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Kansas City, Missouri Wedding Guide

Become a Wedding Officiant in Kansas City as an AMM Ordained Minister. Learn more about getting ordained in Missouri, officiant training, wedding ceremony planning, and more.

How to Officiate a Wedding in Kansas City, Missouri

Kansas City is more than mouthwatering barbeque and a killer jazz scene. It’s also the ideal place to host a wedding, whether you’re envisioning a classic, country hoedown or a sophisticated night on the town. KC truly has so much to offer every couple-to-be in Missouri.

 

But before you get wrapped up in the wedding planning details, there are some legal to-do’s to take care of first, like getting your officiant-of-choice ordained and obtaining your marriage license. We’re here to help you through the logistics -- plus, we have some extra tips at the end to make sure your big day goes smoothly.

 

Let’s start with the ordainment process. 
 




Missouri Wedding Tips and Tricks

Become a Wedding Officiant

For The
Wedding Officiant

Step 1: Get Ordained with American Marriage Ministries

 

According to Jackson County Clerk’s website, “Marriages may be solemnized by any clergyman, either active or retired, who is in good standing with any church or synagogue in this state.”

 

If you do not fall into any of these categories, no sweat. You can get ordained with AMM to fall within the priest or minister category. The process is free and takes just a few minutes.

 

The Missouri government does not license, register, or certify ministers or wedding officiants, so once you’re signed up with us, you’re ready to start performing wedding ceremonies!

 

Step 2: Prepare for the Ceremony in Jackson County

 

Now that the easy part is out of the way, we can help you prepare for the wedding ceremony itself. Being asked to officiate a ceremony is an honor, but can feel like a lot of pressure. You will appreciate 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 to the marriage license, it’s the couple’s responsibility to obtain it. Just be sure to double check that they have a valid marriage license before you perform the ceremony.

 

Once you have completed the ceremony, you will need to help the couple complete and sign the marriage license correctly. Then, return it to the Jackson County Recorder of Deeds Department within 15 days of the ceremony.

 

The license will be retained by the Department for record preservation. Once returned, certified copies of the license can then be issued to the couple.
 



Missouri Wedding

How To Get Married in Kansas City

For The
Couple

Now let’s turn our attention to the couple’s responsibilities.

 

You can start the marriage license application online by clicking here. (Although you are submitting an online application, both parties will still need to appear together at the Recorder of Deeds Department to obtain your official marriage license.)

 

To do so, head down to the Historic Truman Courthouse at 112 W Lexington and find them in Suite 30.

 

When you go, just remember to bring:

 

  • Valid, state-issued IDs (driver’s license or passport)
  • $50 for the marriage license fee

 

Once you have obtained your marriage license, there is a three-day waiting period before you can get married. On the day of the wedding, the officiant will help you complete and notarize your marriage license and return it to the Recorder of the Deeds office so that it can be filed.
 

Jackson County Marriage License Info

Important Facts to know before filing for a marriage license in Kansas City, Missouri.

Issuance Office: The Historic Truman Courthouse

Fee: $50 

Waiting Period: 3 days

Expiration: 30 days

Return: By officiant within 15 days

Kansas City Wedding Tips and Tricks

Wedding Venue and Planning Tips

For The Couple
& Officiant

The Basics

 

When narrowing down your wedding date, be sure to keep the city’s busy events calendar in mind. You don’t want to plan your big day across the street from First Friday or near the Kauffman Stadium on the same night as a baseball game. So, before committing to a wedding venue, be sure to check a local events calendar first.

 

Speaking of venues, we have some recommendations for you to help kick start your search. There are so many options available in town, it’s hard to know where to begin!

 

Our first pick is the On Broadway Rooftop Event Space. You’ll feel like a celebrity as you sip cocktails against a backdrop of the view of downtown, seated on a luxurious chaise lounge. So, if you’re planning a summer wedding, be sure to check it out.

 

Ever wanted to party down in a haunted mansion? Two spirits from the beyond are said to wander down Loose Mansion’s grand staircase and past its roaring fireplaces. But don’t let that spook you -- the property is one of the most sought after wedding spaces in Kansas City for a reason, and is definitely worth a look.

 

Or for something that’s truly off the beaten path, check out Fresh Air Farm, just a 25 minute drive northwest of Kansas City. You can host your event inside the 100-year-old barn or out on its green pastures. There are plenty of photo ops onsite, from the charming pond to its rustic iron and wooden bridge.

 

Transportation

 

Kansas City isn’t known for having the best public transportation, so if you’re coming in from out of town and you are trying to avoid renting a car, your best bet is to utilize ride-sharing services like Lyft and Uber during your stay in KC.

 

Weather

 

Missouri has cooler winters but the summers are long, hot, and humid. If you are having an outdoor wedding, you will want to pay special attention to the season. We recommend planning a wedding in the autumn or spring to enjoy the mild temperatures. Summers can be very hot, so you may want to choose a venue with climate control if you are planning a wedding in July or August.
 




Kansas City Officiant FAQ

Kansas City Officiant & Couples FAQ

For The Couple
& Officiant


Are Internet ministers legal in Missouri?
Yes, ministers that have been ordained through online ministries are perfectly legal in the state of Missouri.

 

Does the officiant have to register his or her credentials with the state in order to start performing weddings?
No, the state does not license ministers. Once you have been ordained with us, you are free to start performing weddings in the state of Missouri.

 

After we obtain our marriage license, what should we do with it?
Your officiant will help you complete and notarize your marriage license correctly on the day of the wedding.

 

When can we use our marriage license?
There is a three-day waiting period before you can use your marriage license. You then have 30 days from the marriage license’s issuance date that you can use it to get married before it expires.

 

Where is our marriage license valid?
Anywhere in the state of Missouri.

 

Who should return the marriage license?
The marriage license needs to be returned to the County Recorder of Deeds department within 15 days of the ceremony by the officiant.

 

When can we get certified copies of our marriage license?
You can pick up your certified copies after your marriage license has been filed with the County Recorder of Deeds office.

OFFICIANT CEREMONY
PREPARATION IN

Professional Wedding Officiant Certification Course

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Will You Marry Us? Gift Package

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Signature Wedding Officiant Package

Signature Wedding Officiant Package

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The Book of Wedding Vows and Ceremonies

The Book of Wedding Vows and Ceremonies

It's finally here! Timeless scripts and heartfelt vow inspiration to bring life to your ceremony.

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Read our sample wedding ceremony scripts online

Sample Wedding Ceremony Scripts

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Wedding Officiant Training

Wedding Officiant Training

Everything you need to know to officiate.

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