Marriage License Requirements

PLEASE CALL AND SCHEDULE AN APPOINTMENT FOR MARRIAGE LICENSE APPLICATION AT LEAST 24 HOURS IN ADVANCE

For On-Line Marriage License Application, please, click (here)

Party One and Party Two

·         Must appear together, in person, to complete the application, Monday-Friday 8:30AM to 3:00PM (except holidays). The license may be issued at the time of application.

·        Must be 16 years of age or over. *See note below*

·         Must present a valid, government-issued photo ID or one of the following (certified copy of birth certificate and/or valid passport).

·         Must bring payment of $46.00 (cash, check or money order, exact amount) at the time of application. NO REFUNDS WILL BE GIVEN. Returned checks will be a charge of $25.00 service fee.

·         Will be asked to affirm all information is true and correct to the best of your knowledge on the application and that you are free to marry under the laws of the state of Missouri. Your signature on the application is considered sworn affirmation.

.         Must have the license given to the person performing the ceremony, before the wedding.

·         Ceremony must be performed within 30 days from the date of issuance in the State of Missouri. If the wedding date is more than 30 days from the application date, the couple must wait to apply for the license within 30 days of the wedding.

·         Must not be related to each other, through and including first cousins.

.         Must provide, if previously married, the date their last marriage dissolved, either by divorce or death.

NOTE: Any party who is 16 through 17 years of age must have a custodial parent or legal guardian appear and give consent on the application. The custodial parent or legal guardian must present a valid, government-issued photo ID. Underage applicants must also bring a certified copy of their birth certificate or valid, government issued photo id such as a drivers license or passport.

 Persons solemnizing marriages

Section 451.100 RSMo. Marriages may be solemnized by any clergyman, either active or retired, who is in good standing with any church or synagogue in this state. Marriages may also be solemnized, without compensation, by any judge, including a municipal judge.  Marriages may also be solemnized 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.

Note: It is a misdemeanor for anyone to perform a marriage ceremony if a license is not presented prior to the ceremony (451.120 RSMo.) The marriage is invalid if the ceremony takes place before the license is picked up.

 Return and Record of Marriage

·         The person performing the ceremony is required by law to return the completed license to the Reynolds County Recorder of Deeds office within 15 days of the ceremony.

·         The Recorder's office then provides the state with the marriage information and returns the original license to the couple along with a certified copy.

·         The License used or not used, must be returned to our office.