Get Hitched in Missouri: A Guide to Obtaining Your Marriage License - Tips, Requirements and Process Explained!
Getting married in Missouri? You'll need a marriage license! Learn how to obtain your license and make your big day official.
Getting married is one of the most exciting and significant events in a person’s life. However, before tying the knot, there are several legal requirements that couples need to meet. One of these requirements is obtaining a marriage license. In Missouri, this process is straightforward and easily accessible. This article will provide an in-depth guide to obtaining a Missouri marriage license, including what documents you need, how much it costs, and where you can go to apply. Whether you’re a Missouri native or planning a destination wedding, read on to learn everything you need to know about getting your Missouri marriage license.
The first step to obtaining a marriage license in Missouri is to ensure that you meet all the eligibility requirements. Both parties must be at least 18 years old, or have parental consent if under 18. Additionally, Missouri law prohibits marriage between close relatives, such as siblings, half-siblings, and first cousins. If you meet these requirements, you can move forward with the application process.
When applying for a marriage license, you and your partner will need to provide several important documents. These include a valid government-issued photo ID, such as a driver’s license, passport, or state ID card. You will also need to provide proof of your Social Security number, such as a Social Security card or a W-2 form. If either party has been previously married, you will need to provide documentation of the divorce or death of the previous spouse.
Once you have gathered all the necessary documents, you can apply for your marriage license. In Missouri, you can apply at any county recorder of deeds office. The process is relatively quick, taking only around 15 minutes to complete. You will need to pay a fee of $51.00 at the time of application. It’s important to note that the marriage license is only valid for 30 days from the date of issuance.
After receiving your marriage license, you will need to have a ceremony performed by an authorized officiant. This can be a religious or civil ceremony, as long as the officiant is licensed to perform marriages in Missouri. You will need to have at least two witnesses present at the ceremony, who will sign the marriage license along with the officiant and the couple.
Once the ceremony is complete and the license is signed, you will need to return the license to the recorder of deeds office within 15 days. The office will then process the license and issue a certified copy of the marriage certificate, which serves as legal proof of your marriage. Keep in mind that there may be additional fees for obtaining certified copies of the certificate.
In conclusion, obtaining a Missouri marriage license is a straightforward process, but it’s important to ensure that you meet all the eligibility requirements and provide the necessary documentation. With the information provided in this article, you can easily navigate the application process and prepare for your special day. Whether you’re planning a grand wedding or a simple ceremony, getting your Missouri marriage license is an essential step to making your union official.
Introduction
A marriage license is one of the most important documents a couple must secure before tying the knot. It is a legal document that allows two individuals to get married and enjoy the legal benefits that come with being married. In Missouri, obtaining a marriage license is not a complicated process but requires some basic requirements. This article discusses all you need to know about getting a marriage license in Missouri.
Eligibility Requirements
In Missouri, couples must meet certain eligibility requirements to obtain a marriage license. These requirements include:
Age
The minimum age to get married in Missouri is 18 years old. However, minors who are 15 years or older can get married with parental consent. Minors under 15 require a court order to get married.
Identification
Couples must provide valid identification documents such as a driver's license, passport, or birth certificate to prove their identities and age.
Residency
There are no residency requirements in Missouri. Couples from any state or country can get married in Missouri as long as they meet the other eligibility requirements.
Application Process
To apply for a marriage license in Missouri, couples must follow these steps:
Visit the County Recorder's Office
Couples must visit the county recorder's office in the county where they plan to get married. They should ensure they arrive during business hours and carry all the required documents.
Complete an Application Form
Couples must complete an application form providing their personal information and answering some basic questions about their marriage. The application form must be signed by both parties.
Pay the Fee
The fee for a marriage license in Missouri varies from county to county, but it usually ranges between $40 and $60. Couples must pay the fee before their application can be processed.
Wait for the License
After completing the application process and paying the fee, couples must wait for a few days to receive their marriage license. The waiting period varies from county to county but is usually between 1-3 days.
Validity Period
A marriage license in Missouri is valid for 30 days from the date of issuance. Couples must get married within this period, or they will have to apply for a new license.
