Columbia Marriage License

Columbia marriage license applications and records are handled by the Boone County Recorder of Deeds. Columbia is the county seat of Boone County and the biggest city in mid-Missouri. If you need to get a marriage license in Columbia or look up an existing one, the Recorder's office downtown is the place to go. The marriage license office has an online search system at showmeboone.com/recorder/ that lets you look up Columbia marriage license records from home. Boone County has marriage license records from 1821 to the present, so older Columbia marriage records are on file too.

Where Columbia Files Marriage Licenses

Columbia sits in Boone County. The Boone County Recorder of Deeds handles all marriage license work for the city. Bob Nolte serves as Recorder. He was elected in 2022 and took office on January 1, 2023. The office is at 801 East Walnut, Room 132, Columbia, MO 65201. Call (573) 886-4345 or fax (573) 886-4359. You can email bnolte@boonecountymo.org for questions.

The Boone County Recorder website has an online search system. It was updated in September 2023. You can search real estate, marriage license, UCC, and tax lien records there. The Columbia office also has an online marriage license application so you can start the marriage license process before your visit. Hours are Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM. Walk-ins are welcome during those times.

How to Get a Columbia Marriage License

Both people must go to the Boone County Recorder's office in Columbia together to get a Columbia marriage license. Bring a valid photo ID and your Social Security number for the marriage license application. The marriage license fee is about $50. Under RSMo 451.040, there is a three-day wait between applying and getting the license. A judge can waive this marriage license requirement for good cause. No blood test is needed for a Columbia marriage license or anywhere in Missouri.

You must be 18 to apply on your own. Under RSMo 451.090, minors aged 15 to 17 need parental consent. The Columbia marriage license is valid for 30 days. The marriage ceremony can take place anywhere in Missouri. The officiant has to sign the Columbia marriage license and return it to the Boone County Recorder after the wedding. This is required under RSMo 451.120.

The Boone County marriage license office serving Columbia accepts payment by check, debit card, credit card, or cash. If you use a debit or credit card for the Columbia marriage license fee, there is a $1.55 processing fee added on. The online marriage license application saves time at the counter.

Search Columbia Marriage Records

Boone County has marriage license records from 1821. You can search the online portal at showmeboone.com/recorder/ for Columbia marriage license records. The system also links to lookup.icounty.com, which covers 85+ Missouri counties. If you can't find what you need online, call the office or go in person.

Certified copies of a Columbia marriage license cost $9. You can request them by mail at Boone County Recorder of Deeds, 801 East Walnut, Rm 132, Columbia, MO 65201-7728. Email marriage license requests go to recorder@boonemo.gov. This is a low marriage license copy fee compared to many other Missouri counties.

The Missouri State Archives has Boone County marriage records in their statewide database from 1805 to 2002. The state Bureau of Vital Records at health.mo.gov issues Certified Statements for $15, covering marriages from July 1, 1948 on. That statement only shows names, date, and county.

Note: Starting May 7, 2025, Columbia residents may need a certified marriage license copy if they changed their name after marriage and want a REAL ID.

Columbia Marriage Ceremony Rules

Under RSMo 451.100, clergy in good standing with a Missouri church or synagogue can perform a marriage in Columbia. Judges can do it without charge. Religious organizations can also officiate when one person is a member. After the ceremony, the signed Columbia marriage license goes back to the Boone County Recorder.

Access to certified copies is limited by RSMo 193.255. Only the couple, family members, or authorized representatives can get one. This keeps Columbia marriage license records safe from misuse. The registrant, a family member, a guardian, or an official representative must show a direct and tangible interest in the record before a copy is issued.

Columbia Marriage License Copies

A certified copy of your Columbia marriage license costs $9 from the Boone County Recorder. That is one of the lowest fees in Missouri. You can get copies in person, by mail, or by email request. The mail address is Boone County Recorder of Deeds, 801 East Walnut, Rm 132, Columbia, MO 65201-7728. Email goes to recorder@boonemo.gov. If you pay with a debit or credit card, there is a $1.55 processing fee on top of the copy cost.

Many Columbia residents need a certified marriage license copy for name changes. The DMV, passport office, and Social Security Administration all ask for one. Starting May 7, 2025, REAL ID rules make certified copies even more important. If you changed your name after getting married in Columbia, keep a certified copy handy for future use. The Boone County office can print one while you wait if you go in person.

Missouri Marriage Resources

The Missouri Recorders Association has a full list of Recorders across the state. It helps if your partner lives in a different county. The Missouri Governor's Portal covers statewide rules for marriage and divorce. For an apostille on a Columbia marriage license, order a certified copy through VitalChek and select the authentication option.

Nearby Cities

These Missouri cities are near Columbia and have their own marriage license information on this site.