State guide
Missouri
Missouri marriage licenses are issued by county Recorders of Deeds, or the Recorder in the City of St. Louis, and Missouri law no longer has a three-day waiting period. A Missouri license is generally valid for 30 days, ceremonies must occur in Missouri, and two witnesses sign the license. ([revisor.mo.gov](https://revisor.mo.gov/main/OneSection.aspx?bid=57671§ion=451.080&utm_source=openai))
Checked against official sources on October 4, 2026. Rules and links change; confirm with the office listed before you act.
- Who issues licenses
- Recorder of Deeds
- Waiting period
- none
- License valid for
- 30 days
- Witnesses
- 2 required
- License fee
- $53 in Greene County; $60 in the City of St. Louis page found (includes a certificate copy)
Official resources in Missouri
Official Missouri statute on obtaining a marriage license and the no-waiting-period framework.
Official Missouri statute listing who may solemnize marriages.
Official county page with validity, fee, witnesses, and judge-ceremony guidance.
Official city recorder page with fee, validity, witness, and ceremony requirements.
Key facts for Missouri
- Missouri law authorizes county recorders of deeds, and the City of St. Louis recorder, to issue marriage licenses. ([revisor.mo.gov](https://revisor.mo.gov/main/OneSection.aspx?bid=57671§ion=451.080&utm_source=openai))
- Missouri law eliminated the old three-day waiting period. ([greenecountymo.gov](https://greenecountymo.gov/recorder/marriage_licenses.php?utm_source=openai))
- Greene County says a Missouri marriage license is valid for 30 days from issuance. ([greenecountymo.gov](https://greenecountymo.gov/recorder/marriage_licenses.php?utm_source=openai))
- Official Missouri county pages say two witnesses must sign the license after the ceremony. ([greenecountymo.gov](https://greenecountymo.gov/recorder/marriage_licenses.php?utm_source=openai))
- Missouri judges may solemnize marriages without compensation. ([revisor.mo.gov](https://revisor.mo.gov/main/OneSection.aspx?bid=24963§ion=451.100&utm_source=openai))
- ([revisor.mo.gov](https://revisor.mo.gov/main/OneSection.aspx?bid=24963§ion=451.100&utm_source=openai))
Courthouse ceremonies in Missouri
| County | Details |
|---|---|
| Jackson County | 16th Circuit Court has a dedicated wedding-ceremony page and a current judges-available list. ([16thcircuit.org](https://www.16thcircuit.org/wedding-information?utm_source=openai)) |
| Greene County | Recorder page says Greene County Circuit Judges and Springfield Municipal Judges perform ceremonies by appointment. ([greenecountymo.gov](https://greenecountymo.gov/recorder/marriage_licenses.php?utm_source=openai)) |
What to do next
- Apply in the county recorder office, but plan the ceremony within 30 days of issuance unless your issuing county says otherwise. ([greenecountymo.gov](https://greenecountymo.gov/recorder/marriage_licenses.php?utm_source=openai))
- Line up two witnesses before the ceremony and make sure the officiant returns the license on time. ([greenecountymo.gov](https://greenecountymo.gov/recorder/marriage_licenses.php?utm_source=openai))
- If you want a judge ceremony, check the county court wedding page before applying because availability is judge-specific. ([16thcircuit.org](https://www.16thcircuit.org/wedding-information?utm_source=openai))
Helpful guides
- How to get married at the courthouse
- What to bring when you apply for a marriage license
- Marriage license waiting periods and expiration dates
- Do you need witnesses for a courthouse wedding?