parties must appear in person with valid identification and Social Security cards. The couple must then state their intent to take each other as spouses in the presence of the minister and at least two witnesses. The officiant must then fill out the necessary paperwork and return the marriage license to the Recorder of Deeds office within 15 days.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Marriage license | Required, issued by the recorder of deeds in each Missouri county |
| Marriage license applicants | Must be at least 18 years old, or have consent from a custodial parent or guardian if under 18 |
| Marriage license applicants | Must appear in person and present valid identification containing date of birth, along with a Social Security card |
| Marriage license applicants | Not required to be Missouri residents |
| Marriage license cost | Varies by county, at least $45 |
| Marriage license validity | Valid only in Missouri and for 30 days after being issued |
| Officiant | Must be ordained, either as a minister or as a judge |
| Witnesses | At least two required |
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What You'll Learn
How to get a marriage license
To get a marriage license in Missouri, both parties must appear in person before the county clerk, recorder of deeds, or deputy recorder. They will need to provide their Social Security numbers, full names and addresses, and show a valid photo ID that includes their date of birth. Applicants must be at least 18 years old and cannot be married to anyone else. If applicants are younger than 18, they must have consent from a custodial parent or guardian. There is no requirement to be a Missouri resident, nor do applicants need to take a blood test or show proof of a previous divorce. The cost of obtaining a marriage license varies by county but is at least $45, and the license is valid in any county in Missouri and only in Missouri. The license must be used for a ceremony within 29 days of being picked up.
After the ceremony, the minister, judge, or officiant has several steps to complete to ensure the marriage is legally binding. They must ensure that both witnesses have endorsed the original marriage certificate and that copies have been provided to all parties. They are also required to provide their title, religious organization (if applicable), home address, and the state in which they live. The officiant must then sign the marriage license and return it, along with the marriage certificate, to the official who issued the license no later than 15 days from the date of the ceremony.
In Missouri, there are no officiant registration requirements, but the officiant must be ordained by a religious organization or be a judge, public official, notary public, or recognized member of a Native American nation or tribe. The officiant does not need to be a resident of Missouri, but the ceremony must be performed in Missouri and officiated by a U.S. citizen.
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Who can officiate
In Missouri, you must have a marriage license for the marriage to be legally binding. The couple does not have to be Missouri residents to obtain a license, but they must be at least 18 years old. Both parties must be present when applying for a license and must have valid identification. The cost of a marriage license varies by county but is at least $45, and the license is valid in any county in the state.
Once the couple has obtained their marriage license, they can proceed with the wedding ceremony. Missouri law requires that the wedding be solemnized in the presence of an "officiant" authorized according to law. The officiant must be a clergyman (either active or retired) of a church or synagogue, or a judge of the court of record. The officiant will fill out the paperwork, sign the document, and obtain signatures from the couple and two witnesses. The officiant then has 15 days to return the marriage license to the Recorder of Deeds office that issued the document.
Missouri law specifies that to be able to legally perform a marriage, one must be an ordained minister or clergyman. This includes all ministers, including online ordained ministers of American Marriage Ministries, or ministers ordained online by the Universal Life Church. Local regulations in Missouri stipulate that wedding officiants under the designation of "Minister" be ordained by a religious organization. While not required, it is recommended that officiants keep personal records of their official Ministry Credentials, as proof of ordination may be requested by the couple, government officials, or the wedding venue.
In addition to ordained ministers, the following individuals can also solemnize marriages in Missouri:
- Notaries
- Judges, including municipal judges
- Mayors
- City judges
- Justices of the peace
- Tribal judges
- Recognized members of religious denominations or Native American nations or tribes
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Officiant registration requirements
To perform a wedding in Missouri, you must be an ordained minister to be able to legally perform marriages. While there are no officiant registration requirements in Missouri, local regulations in the state stipulate that wedding officiants under the designation of "Minister" be ordained by a religious organization, such as American Marriage Ministries or Universal Life Church.
