Missouri Wedding Laws
Missouri is known as the Show Me State for good reason. With vast areas of farmland, forests, hills and exciting cities, Missouri has thousands of places for marrying couples to show friends and family members their commitment. Still, it is critical for officiants and couples to comply with Missouri's one-of-a-kind marriage laws. This guide provides a detailed explanation of matrimonial requirements in Missouri. Continue reading for information on couple and minister obligations, license application procedures, and ceremony protocols.
Missouri Marriage Requirements
- Min. Age of Couple:
- Age 18 or Age 16 with Guardian Consent
- Residency:
- Not Required
- Min. Distance of Kin Allowed:
- Second Cousins
- Marriage Equality:
- Yes
To marry legally in Missouri, both members of the couple must be at least 18. Those who are 16 and 17 may marry with the written permission of a parent or legal guardian. Still, individuals under the age of 18 may not marry adults over the age of 21.
In Missouri, marriages between close relatives are not allowed. State law prohibits marriages between whole and half blood grandparents and grandchildren, aunts and uncles and nephews and nieces and first cousins.
Because of federal law, Missouri recognizes same-sex marriage like every other state in the U.S. Accordingly, any couple who meets the legal requirements to wed in the Show Me State may apply for a marriage license, regardless of the gender of either member of the couple.
Nevertheless, state law requires marrying couples to have the mental capacity to marry. If state officials issue a marriage license in violation of state law, they may commit a misdemeanor criminal offense.
MO Rev Stat § 451.020 (2013)
Certain marriages prohibited--official issuing licenses to certain persons guilty of misdemeanor.
451.020. All marriages between parents and children, including grandparents and grandchildren of every degree, between brothers and sisters of the half as well as the whole blood, between uncles and nieces, aunts and nephews, first cousins, and between persons who lack capacity to enter into a marriage contract, are presumptively void; and it shall be unlawful for any city, county or state official having authority to issue marriage licenses to issue such marriage licenses to the persons heretofore designated, and any such official who shall issue such licenses to the persons aforesaid knowing such persons to be within the prohibition of this section shall be deemed guilty of a misdemeanor; and this prohibition shall apply to persons born out of lawful wedlock as well as those in lawful wedlock. It shall be presumed that marriages between persons who lack capacity to enter into a marriage contract are prohibited unless the court having jurisdiction over such persons approves the marriage.
How to Get a Missouri Marriage License
- Who Picks Up License:
- The Couple
- Where License is Valid:
- Any County in Missouri
- Marriage License Pick-Up:
- In Person Only
- Cost of License:
- Varies by County
- Accepted I.D. Types:
- Photo ID
- Proof of Divorce Required (If Applicable):
- No
- Blood Test Required:
- No
Marrying couples must apply for a marriage license before their ceremonies. To do so, both members of the couple must appear in person before a county clerk or recorder of deeds. When applying for a marriage license, the couple must provide their full names, addresses and social security numbers. They also must provide a government-issued ID.
The cost to apply for a marriage license varies from county to county. Still, the fee is no less than $45.
Missouri does not require either member of the couple to take a blood test or submit the results of one. Likewise, individuals who have divorced must not present copies of previous divorce decrees.
Once a county clerk or recorder of deeds issues a marriage license, it is valid throughout Missouri. That is, couples may marry in the county where the license was issued or anywhere else in the state.
193.185. Marriage report — certification. — 1. A report of each marriage performed in this state shall be filed with the department and shall be registered if it has been completed and filed in accordance with this section.
2. The official who issues the marriage license shall prepare the report on the form prescribed and furnished by the state registrar upon the basis of information obtained from one of the parties to be married.
3. Each person who performs a marriage shall certify the fact of marriage and return the license to the official who issued the license within fifteen days after the ceremony. This license shall be signed by the witnesses to the ceremony. A marriage certificate shall be given to the parties.
4. Every official issuing marriage licenses shall complete and forward to the department on or before the fifteenth day of each calendar month the reports of marriages returned to such official during the preceding calendar month.
Applying For a Marriage License in Missouri
- ULC-Officiated Ceremony Type:
- Religious
- Mandatory Waiting Period:
- None
- License Valid For:
- 30 Days
- License Must Be Submitted:
- Within 15 Days of Ceremony
Any marriage ceremony conducted without a valid license is not legitimate in Missouri. Once a county clerk or recorder of deeds issues a marriage license, it is good for only 30 days. If couples wait too long, they must apply for a new marriage license.
Missouri law only allows authorized individuals to conduct marriage ceremonies, regardless of whether the ceremony is civil or religious. Ministers must sign the marriage license and obtain the signatures of two witnesses. Then, they must return the completed marriage license to the official who issued it within 15 days after the marriage ceremony.
