How to Officiate a Wedding in Columbia, Missouri

Congratulations! You’re about to get married in the heartland of Missouri. Aside from being a famous University town, Columbia has a whole range of activities - from an attractive downtown shopping and restaurant scene to interesting tours of the famous Museum of Anthropology. You’re also not far from Rock Bridge Memorial State Park where you can hike on the well-maintained trails, swim in the natural sinkholes, or explore the underground caves. Whatever your plans, Columbia has you in for a treat!

AMM is here to get you squared away with the logistical aspects of your wedding, from ordaining your hand-picked minister to helping you apply for and fill out the marriage license. So, without further ado, let’s start with the ordainment process!
 

Step 1: Get Ordained with American Marriage Ministries

Let’s start with the ordainment process. According to Missouri law, the following persons may perform wedding ceremonies: 
 
“any clergyman, either active or retired, who is in good standing with any church or synagogue in this state … [or] by a religious society, religious institution, or religious organization of this state, according to the regulations and customs of the society, institution or organization, when either party to the marriage to be solemnized is a member of such society, institution or organization.”
 
If you do not fall into the category of a clergy member just yet, no sweat. You can register with AMM to become legally ordained. The process is free and takes just a few minutes.
 
Wedding officiants in Missouri are not required to register with any government office, so once you’re registered with AMM, you’re all set to start performing wedding ceremonies!

Step 2: Prepare for the Wedding Ceremony in Shasta County

Now that the formal application process is out of the way, we can help you prepare for the more personal aspects of conducting the wedding ceremony. Being asked to officiate a ceremony is an honor, but requires a bit of preparation. You may want to check out our wedding training pages, which are a library of information to help you prepare for your first ceremony and ensure that it goes smoothly. 
 
Here you can find everything from sample wedding ceremony scripts, to brainstorming prompts, tips for preparation, and more.

Step 3: Officiate the Wedding and Complete the Marriage License

When it comes time to sign the marriage license, it’s the couple’s responsibility to obtain and complete the marriage license, but just be sure to double-check that they have a valid marriage license before the ceremony.
 
Once you have performed the ceremony and signed the marriage license, you will need to return it to the Recorder’s Office in Boone County within 15 days after the ceremony. Once this is done, you have fulfilled your legal requirements. 
 

Now let's turn to the couple’s responsibilities. Both members of the couple must visit the Recorder’s Office and be able to present valid state-issued identification and social security numbers. The couple should also be able to provide the name and phone number of the wedding officiant. In order to save some time at your appointment, first complete the online marriage license application. The marriage license costs $51.00 with an extra service fee of $1.50 for debit/credit card payments. 
 
When you go, just remember to bring:
 

• Valid ID (Passport, Driver’s License)
• Social Security Numbers (card not required)
• $51.00 cash
• Officiant’s name and phone number
   

The Basics

You are sure to have an unforgettable experience at the Tiger Hotel right in downtown Columbia. This gorgeous event center offers all the amenities of a luxury hotel, including a grand ballroom with crystal chandeliers and a hardwood floor, plus excellent dining and accommodation options for the guests. The Atrium On Tenth is a venue that’s quite popular with local couples and can accommodate a large number of guests. 

Transportation

Columbia’s public bus service, COMO, is a reliable option for getting around the city affordably. Rideshare and taxi services should also be readily available. Otherwise, it’s recommendable to rent a car if you want to do any traveling outside the city limits.

Weather

Missouri has a humid, subtropical climate. It has cooler winters but the summers are long, hot, and humid. If you are having an outdoor wedding, you will want to pay particular attention to the season. Luckily, the venues we recommend are great in any type of weather. However, we recommend visiting in the autumn to enjoy the picturesque foliage and preferable temperatures. Summers can be very hot, so choose a venue with air-conditioning if you are planning a summer wedding.