Missouri does have a law (Missouri Revised Statutes § 451.100) that specifies who can solemnize marriages. This includes all ministers, including online ordained ministers of American Marriage Ministries, as well as judges, mayors, notaries, and recognized members of religious denominations or Native American nations or tribes and tribal judges.
While you are not required to register with any Missouri government office as a wedding officiant, it is a good idea to keep personal records of your official Ministry Credentials. Proof of your ordination may be requested by the couple, government officials, or the wedding venue. This proof can be obtained through your Missouri Minister Ordination Package, which includes your official Ordination Certificate and Letter of Good Standing, signed by a church officer, dated, and notarized.
After the ceremony, the minister must ensure that both witnesses have endorsed the original marriage certificate and that copies have been provided to all parties. The minister is also required to provide their title, religious organization, home address, and the state where they currently live. The minister must also sign the marriage license and return it, along with the marriage certificate, to the official who issued the license no later than 15 days from the date of the ceremony.
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What to do after the ceremony
To perform a wedding in Missouri, you'll need to obtain a marriage license from the recorder of deeds in any Missouri county. This can be done on the same day, with no waiting period, and the license is valid across the state. Both parties must be present and provide valid identification, Social Security numbers, full names, addresses, and proof of any prior divorces. The couple must also be at least 18 years old or have parental consent.
After the ceremony, there are a few steps to ensure the marriage is legally binding. Here's what to do:
Sign and Return the Marriage License
The officiant or minister has 15 days after the ceremony to sign and return the marriage license to the recorder of deeds office. The license is valid for 30 days and becomes void after that.
Witnesses' Endorsement
Ensure that both witnesses endorse the original marriage certificate and that all parties receive copies.
Provide Additional Information
The minister must also provide their title, religious organization, home address, and the state they live in.
Return the Marriage Certificate
Along with the signed marriage license, the minister must return the marriage certificate to the official who issued the license within 15 days of the ceremony.
File a Marriage Report
A report of each marriage performed in Missouri must be filed with the relevant department and registered. The official issuing the marriage license will prepare this report based on information obtained from one of the married parties.
Plan for Unpredictable Weather
If the wedding is outdoors, carefully monitor the forecast and be prepared for unexpected weather changes. Bring appropriate outerwear, especially during seasons with volatile weather.
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Where to get married in Missouri
To get married in Missouri, you'll need to apply for a marriage license. This can be done online in many counties, but you'll have to finish the process in person, with your partner, at the Recorder of Deeds office in any Missouri county. You'll need to bring valid identification that includes your date of birth and a Social Security card. The license is then valid for 30 days.
Now that you know the legal requirements, it's time to choose a venue. If you're looking for an outdoor setting, Dogwood Canyon Nature Park in Lampe offers a wilderness venue, while Celebration Cruises on Lake Ozarks provides a unique experience with several wedding packages to choose from. For a venue with historic charm, the Bingham-Waggoner Estate in Augusta is a great option, while the Moonrise Hotel in St. Louis offers quirky charm.
For those seeking a more spiritual setting, the Shrine of the Holy Spirit provides an elegant location. The Saint Louis Art Museum is another option, where you can say your vows surrounded by exquisite artistic treasures. If you're looking for something more affordable, La Bella Casa is a beautifully restored premier events estate with a well-manicured garden. The Abbott in Kansas City is another elegant yet modern venue, and the Columbia Country Club offers a ballroom setting with an 18-hole golf course.
If you're looking for a unique and memorable experience, the Third Degree Glass Factory in St. Louis could be the perfect choice. For a blend of historic and contemporary vibes, the Kansas City Marriott Downtown is a luxurious option. And for a truly one-of-a-kind landmark, the Gateway Arch in St. Louis is the tallest man-made national monument, providing a cultural attraction that will add vitality to your wedding.
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Frequently asked questions
You will need a marriage license issued by the recorder of deeds in the relevant Missouri county. You will also need to present valid identification containing your date of birth, along with a Social Security card.
No, you do not need to be a resident of Missouri to perform a wedding in the state.
You must be an ordained minister to be able to legally perform a marriage in Missouri. You can get this certification online or at the church you're a member of.
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