How to Get Married in Missouri (2026)
Reviewed by DocDraft Legal Team · Missouri · Last updated 2026-05-18
In Missouri, a wedding is not just a personal milestone but a series of state-law steps with their own deadlines. The post-license waiting period is set by statute: 0 days. License validity in Missouri: 30 days. On common-law marriage, Common-law marriages shall be null and void. This guide lays out the Missouri-specific sequence and the documents and rules that govern it.
Key Considerations
Timing matters in Missouri on two fronts. After the license is issued, the waiting-period rule may delay a lawful ceremony: 0 days. See the state agency website. Once the license is in hand, it does not last indefinitely: 30 days. Couples plan the ceremony date inside that bracket.
Two structural Missouri rules determine whether the marriage is legally complete: the common-law-recognition rule and the officiant rule. On common-law: Common-law marriages shall be null and void. On officiants: state law fixes the officiant categories; in nearly every state these include ordained or credentialed religious clergy and current judicial officers, with additional state-specific categories for civil celebrants and ministerial designees (consult the state code). A ceremony that satisfies neither path is not a marriage in Missouri.
Before the wedding logistics begin, two Missouri legal points need to be settled: license cost and applicant age. the marriage-license fee is set at the county-clerk level and varies by county; a representative figure typically falls in the $30 to $115 range depending on the issuing jurisdiction (consult the state code). No recorder shall issue a license authorizing the marriage of any male or female under eighteen years of age. These are statutory questions, not negotiable ones, and the issuing clerk applies them at the counter.
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Relevant Documents
Missouri couples typically present this stack at the clerk's office: the completed marriage-license application, valid government photo identification, and (where applicable) the premarital-course completion certificate. No state-level statute. Governed by common law / municipal ordinance / case law as applicable. Marriage-license fee collection in Missouri happens at the counter when the application is filed, and the clerk's office issues a receipt for the payment.
Beneficiary Designation Forms
Documents that specify who receives assets from retirement accounts, life insurance policies, and other financial accounts upon your death.
Durable Power of Attorney
Authorizes someone to make financial and legal decisions on your behalf if you become incapacitated, ensuring your affairs can be managed without court intervention.
Healthcare Power of Attorney
Designates someone to make medical decisions for you if you're unable to do so, ensuring your healthcare preferences are respected.
Prenuptial Agreement
A contract entered into before marriage that establishes rights to property and financial support in case of divorce or death. This document can protect pre-marital assets and outline financial responsibilities during marriage.
Updated Will
A legal document that specifies how your assets should be distributed after death. Marriage typically invalidates previous wills in many jurisdictions, making it important to create a new one that includes your spouse.
Relevant Laws
Marriage License Requirements (RSMo § 451.040)
In Missouri, couples must obtain a marriage license before getting married. The license is valid for 30 days from issuance, and there is no waiting period after obtaining the license before the ceremony can take place. Both parties must appear in person at the recorder of deeds office, provide identification, and pay the required fee (typically $50-$100 depending on the county).
Age Requirements (RSMo § 451.090)
Missouri law requires both parties to be at least 18 years old to marry without parental consent. Individuals who are 16 or 17 years old may marry with the consent of one parent or guardian. Missouri no longer allows marriages for those under 16 years of age (this was changed by law in 2018).
Marriage Ceremony Requirements (RSMo § 451.040)
Missouri recognizes marriages performed by various officials including judges, religious ministers, and certain government officials. The person performing the ceremony must complete the marriage certificate and return it to the recorder of deeds within 15 days after the ceremony.
Prohibited Marriages (RSMo § 451.020)
Missouri prohibits marriages between certain relatives, including ancestors and descendants, siblings (whole or half-blood), uncles and nieces, aunts and nephews, and first cousins. The state also does not recognize marriages where either party is still legally married to another person (bigamy).
Name Change After Marriage (RSMo § 451.090)
Missouri allows individuals to change their last name after marriage by using their marriage certificate as legal documentation. This can be used to update identification documents like driver's licenses, Social Security cards, and passports. There is no requirement to change your name after marriage.
Prenuptial Agreements (RSMo § 452.330)
Missouri recognizes prenuptial agreements (also called premarital agreements) that meet certain requirements. These agreements must be in writing, signed by both parties, and entered into voluntarily with full disclosure of assets. They typically address property division and spousal support in the event of divorce.
Regional Variances
Marriage License Requirements in Missouri
St. Louis City requires both parties to appear in person at the Recorder of Deeds office. The marriage license fee is $50, and the office does not accept credit cards, only cash, money order, or cashier's check. There is no waiting period after receiving the license, and it is valid for 30 days.
In Kansas City (Jackson County), marriage licenses cost $50 and both parties must appear in person with valid ID. The license is issued immediately and valid for 30 days. The Recorder of Deeds office offers extended hours on Wednesdays until 6:30 PM to accommodate working couples.
Springfield (Greene County) requires a $51 fee for marriage licenses. Both applicants must appear together with identification. The license is valid for 30 days after issuance, and there is no waiting period. The Recorder's office is located in the Greene County Archives Building rather than the main courthouse.
In Columbia (Boone County), marriage licenses cost $50 and both parties must apply in person. The Recorder of Deeds offers an online pre-application process that can save time during the in-person visit. The license is valid for 30 days with no waiting period after issuance.
St. Charles County charges $50 for marriage licenses and requires both applicants to appear in person with valid ID. They offer a unique service where couples can schedule appointments online to avoid waiting. The license is valid for 30 days and can be used immediately after issuance.
Marriage Ceremony Requirements
St. Louis County allows marriages to be performed by judges, religious officials, and certain county officials. The county courthouse offers civil ceremonies by appointment only on specific days of the week for a fee of $25. Both witnesses must be at least 18 years old.
