MARRIAGE LICENSES SEARCH

The County Recorder has marriage license records dating from 1826 to the present.

CLICK HERE to conduct online Marriage License searches. To perform a successful marriage license search, type the bride or groom's last name followed by a comma (,) then enter the first initial of the first name. 

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WHERE TO APPLY

You can apply for a marriage license at either of the two Jackson County Record of Deeds offices:

Both offices are open Monday-Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., except for legal holidays. Applications are taken until 5 p.m., but you are asked to apply prior to 4:30 p.m. in order to allow enough time to process the application.  

APPLICATION REQUIREMENTS

1) Both parties must appear together at the Record of Deeds office.
2) Both must be at least 18 years old to marry without parental consent. CLICK HERE for application requirements for those wishing to marry after their 15th birthday but prior to turning 18 -- as well as legal guidelines for marriages of individuals under 15 years old
3) Both must provide their Social Security numbers.
4) Both must have proper documentation. 
 

DOCUMENTATION

The law requires the Recorder of Deeds to verify each applicant's identity and age. Verification is done in person at either of the Jackson County Recorder offices through the following documents:

• Valid Driver's License
• Missouri ID
• U .S. Passport
• Foreign Pass port with Visa or U.S. entry stamp
• Military ID
• Certified copy of U.S. Birth Certificate
• Government ID card with government issued ID number

For individuals who are not U.S. citizens, valid U.S. government documentation must be provided.

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Marriage license applicants must pay a $50.00 application fee (CASH ONLY) at the time of the application. If the bride chooses to have her name changed after the wedding ceremony, a certified copy of the marriage license must be purchased for an additional $10.00. The certified copy is needed for her to present to the Social Security Administration to effect a name change.

The license can be picked up by either the bride or groom with a valid photo ID. It may also be picked up by anyone presenting the receipt for the requested license.

Where does the money for a marriage license go?  

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COMPLETING THE PROCESS

A marriage license is valid for 30 days from the issue date.

The licenese, whether used or not, must be returned to the Jackson County Record of Deeds office.

If used, the clergyman or judge must return the Marriage License to the Recorder of Deeds Office. Your marriage ceremony must be held in the State of Missouri.

After the ceremony, the officiator will sign and give the couple a "keepsake" called a Marriage Certificate , which is not considered legal proof of a marriage ceremony. Missouri law requires that the officiator complete the bottom portion of the license, have two witnesses sign it and return it to the Recorder of Deeds office in the envelope provided within 10 days after the wedding. The license is preserved in the Record of Deeds Department as a public record.

A married couple does not automatically receive a copy of their marriage license after their wedding ceremony. A certified copy of the marriage license is generally the format accepted by government agencies, insurers, etc. as legal proof that a marriage ceremony has occurred.

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OBTAINING A CERTIFIED COPY

Proof of your marriage is available upon request in person or by mail after it has been returned by the officiator. Please include the following with your request:

• Names of the bride and groom at the time of the application
• The date of the marriage
• $10.00 fee for each certified copy
• The marriage license number, if known

Please make checks payable to: "Recorder of Deeds"