Bates County Marriage License Records

Bates County marriage license applications go through the Bates County Recorder of Deeds, Jesse H. Yount, at the Bates County courthouse in Butler. The Bates County office on North Delaware Street handles new marriage license applications and searches for existing records. Bates County has kept marriage records since 1841. You can search some records online using the iCounty portal, or visit the office in person for certified marriage license copies. This page covers how to apply for a Bates County marriage license and where to search for past records.

Bates County Marriage License Office

Jesse H. Yount is the Bates County Recorder of Deeds. The office is at 1 North Delaware Street in Butler, Missouri. Call (660) 679-3371 to check hours or ask about fees. The fax number is (660) 679-5221 and the email is jyount@batescounty.net. The Missouri Recorders Association lists the Bates County office with full details.

Marriage license applications are taken during business hours, Monday through Friday. Both people must be present at the Bates County Recorder's office. You cannot do this by phone or mail. Bring a valid photo ID for your marriage license such as a driver's license or passport. You will need your Social Security number as well. The office can also provide certified copies of past Bates County marriage license records on request.

Bates County was formed on January 29, 1841, from what was then Van Buren County (now Cass County). Marriage records begin from that date. There are no known courthouse disasters that destroyed records, so the collection is complete. The Bates County Historical Society offers additional resources for genealogical research on marriage records into older marriage license records.

How to Apply in Bates County

Getting a Bates County marriage license starts with an in-person visit. Both applicants go together. Under RSMo 451.040, Missouri requires a three-day marriage license waiting period after you file the marriage license application before you can pick up the marriage license. A judge may waive this marriage license waiting period if there is good cause. No blood test is required.

You need to be at least 18 to apply on your own. If you are 15 to 17, bring a parent or legal guardian who must sign the marriage license application at the Bates County Recorder's office. This is mandated by RSMo 451.090. The Bates County Recorder will verify all identification documents before moving forward with the application.

Your Bates County marriage license is valid for 30 days. The ceremony may be held anywhere in Missouri during that time. RSMo 451.100 lists who can perform the ceremony: clergy in good standing, judges, and authorized religious leaders. After the wedding, the officiant signs the license and returns it to the Bates County Recorder under RSMo 451.120.

Search Bates County Marriage Records

The iCounty Technologies portal provides online access to Bates County records. Register for a free account to search. Subscription options are available if you need access to document images. Marriage records are indexed and searchable. Users get 24/7 access once registered. Credit card payments are accepted for copies. Public terminals at the courthouse offer free access as well.

Historical Bates County marriage records are available at the Missouri State Archives. Records from 1841 are preserved on microfilm. You can browse by record type, including marriage licenses, applications, and registers. The Research Room in Jefferson City is open for visitors. Remote research help is available for those who can't travel.

The iCounty portal for Bates County provides access to indexed marriage license records and other recorded documents.

Use the free Missouri Statewide Marriage License Database to search records from 1805 to 2002. It covers all Missouri counties, including Bates County. For court records like divorce filings, try Missouri Case.net. Marriage licenses are not available on Case.net.

Missouri Marriage License Information

The Missouri Bureau of Vital Records can issue a Certified Statement Relating to Marriage for $15. This is a short document with names, date, and county. It is not the full certified copy you get from the Bates County Recorder, but many people find it adequate for their needs.

For a general overview of Missouri marriage law, see the Missouri Governor's Portal. Access to Bates County marriage license records is governed by RSMo 193.255. Marriage records in Missouri are generally public, and anyone can request copies with proper identification and the required fee.

Note: Bates County marriage license fees and office hours may change. Call the Bates County Recorder before your visit.

Nearby Counties

Counties near Bates County each have their own Recorder of Deeds for marriage license needs.