Conclusion
Getting a marriage license in Missouri is a straightforward process that requires couples to meet some basic eligibility requirements, complete an application form, pay the fee, and wait for the license. It is essential to ensure you have all the required documents and arrive at the county recorder's office during business hours to avoid any delays. By following these simple steps, couples can obtain a marriage license and start their journey as legally recognized partners.
Introduction to Missouri Marriage License
As you prepare for your wedding day in Missouri, obtaining a marriage license is an essential step that requires attention to detail. A marriage license is a legal document that permits couples to get married and is issued by the county clerk's office. The process of obtaining a marriage license in Missouri is simple and straightforward, but it is important to understand the requirements for eligibility, identification, residency, waiting period, fees, expiration, blood tests, ceremony, and name change. In this article, you will learn all you need to know about obtaining a marriage license in Missouri.Eligibility Criteria
To obtain a marriage license in Missouri, you must be at least 18 years old. If you are under the age of 18, you will need the consent of your parents or legal guardians. In addition, if you were previously married, you will need to provide documentation of divorce or annulment before applying for a new marriage license.Identification
When applying for a marriage license in Missouri, you will need to present a government-issued photo identification such as a driver’s license, passport, or state ID. Acceptable identification documents should have your full name, date of birth, and photograph.Residency Requirement
There are no residency requirements for obtaining a marriage license in Missouri. However, you must obtain your marriage license from the county in which you plan to get married.Waiting Period
Unlike some states that require a waiting period before you can use your marriage license, Missouri has no waiting period. This means that you can obtain your marriage license and use it immediately.Fee
The fee for obtaining a marriage license in Missouri varies by county, but you can expect to pay between $30 and $60. You should bring cash or a credit card to pay for the fee, as checks may not be accepted.Expiration
A Missouri marriage license is valid for up to 30 days after issuance. If you do not use the license within 30 days, you will need to apply for a new one. Therefore, it is important to plan your wedding date accordingly and obtain your marriage license closer to your wedding day.Blood Test
Unlike some states that require a blood test before issuing a marriage license, Missouri does not have this requirement.Ceremony Requirements
After obtaining your marriage license, you must have a ceremony performed by an authorized person, such as a judge, clergy member, or other person authorized by the state to perform marriages. The ceremony must take place within the state of Missouri and must be conducted in the presence of at least two witnesses who are over the age of 18.Name Change
If you plan to change your name after marriage, you will need to use your marriage certificate to change your name on legal documents such as your driver’s license and social security card. You can obtain certified copies of your marriage certificate from the county clerk's office where you obtained your marriage license.In conclusion, obtaining a marriage license is an important step in preparing for your wedding day in Missouri. By understanding the eligibility criteria, identification, residency, waiting period, fees, expiration, blood tests, ceremony requirements, and name change, you can ensure a smooth and stress-free process. Remember to plan ahead, bring the necessary documents and fees, and enjoy the journey towards your happily ever after.Missouri Marriage License: Understanding the Pros and Cons
Introduction
In Missouri, couples who want to get married must obtain a marriage license. This legal document is issued by the state and serves as proof that the couple has met the requirements to enter into a legally recognized marriage. While getting a marriage license may seem like a straightforward process, there are pros and cons to consider before making this important decision.Pros of Getting a Missouri Marriage License
1. Legal Recognition: One of the primary benefits of getting a Missouri marriage license is that it provides legal recognition for the union. This means that the couple's marriage will be recognized by the state and federal government, which can offer numerous rights and benefits.
2. Protection for Spouses: Another advantage of getting a marriage license is that it offers protection for spouses in the event of divorce or separation. Without a marriage license, a couple may not have legal recourse to property division, alimony, or child support.
3. Symbolic Value: A marriage license also has symbolic value, representing the commitment and dedication of two people who have decided to spend their lives together.
Cons of Getting a Missouri Marriage License
1. Cost: One of the biggest disadvantages of getting a Missouri marriage license is the cost. As of 2021, the fee for a marriage license in Missouri is $58. This cost may be prohibitive for some couples, especially those on a tight budget.
