{"id":28670,"name":"Springfield","state_id":34,"county_id":1740,"created_at":"2019-08-20T10:40:15.083-07:00","updated_at":"2021-09-20T15:14:18.307-07:00","meta_description":"Learn how to plan and officiate a wedding ceremony in Springfield Missouri. Find out how to get ordained, wedding venues, marriage license requirements and more.","head_tag":"A Springfield Wedding Ceremony Guide for Couples and Wedding Officiants","tagline":"The Show Me State","intro_section":"\u003cp\u003eIf you\u0026rsquo;re planning a wedding in Missouri, there\u0026rsquo;s no need to head out to Kansas City or to St. Louis to have the wedding of your dreams. Southwestern Missouri is the perfect spot to host your big day -- especially if you call Springfield home. The biggest little city in southwest Missouri is a wedding industry hot spot and you\u0026rsquo;ll find it\u0026rsquo;s chock full of fabulous wedding venues.\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003eBut before we jump to the fun part, there\u0026rsquo;s a few things to check off your wedding planning list first. Here in our guide, we have all the need-to-know info about getting your officiant-of-choice ordained and getting your marriage license -- plus, some tips for planning a seamless wedding in Springfield.\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003eSo, let us show you the ropes of how to get married in the Show Me state!\u003c/p\u003e\r\n","officiant_section":"\u003ch3\u003eStep\u0026nbsp;1: Get Ordained with American Marriage Ministries\u003c/h3\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003eLet\u0026rsquo;s start with the ordainment process. According to Missouri law, the following persons may perform wedding ceremonies:\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003e\u0026ldquo;any clergyman, either active or retired, who is in good standing with any church or synagogue in this state \u0026hellip; [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.\u0026rdquo;\u003c/em\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cbr /\u003e\r\nIf you do not fall into any of these categories, no sweat. You can \u003ca href=\"/ordination-application\"\u003eregister with AMM\u003c/a\u003e to become legally ordained. The process is free and takes just a few minutes.\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003eWedding officiants in Missouri are not required to register with any government office, so once you\u0026rsquo;re registered with AMM, you\u0026rsquo;re all set to start performing wedding ceremonies!\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003ch3\u003eStep\u0026nbsp;2: Prepare for the Ceremony in Greene County\u003c/h3\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003eNow 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.\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003eHere you can find everything from sample wedding ceremony scripts, to \u0026nbsp;brainstorming prompts, tips for preparation, and more.\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003ch3\u003e\u003cbr /\u003e\r\nStep\u0026nbsp;3: Officiate the Wedding and Complete the Marriage License\u003c/h3\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003eThe couple is responsible for picking up the license from the county clerk\u0026rsquo;s office. It is a misdemeanor for anyone to perform a marriage ceremony if a license is not presented prior to the ceremony in the state of Missouri.\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003eOn the wedding day, the officiant (that\u0026rsquo;s you!) must complete the left portion of the license, have two witnesses sign it, and return it to the recorder\u0026#39;s office within 15 days after the wedding so that the license becomes a permanent record. The couple keeps the right portion of the license as their Marriage Certificate.\u003c/p\u003e\r\n","couple_section":"\u003cp\u003eNow let\u0026rsquo;s turn our attention to the couple\u0026rsquo;s responsibilities. To obtain your marriage license, both members of the couple will have to visit the county recorder\u0026rsquo;s office at 940 N Boonville Ave. in Room 102.\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003eIt\u0026rsquo;s best to do this within 30 days of your ceremony because then you can take your license the same day you apply. If you come too far in advance, you\u0026rsquo;ll have to make a second trip to the office to pick it up.\u003cbr /\u003e\r\n\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWhen you go, just remember to bring:\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cul style=\"margin-left: 40px;\"\u003e\r\n\t\u003cli\u003e$51 for license or $60 for license plus a certified copy. Cash or Card (convenience fee applies to card use)\u003c/li\u003e\r\n\t\u003cli\u003eProper identification (valid driver\u0026rsquo;s license, passport or other state-issued ID)\u003c/li\u003e\r\n\t\u003cli\u003eSocial Security Numbers\u003c/li\u003e\r\n\u003c/ul\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003eIf you want to pre-order a copy of your marriage certificate for name-changing purposes, bring an extra $9 in cash to give to the recorder\u0026rsquo;s office so that they can mail you your copy after the wedding.\u003c/p\u003e\r\n","wedding_tips":"\u003ch3\u003eThe Basics\u003c/h3\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003eWhen choosing your wedding date, watch out for some of the local events, such as the Turkey Trot race each year. You don\u0026rsquo;t want to end up competing with traffic on the big day, so check some local events calendars before committing to a wedding venue.