Marriage license · Missouri
Missouri marriage license: cost, where to apply, and when
Issued by the recorder of deeds. Only 30 days to use it. Apply the month of the wedding.
When to apply, for your date
The license lasts 30 days and there is no wait, so apply any time in the 30 days before the wedding, including the day itself. Enter your date and we will do the arithmetic.
Where to apply
The offices that serve the Missouri cities Lazo covers. Both of you go, with government photo ID; check the office's own page for hours, appointments and what to bring.
What to bring
Both of you, in person, with government photo ID such as a driver's license or passport. Know your parents' full names and birthplaces, which most applications ask. If either of you was married before, know the date and how it ended; some offices ask for the decree. Bring the fee; not every office takes cards.
Missouri marriage license FAQ
How much does a marriage license cost in Missouri?
About $51, paid to the recorder of deeds. Fees change and differ by county; confirm with the office.
Where do you get a marriage license in Missouri?
From the recorder of deeds. Only 30 days to use it. Apply the month of the wedding.
Is there a waiting period in Missouri?
No waiting period. You can marry the day the license is issued.
How long is a Missouri marriage license valid?
Valid 30 days. Apply within 30 days of the wedding, after any waiting period.
Do you need witnesses in Missouri?
No. Only the officiant signs.
Fees and rules are as published by the issuing offices for 2025 to 2026 and change without notice. This page is a planning aid, not legal advice; the office's own page is the last word. Planning a wedding in St. Louis, Kansas City? Every vendor there is ranked by verified reviews, and your free wedding website is a click away. Every state.