MO Rev Stat § 451.040 (2013)
Marriage license required, waiting period--application, contents--license void when--common law of marriages void--lack of authority to perform marriage, effect.
451.040. 1. Previous to any marriage in this state, a license for that purpose shall be obtained from the officer authorized to issue the same, and no marriage contracted shall be recognized as valid unless the license has been previously obtained, and unless the marriage is solemnized by a person authorized by law to solemnize marriages.
- Before applicants for a marriage license shall receive a license, and before the recorder of deeds shall be authorized to issue a license, the parties to the marriage shall present an application for the license, duly executed and signed in the presence of the recorder of deeds or their deputy. Each application for a license shall contain the Social Security number of the applicant, provided that the applicant in fact has a Social Security number, or the applicant shall sign a statement provided by the recorder that the applicant does not have a Social Security number. The Social Security number contained in an application for a marriage license shall be exempt from examination and copying pursuant to section 610.024. After the receipt of the application the recorder of deeds shall issue the license, unless one of the parties withdraws the application. The license shall be void after thirty days from the date of issuance.
How to Become a Wedding Officiant in Missouri
- Min. Age of Minister:
- Age 18
- Residency:
- Not Required
- Document(s) Required:
- Varies by County
- Online Ordination Recognized:
- Yes
- Relevant Office of Registration:
- Recorder of Deeds
- Latest Document(s) Submission Date Allowed:
- Before the Ceremony
- Minister I.D. # Issued:
- No
In Missouri, only mayors, notaries and tribal judges, recognized ministers of religious denominations and leaders of Native American nations and tribes may perform marriage ceremonies. Anyone who officiates at a wedding must also be at least 18.
Ministers who receive ordination through the Universal Life Church and are sanctioned to solemnize weddings qualified as religious actors. The Classic Wedding Package includes all ordination records necessary for providing qualifications. It is a good idea for ministers to carry these records with them in case they need to provide proof of ordination.
40-1-301. Solemnization and registration. (1) A marriage may be solemnized by a judge of a court of record, by a public official whose powers include solemnization of marriages, by a mayor, city judge, or justice of the peace, by a notary public authorized pursuant to 1-5-630, by a tribal judge, or in accordance with any mode of solemnization recognized by any religious denomination, Indian nation or tribe, or native group. Either the person solemnizing the marriage or, if no individual acting alone solemnized the marriage, a party to the marriage shall complete the marriage certificate form and forward it to the clerk of the district court.
Getting Married in Missouri
- Marriage By Proxy Allowed:
- No
- Minister Required to be Present:
- Yes
- Number of Witnesses Required:
- 2
- Min. Age of Witnesses:
- 18
- Couple's Consent Required:
- Yes
- Pronouncement Required:
- Yes
Marrying couples and ministers usually want to tailor wedding ceremonies to meet the needs of the couple. Whether the ceremony includes few or no religious elements, Missouri law allows officiants and couples to design the wedding ceremonies that fit best for them.
Nevertheless, state law requires each member of the couple to consent to the marriage. It also mandates the minister pronounce the marriage during the ceremony. At least two witnesses must be present at the wedding.
If the ceremony complies with these requirements, the marriage is solemnized and legally binding under Missouri law.
193.185. Marriage report — certification. — 1. A report of each marriage performed in this state shall be filed with the department and shall be registered if it has been completed and filed in accordance with this section.
2. The official who issues the marriage license shall prepare the report on the form prescribed and furnished by the state registrar upon the basis of information obtained from one of the parties to be married.
3. Each person who performs a marriage shall certify the fact of marriage and return the license to the official who issued the license within fifteen days after the ceremony. This license shall be signed by the witnesses to the ceremony. A marriage certificate shall be given to the parties.
4. Every official issuing marriage licenses shall complete and forward to the department on or before the fifteenth day of each calendar month the reports of marriages returned to such official during the preceding calendar month.
Finalizing the Marriage
- Officiant's Title on Marriage License:
- Minister
- Church/Ordaining Body:
- Universal Life Church Ministries
- Address of Church:
- Minister's Home Address
After the ceremony ends, the minister must properly complete the marriage license and certificate. The minister must also obtain the signatures of at least two witnesses. Then, the minister must provide all relevant parties with a copy of the completed and signed marriage certificate.
When completing the marriage certificate, Universal Life Church ministers must include their name, title and religious organization. They should also list their home addresses and states of residence.
After completing and signing the marriage certificate, ministers only have 15 days to return the document to the clerk or recorder of deeds who issued it. The clock starts running when the marriage ceremony ends.