\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003eSpeaking of wedding venues, there are quite a few options to choose from right in Springfield. \u003ca href=\"https://www.moontowncrossing.com/\" target=\"_blank\"\u003eThe Barley House at Moon Town Crossing\u003c/a\u003e, \u003ca href=\"https://www.425downtown.com/\" target=\"_blank\"\u003e425 Downtown Events and Catering\u003c/a\u003e, the \u003ca href=\"https://historicfirehouse.com/\" target=\"_blank\"\u003eHistoric Firehouse No. 2\u003c/a\u003e and \u003ca href=\"https://www.veridianevents.com/\"\u003eViridian Events Center\u003c/a\u003e are some of the most popular spots. Depending on your style -- from classic elegance to urban party scene -- you\u0026rsquo;ll find a venue that you like right in Springfield.\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003eBut if you want to widen your scope, feel free to venture outside of Springfield. Your Greene County marriage license is valid anywhere in the state.\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003ch3\u003eTransportation\u003c/h3\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003eThe public transportation system isn\u0026#39;t the best, so if you\u0026rsquo;re coming in from out of town for a wedding, it\u0026rsquo;s best to either rent a car or utilize ride-sharing services like Lyft or Uber during your stay. You can also take advantage of some of the limousine services available in town. If not on your wedding day, then when?\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003ch3\u003eWeather\u003c/h3\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003eMissouri has long, pleasant springs, but until April, it can be fairly chilly outside. Then, the weather stays warm until Memorial Day. Summer can get very hot, up into the 90s, but rarely for more than a few days at a time. Fall is arguably the best season in Missouri because of the beautiful fall foliage and pleasant temperatures. Winter can get very bitter, with snow and ice in the realm of possibilities, but it\u0026rsquo;s rarely for more than a few days.\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003eSevere weather, such as tornadoes and thunderstorms, happen, so it\u0026rsquo;s a good idea to invest in wedding insurance in case your big day coincides with a major weather event.\u003c/p\u003e\r\n","faq":"\u003ch4\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAre Internet ministers recognized in Missouri?\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/h4\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003eYes, ministers that are ordained through online ministries like AMM can legally officiate ceremonies in the state of Missouri.\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003ch4\u003e\u003cbr /\u003e\r\n\u003cstrong\u003eCan we get married anywhere in the state of Missouri?\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/h4\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003eWith your Springfield-issued marriage license, you can get married anywhere in the state lines as long as you deliver the completed license back to the office of issuance.\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003ch4\u003e\u003cbr /\u003e\r\n\u003cstrong\u003eWho should deliver the marriage license back to the recorder\u0026rsquo;s office?\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/h4\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003eThe officiant is responsible for returning the completed marriage license to the recorder\u0026rsquo;s office within 15 days of the ceremony.\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003ch4\u003e\u003cbr /\u003e\r\n\u003cstrong\u003eHow do I change my name in Missouri?\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/h4\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003eYou\u0026rsquo;ll need a certified copy of your marriage license. You can obtain a certified copy of your license at the time of application for your marriage license by prepaying with $9 cash to have one mailed to you. Or, after your marriage, when our half of the license has been returned, you may come into our office to pick up.\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003ch4\u003e\u003cbr /\u003e\r\n\u003cstrong\u003eHow do I obtain a copy of my marriage license?\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/h4\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003eAs long as you purchased your license in Greene County, you may obtain a copy for $9. You can get it by coming to the office and paying using cash or card, writing to request a copy by mail and paying with a cashier\u0026#39;s check or money order, or calling and paying for a copy over the phone to have one mailed to you.\u003c/p\u003e\r\n","content_live":true,"marriage_licensing_info":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eIssuance Office:\u003c/strong\u003e 940 N Boonville Ave. Room 102\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eFee:\u003c/strong\u003e $ 51\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWaiting Period:\u003c/strong\u003e None\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eExpiration:\u003c/strong\u003e 30 days\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eReturn:\u003c/strong\u003e By officiant within 15 days\u003c/p\u003e\r\n","meta_description_esp":null,"head_tag_esp":null,"tagline_esp":null,"intro_section_esp":null,"officiant_section_esp":null,"couple_section_esp":null,"wedding_tips_esp":null,"faq_esp":null,"content_live_esp":false,"marriage_licensing_info_esp":null}