How to Fill out a Missouri Marriage License with Examples & FAQs

Asked to officiate a Missouri wedding? Getting married in Missouri? Whether you're a new wedding officiant or soon to be newlyweds, here’s everything you need to know about the marriage license process, including cost, waiting period, and – most importantly – how to fill out a Missouri marriage license correctly the first time!

We can hear those wedding bells ringing from here, so let’s dig in! 

How to Fill Out a Missouri Marriage License: Example & FAQs

1. How to Fill Out a Missouri Marriage License (for the Officiant)

It’s the wedding officiant’s responsibility to fill out the marriage license and return it to the recorder’s office after the wedding. Newlyweds do not need to sign a Missouri marriage license.

Couples will be given a marriage license and marriage certificate by the recorder’s office before the wedding day. These must be signed by the officiant and two ceremony witnesses.

Related: Officiant Training: Understanding the Wedding License Process

Here are a few pointers from the Johnson and Clay County Recorder of Deeds to get you started:

• Use black ink or dark ink only. Do not use a light color or pencil on the license. Please be sure to print legibly. 
• The officiant must complete and sign the bottom portion of the license; this is the portion that contains the raised seal and has a signature of a Deputy or the Recorder.
• The officiant must promptly return the entire license by mail to the county recorder’s office, within 15 days of the ceremony (it must be received by this time). A self‐addressed envelope is provided for this purpose by the recorder’s office when the license is issued.
• The officiant must also complete and sign the accompanying marriage certificate, and give it to the couple after the wedding ceremony.
• It is the officiant’s responsibility to obtain the witnesses’ signatures on the license and certificate.
• The officiant must also keep a personal record of all marriages they perform.
• To clarify: The couple does not sign the marriage license or the certificate – only the officiant and witnesses will sign.

Related: Who Can Be a Witness for a Wedding & How Do You Choose?

2. Missouri Marriage License Example

We reached out to the Clay County Recorder of Deeds and Johnson County Recorder of Deeds offices for examples of official Missouri marriage licenses, and how to fill one out. 

The sample marriage licenses below show what the bottom portion of your marriage license looks like. It will contain a raised seal and have a signature of a Deputy of the Recorder. The officiant will fill in each section as indicated, and sign it along with two witnesses.

Sample One:

Sample Two:

3. What to Do if You Make a Mistake on a Missouri Marriage License

If you make a mistake while filling out a marriage license – such as a misspelled name, incorrect date, or the wrong county name – the couple may need to purchase a replacement license for you to fill out with the accurate information before it can be filed with the recorder.

Since each county may have different steps to take to correct different types of errors, we recommend you contact the recorder’s office directly with your questions. This will be the simplest way to handle any issues that come up. 

How to Amend a Missouri marriage license

If you need to correct or amend a Missouri marriage license after it's filed, visit the Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services for instructions: DHSS Correct/Amend a Vital Record

4. Can Someone Who is Ordained Online Sign a Marriage License in Missouri?

Yes, ministers who are ordained online through a reputable and recognized church, including American Marriage Ministries, can officiate weddings in Missouri and sign your marriage license. 

|* custom-button, "https://theamm.org/weddings-by-state/missouri/get-ordained", "GET ORDAINED IN MISSOURI" *|

However, not all online-ordained ministers are legally qualified to perform marriages in all states. If your officiant is ordained online with a church other than American Marriage Ministries, it’s important to verify their minister credentials before they perform your wedding ceremony: 

• How to Tell if Your Officiant Can Perform a Legal Wedding
• Cómo Saber si su Oficiante Puede Realizar una Boda Legal

5. How to Apply for a Marriage License in Missouri

All couples must apply for a marriage license to get married in Missouri, and marriage licenses are issued by the County Recorder Office in any county. 

You can apply for your marriage license completely online in a few MO counties, via virtual appointment, if certain conditions are met. Counties offering fully-remote services include St. Louis County and St. Charles County, MO. With these fully-remote services, applicants do not need to attend an in-person appointment at the recorder's office. 

In counties where fully-remote services aren't available, you might be allowed or required to start the marriage license application online, before picking up the license in person at the recorder's office. Ask your local county recorder of deeds about online marriage license services, or check the county recorder's website: Directory of All Missouri County Recorder Websites. 

6.  How Much is a Marriage License in Missouri? (Cost)

Marriage license prices may vary slightly by county, and sometimes increase to keep up with state budget costs. For the most-current Missouri marriage license cost, click the link below, or contact your local recorder's office: 

• How Much Does a Marriage License Cost?

7. How Long Does it Take to Get a Marriage License in Missouri? (Missouri Marriage License Waiting Period)

The amount of time you spend in the recorder’s office will vary depending on where you apply. But because there’s no waiting period in Missouri, you can apply for a marriage license and use it on the same day. 

Related: Last Minute Wedding: Officiating a Ceremony on Short Notice, or Same Day!

8. How Long is a Marriage License Good for in Missouri?

How long a marriage license is valid in each state is called the “expiration period.” This is the number of days or months you have to use your license after it’s issued – your ceremony must take place within this timeframe. To see the current Missouri marriage license expiration period, click the link below: 

• Marriage License Waiting Period, Expiration, and Return
• See all Missouri Marriage License Laws

9. How to Get a Copy of a Missouri Marriage License

If you’d like a copy of your Missouri marriage license after it’s filed with the recorder’s office, contact the Recorder of Deeds. (Don’t worry, they’ll have it! Missouri marriage license records go all the way back to 1877!)

Visit the Recorder of Deeds' website in the county where your wedding took place (where your license was filed) to download a Marriage License Copy Order Form, and submit it in person or by mail to the Recorder of Deeds. Some counties may allow online submissions.

If you need a replacement copy of a marriage license before it’s been filed, contact the issuing office directly for next steps. 

Explore More Missouri Wedding Tips & News From AMM

• How to Get Married in Missouri - Plan a Wedding in the Show-Me State 
• Become a Wedding Officiant in Missouri
• Can Your Pet Be a Wedding Witness? Not Exactly…
• A Simple Wedding Planning Checklist & Timeline for Busy Couples

Missouri City Guides: How to Officiate a Wedding & Get Married in Your MO City! 

• Officiate a Wedding in Columbia, MO
• Officiate a Wedding in Independence, MO
• Officiate a Wedding in Kansas City, MO
• Officiate a Wedding in Springfield, MO
• Officiate a Wedding in St Louis, MO

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