In order to get married, you need to apply and receive a marriage license. This is the document in your state that allows you to officially tie the knot under the law. The rules for acquiring your marriage license varies from state to state, so you should check with your city's marriage bureau at your clerk of court's office to find out what your local rules are.
You'll typically need to apply for your marriage license at least one month before your wedding ceremony. You'll traditionally need to send in your birth certificates, tax information, and other official documents. You don't, however, want to apply for your marriage license too early. In some states, the licenses do expire, if you don't get married within a few months.
When you apply for your license, you'll not only need a proof of identification and age, will need to provide any information about previous marriages, and will need to pay a nominal fee. You will also need to have a witness when you sign the application, so plan on bringing your maid of honor or best man with you. The bride will need to know what her married name will be before she signs the marriage certificate. You'll have to write that name on the application.
And, believe it or not, just because you have your marriage license sent to you in the mail does not mean you are officially married. You need to have a justice of the peace or a religious clergyman sign the document. On your wedding day, you'll give your chaplain your marriage license, then after the ceremony, he'll sign it and send it to the proper government agency for validation.
ID Requirement: Picture id such as Drivers License, and Social Security card.
Residency Requirement: Do not have to be a resident of Missouri.
Previous Marriages: Applicants must provide the date their last marriage ended and must wait at least 30 days after the divorce is final before applying for a marriage license.
Application Requirement: Both the bride and groom must appear together before the Recorder of Deeds of any Missouri county and apply for a marriage license. Once you have obtained your Missouri Marriage License, you can be married in any county in Missouri in the next 30 days. After 30 days, the license expires and you have to repeat the entire process again to get another one. Beware, at least one county in Missouri has their marriage licenses expire in only 15 days.
Waiting Period: None. Missouri has repealed the three-day (3) waiting period that Missouri previously required.
Fees: $50 plus a $1 fee for each parental consent. No Refunds - Cash Only.
Blood Tests: No tests
Under 18: A person under age 18 cannot marry without the consent of the custodial parent or guardian.
• A person
under age 15 cannot marry without approval of a judge in the
county where the marriage license is sought. The statute
states that the judge should grant approval only upon a
showing of "good cause" and that unusual conditions make the
marriage "advisable."
Solemnization Authority: Within the 30-day period after the marriage license is issued, the marriage must be "solemnized" by one of the following:
• A clergyman or clergywoman, active or retired, who is in good standing with any church or synagogue in Missouri;
• A Circuit Court or Associate Circuit Court judge (who are prohibited by a Missouri Constitutional provision from receiving any compensation for the service);
• A religious society, institution or organization in Missouri of which either marriage party is a member, in accordance with the organization's regulations and customs.
Within 90 days after the marriage ceremony, the person solemnizing the marriage must complete the marriage certificate issued with the marriage license and return it to the office of the issuing Recorder. Lack of witnesses does not render a marriage invalid. However, two witnesses can submit an affidavit that the marriage ceremony took place if the certificate is lost or destroyed and the person who solemnized the marriage is unavailable.
Common Law Marriage: No. However, Missouri law does recognize the validity of common-law marriages entered into in Missouri before 1921, as well as common-law marriages contracted in other states which permit them.
Cousin Marriages: No.
Proxy Marriages: Yes.
Same Sex Marriages: No.
Officiants: Marriages may be performed by any clergyman who is a citizen of the United States and who is in good standing with any church or synagogue in this state. Ministers must keep a record of all marriages they perform. They must give the couple a marriage certificate and must complete the marriage license and return it to the recorder of deeds within 90 days after the marriage license was issued.
Valid: License is
valid for 30 days.
The license can only be used within the State of Missouri.
It is important that you verify all information with your local marriage license office or county clerk before making any wedding or travel plans.
Please Note: State and county marriage license requirements often change. The above information is for guidance only and should not be regarded as legal advice.
Jackson County
Kansas City, MO
816.881.3198
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