Find St. Louis Marriage License Records

St. Louis marriage license records are handled by the St. Louis City Recorder of Deeds, not a county office. St. Louis is an independent city in Missouri, which means it operates separately from St. Louis County. If you want to apply for a marriage license or search for an existing record in St. Louis, the Recorder's Assistance Center is where you go. The office has an online application, and you can also search St. Louis marriage license records on their website. St. Louis marriage records go back to 1881, with the main office holding files from 1931 to present.

St. Louis Marriage License Office

St. Louis is unique in Missouri. It is an independent city. It does not sit inside any county. That means St. Louis has its own Recorder of Deeds who handles marriage license applications directly. The Recorder's Assistance Center is the office that issues new and duplicate marriage licenses, takes applications, and provides certified copies of any St. Louis marriage license on file.

The St. Louis Recorder offers several online services. You can start your marriage application on the web. You can search for a marriage license. You can request copies and even purchase a copy of a St. Louis marriage license online. This makes the process faster than most counties in Missouri. The office accepts Visa, MasterCard, or cash. No checks are taken for the application fee.

How to Get a St. Louis Marriage License

Both people must come to the Recorder's office together to get a St. Louis marriage license. Bring a driver's license, state ID, or passport. The marriage license application fee is $48 and must be paid by Visa, MasterCard, or cash. The St. Louis office does not take checks for marriage license fees. You are encouraged to fill out the St. Louis marriage license application online before your visit. That speeds things up.

You must be at least 18 years old to apply for a St. Louis marriage license. If you are under 18, you need consent from a legal guardian for the marriage license application. Under Missouri law (RSMo 451.040), there is a three-day waiting period after you apply. A judge can waive this for good cause. If either person is divorced, there is also a 30-day wait from the date the divorce was finalized before you can apply for a new marriage license in St. Louis.

The St. Louis marriage license is valid for 30 days. You must use it within 29 days after picking it up. The marriage ceremony has to happen in Missouri. After the wedding, the clergy or judge must complete, sign, and return the St. Louis marriage license to the Recorder within 15 days. This step is required under RSMo 451.120. The officiant signing the St. Louis marriage license must be a U.S. citizen who is either clergy in good standing with a Missouri congregation, an ordained officiant, or a judge.

Free Wedding Ceremonies in St. Louis

St. Louis offers something most places don't. Free marriage ceremonies. Judges of the 22nd Judicial Circuit perform marriage ceremonies at no cost on scheduled Fridays at 2:00 PM for St. Louis couples. The ceremonies take place at the Civil Courts Building at 10 N. Tucker Blvd. Registration ends at 1:45 PM, so arrive early.

To use this service, you need a few things. You must have a valid Missouri marriage license from the St. Louis Recorder. Both people need a current picture ID proving they are 18 or older. One person must show proof of St. Louis City residency. You also need two witnesses who are at least 21 years old. This is a good option for St. Louis couples who want a simple, legal marriage ceremony without the cost of paying for an officiant to sign the marriage license.

Note: Friday wedding ceremony schedules may change, so check with the Civil Courts Building before planning your visit.

Search St. Louis Marriage Records

The St. Louis Recorder's office holds marriage license records from 1931 to present. You can search these St. Louis marriage records at the Recorder's website online. For certified marriage license copies, the fee is $12. Walk-in payments are by Visa, MasterCard, or cash. Mail-in marriage license requests accept money orders or checks. You need both names (first, middle, last) and the marriage ceremony date to request a certified copy.

Older St. Louis marriage records from 1881 to 1931 are kept in the Archives Department. That office is in Room 129 of City Hall. Call (314) 622-4546 or email archives@stlouis-mo.gov. Search fees for the archives are $4 per name for the Bride Index and $4 per name for the Groom Index. These older St. Louis marriage license records are useful for genealogy and family history work.

The Missouri State Archives also has St. Louis marriage records in their statewide database from 1805 to 2002. The state Bureau of Vital Records at health.mo.gov can issue a Certified Statement for $15, but it only lists names, date, and location. State records begin from July 1, 1948. For a full certified copy of a St. Louis marriage license, go through the city Recorder.

St. Louis Marriage Ceremony Rules

Missouri law under RSMo 451.100 spells out who can officiate a marriage in St. Louis. Clergy in good standing with any Missouri church or synagogue can do it. Judges, including municipal judges, can perform ceremonies without charge. Religious organizations may also solemnize marriages when one party is a member.

Certified copies are protected under RSMo 193.255. Only people with a direct and tangible interest can get them. That includes the couple, family members, or authorized legal representatives. Duplicating or copying a certified St. Louis marriage license is not allowed by state law.

Missouri Marriage License Resources

The Missouri Recorders Association lists all county Recorders in the state, which is helpful if your partner lives outside St. Louis and needs a marriage license from a different county. The Missouri Governor's Portal covers statewide marriage license rules. For apostille requests on a St. Louis marriage license, order through VitalChek and select the authentication option.

Nearby Cities

These cities are near St. Louis. Each has its own county Recorder that handles marriage licenses.