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 Marriage Requirements 

 

 

  • Please contact your county Recorder of Deeds for information regarding any county-specific license procedures.

  • Both applicants for a marriage license must appear* in the presence of the recorder of deeds or their deputy. (RSMo 451.040) Proof of identification may be required; please contact the county for requirements.

  • The SSN contained in an application for a marriage license shall be exempt from examination and copying. (RSMo 610.024) Proof of social security number (SSN) is not required at the time of application if you do not have a SSN. (RSMo 451.040) If you do have a SSN, please bring this information with you at the time of application. Please contact the county recorder's office for required documents and information on SSNs and marriage license applications prior to completing the application if you have any questions.

  • No recorder shall issue a license authorizing the marriage of any person under sixteen years of age. (RSMo 451.090)

  • No recorder shall issue a license authorizing the marriage of any person twenty-one years of age or older to a person under eighteen years of age. (RSMo 451.090)

  • No recorder shall issue a license authorizing the marriage of any person under the age of eighteen years, except with the consent of his or her custodial parent or guardian. (RSMo 451.090)

  • Applicants shall provide proof of age to the recorder in the form of a certified copy of the applicant's birth certificate, passport, or other government-issued identification, which shall then be documented by the recorder. (RSMo 451.090)

  • The license may be issued at the time of application if the ceremony is being performed within 30 days (RSMo 451.040).

  • The license shall be void after thirty days from the date of issuance. (RSMO 451.040)

  • The license must be picked up prior to the ceremony. The person solemnizing the marriage is required to have the marriage license prior to performing the ceremony. (RSMO 451.120)

  • The person solemnizing the marriage shall return the license to the issuing recorder of deeds within 15 days. (RSMo 451.130)

  • Fee to be paid on application. (RSMO 451.130)

 

 

*If Either Party is unable to appear in the Recorder's Office to apply, due to Military Service, ADA Qualifying Disability or Incarceration, an Affidavit of Absent Applicant may be provided.

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