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Midwest Marriage Guide

Missouri Marriage Laws

General wedding officiant guidance for marriage licenses, ceremony requirements, witnesses, and returning the signed license.

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Hermann, a historic small town in Missouri

Image source: Hermann via Wikimedia Commons

License Office

County clerk or local marriage license office

License Validity

Varies by state or issuing county

Waiting Period

Check with the issuing office

Return Deadline

Return deadline varies by state or county

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Detailed Missouri Wedding Law Notes

These notes summarize state marriage-license, ceremony, witness, and officiant guidance for the new map experience.

Requirements for the Couple

  • Minimum Age: 18 years (16–17 with guardian consent)
  • Residency: Not Required
  • Minimum Kin Distance: Second Cousins
  • Marriage Equality: Yes

Couples must be 18+ to marry or 16–17 with guardian consent. Minors cannot marry adults over 21.

Final Steps

  • Officiant Title: Minister
  • Ordaining Body: Ministries of Love
  • Address: Minister’s Home Address

The officiant must ensure the marriage certificate is signed by the couple, witnesses, and themselves. The completed documents must then be returned to the issuing recorder of deeds within 15 days of the ceremony.

Wedding Ceremony Requirements

Witnesses

Witness requirements vary by state

Ceremony

The couple and officiant should be present unless the state specifically allows another process

Requirements for the Officiant

Ordained ministers should verify any local registration rules before the ceremony

OrdainedPro recommends that every officiant confirm local requirements before the ceremony date, especially if the wedding is in a county or state where the officiant has not performed before.

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This page is general information and not legal advice. Marriage laws and county filing processes can change. Always verify requirements with the issuing clerk, recorder, probate court, or local marriage office before performing a ceremony.