2. Waiting Period: Another potential drawback of getting a marriage license is the waiting period. In Missouri, couples must wait at least three days after obtaining the license before they can legally get married. This can be frustrating for couples who want to get married quickly or who have time constraints.
3. Restrictions: There are also restrictions on who can get a Missouri marriage license. For example, couples must be at least 18 years old to get married without parental consent. Additionally, couples cannot marry if they are closely related by blood.
Conclusion
In summary, getting a Missouri marriage license has both pros and cons. While it offers legal recognition and protection for spouses, it can be costly and may involve a waiting period. Before deciding to get a marriage license, couples should carefully consider their options and weigh the benefits and drawbacks.Table: Missouri Marriage License Requirements
| Requirement | Description |
|---|---|
| Age | Couples must be at least 18 years old to get married without parental consent. |
| Waiting Period | Couples must wait at least three days after obtaining the license before they can legally get married. |
| Cost | The fee for a marriage license in Missouri is $58. |
| Restrictions | Couples cannot marry if they are closely related by blood. |
Closing Message for Missouri Marriage License Visitors
As we come to the end of this blog post about obtaining a Missouri marriage license, we hope that we have provided you with valuable information to help make your journey towards marriage a smooth and successful one.
Throughout this article, we have discussed the various requirements and steps needed to obtain a marriage license in Missouri. We have also provided useful tips and resources to help you navigate through the process with ease.
We understand that the process of getting married can be overwhelming and stressful, which is why we wanted to provide you with a comprehensive guide to obtaining a marriage license in Missouri.
It is important to note that the information provided in this article is subject to change and may vary depending on the county or city where you plan to get married. Therefore, we highly recommend that you contact your local county clerk's office or visit their website to get the most up-to-date information.
When applying for a marriage license in Missouri, it is important to ensure that you have all the necessary documents and meet all the requirements. This will not only save you time and money but will also prevent any delays or complications in the process.
If you are unsure about any of the requirements or have any questions regarding the application process, do not hesitate to contact the county clerk's office or seek legal advice.
Once you have obtained your marriage license, it is essential to keep it safe and secure until the day of your wedding. Remember to bring it with you on your wedding day and present it to the person who will be officiating your ceremony.
In conclusion, obtaining a Missouri marriage license is an important step towards starting your new life together as a married couple. We hope that this article has provided you with the necessary information to help make the process as smooth and stress-free as possible.
Thank you for taking the time to read this article. We wish you all the best in your journey towards marriage and a happy, fulfilling life together.
People Also Ask About Missouri Marriage License
1. How do I apply for a marriage license in Missouri?
To apply for a marriage license in Missouri, both parties must appear in person at the Recorder of Deeds office in the county where the marriage will take place. Both parties must provide a valid identification such as driver's license, passport or birth certificate. A fee of $51 is required to obtain a marriage license.
2. Is there a waiting period to get a marriage license in Missouri?
Yes, there is a waiting period of three days after applying for a marriage license in Missouri. However, this waiting period can be waived if both parties complete a premarital education program with an approved provider.
3. How long is a Missouri marriage license valid?
A Missouri marriage license is valid for 30 days from the date of issuance. If the marriage does not take place within 30 days, the license will expire and the couple will need to apply for a new one.
4. Can I get a marriage license in Missouri if I am not a resident?
Yes, non-residents can apply for a marriage license in Missouri as long as the marriage will take place within the state. Both parties must appear in person to apply for the license.
5. What if I have been divorced or widowed?
If you have been divorced or widowed, you will need to provide documentation to prove your previous marriage has ended. This may include a divorce decree or death certificate.
6. Do I need a blood test to get a marriage license in Missouri?
No, Missouri does not require couples to get a blood test before getting a marriage license.
7. Can I use my Missouri marriage license in another state?
Yes, a Missouri marriage license is valid in any state as long as the marriage is legal in that state. However, it is recommended to check with the state's laws and regulations regarding marriage licenses.