Clay County (part of the Kansas City metro area) has specific rules for courthouse weddings. Civil ceremonies are only performed on Tuesdays and Thursdays between 1:00 PM and 4:00 PM, and must be scheduled at least 3 days in advance. The ceremony fee is $35.
Jefferson County does not offer civil ceremonies at the courthouse. Couples must find their own officiant, who must be a judge, religious leader, or someone ordained through a recognized organization. The marriage license must be returned within 15 days after the ceremony.
Name Change Procedures
In St. Louis City, name changes after marriage require visiting multiple offices. You'll need to start with the Social Security Administration, then update your driver's license at the DMV. St. Louis City has a specific DMV office on North Kingshighway that processes name changes more efficiently than other locations.
Jackson County (Kansas City area) requires name changes to be processed first with Social Security, then with the DMV. The Independence License Office is known for shorter wait times for name changes compared to downtown Kansas City locations.
In Greene County (Springfield), name changes follow the standard Missouri process, but the local DMV offers a 'Fast Pass' appointment system that can significantly reduce wait times when updating your driver's license with your new name.
Suggested Compliance Checklist
Submit the Missouri marriage-license application in person at the issuing clerk's office
Before the ceremony days after startingthe marriage-license fee is set at the county-clerk level and varies by county; a representative figure typically falls in the $30 to $115 range depending on the issuing jurisdiction (consult the state code). Identification requirements typically include a current government-issued photo ID; some clerks also ask for a birth certificate or certified copy of any divorce decree.
Verify identification and any prior-marriage documents at the counter
Before the ceremony days after startingBoth applicants typically present current government photo ID; previously married applicants should bring a certified copy of the divorce decree, annulment order, or death certificate as proof the prior marriage has ended.
Consider completing a state-approved premarital preparation course if this state offers a discount or waiting-period.
Before the ceremony days after startingNo state-level statute. Governed by common law / municipal ordinance / case law as applicable. The certificate of completion must be presented to the clerk at the time of application, not later.
Plan the ceremony date around the statutory waiting period
Before applying days after starting0 days. A ceremony performed before the waiting period runs is voidable; the couple should confirm the earliest lawful date directly with the clerk.
Confirm the license validity window before locking the ceremony date
Before the ceremony days after starting30 days. The license expires by operation of law at the end of the window; a ceremony performed after expiration is not lawful and the couple must reapply.
Solemnize the marriage with an officiant the state recognizes
At the ceremony days after startingstate law fixes the officiant categories; in nearly every state these include ordained or credentialed religious clergy and current judicial officers, with additional state-specific categories for civil celebrants and ministerial designees (consult the state code). Verifying the officiant's authority in advance is important because a defective solemnization is one of the few errors the marriage code does not always cure retroactively.
Have the officiant return the executed license to the clerk after the ceremony
After the ceremony days after startingThe clerk records the marriage and issues the certified certificate; many states impose a strict return deadline (often 10 to 30 days), so the officiant should not delay.
| Task | Description | Document | Days after starting |
|---|---|---|---|
| Submit the Missouri marriage-license application in person at the issuing clerk's office | the marriage-license fee is set at the county-clerk level and varies by county; a representative figure typically falls in the $30 to $115 range depending on the issuing jurisdiction (consult the state code). Identification requirements typically include a current government-issued photo ID; some clerks also ask for a birth certificate or certified copy of any divorce decree. | - | Before the ceremony |
| Verify identification and any prior-marriage documents at the counter | Both applicants typically present current government photo ID; previously married applicants should bring a certified copy of the divorce decree, annulment order, or death certificate as proof the prior marriage has ended. | - | Before the ceremony |
| Consider completing a state-approved premarital preparation course if this state offers a discount or waiting-period. | No state-level statute. Governed by common law / municipal ordinance / case law as applicable. The certificate of completion must be presented to the clerk at the time of application, not later. | - | Before the ceremony |
| Plan the ceremony date around the statutory waiting period | 0 days. A ceremony performed before the waiting period runs is voidable; the couple should confirm the earliest lawful date directly with the clerk. | - | Before applying |
| Confirm the license validity window before locking the ceremony date | 30 days. The license expires by operation of law at the end of the window; a ceremony performed after expiration is not lawful and the couple must reapply. | - | Before the ceremony |
| Solemnize the marriage with an officiant the state recognizes | state law fixes the officiant categories; in nearly every state these include ordained or credentialed religious clergy and current judicial officers, with additional state-specific categories for civil celebrants and ministerial designees (consult the state code). Verifying the officiant's authority in advance is important because a defective solemnization is one of the few errors the marriage code does not always cure retroactively. | - | At the ceremony |
| Have the officiant return the executed license to the clerk after the ceremony | The clerk records the marriage and issues the certified certificate; many states impose a strict return deadline (often 10 to 30 days), so the officiant should not delay. | - | After the ceremony |
Frequently Asked Questions
the marriage-license fee is set at the county-clerk level and varies by county; a representative figure typically falls in the $30 to $115 range depending on the issuing jurisdiction (consult the state code). The figure that controls is the one on the issuing clerk's current fee schedule, which the clerk applies at the counter. Couples should also ask the clerk about accepted payment methods, which sometimes exclude personal checks.
Common-law marriages shall be null and void. Where a state does still recognize common-law marriage, the elements (present-tense agreement to be married, cohabitation in the state, holding out as married) vary in detail, and a couple relying on the doctrine should document each element.
0 days. Couples planning a Missouri ceremony should calendar the earliest lawful date from license issuance and book the ceremony on or after that day; a ceremony performed before the period runs is not a lawful marriage.
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