Benton County Marriage License

Benton County marriage license services are provided by the Benton County Recorder of Deeds, Kim L. King, at the Benton County courthouse in Warsaw. You can apply for a new marriage license or search for past records at the office on Van Buren Street. Benton County has marriage records from 1835, though some early records were lost when the courthouse burned in 1860 and again in 1864. This page explains how to get a Benton County marriage license and where to search for historical records across local and state databases.

Benton County Marriage License Office

Kim L. King is the Benton County Recorder of Deeds. The Benton County office is at 316 Van Buren Street in Warsaw, Missouri. Phone the office at (660) 438-3311. The fax is (660) 438-3312 and you can email at recorder@bentoncountymo.gov. The Missouri Recorders Association has a directory listing for the Benton County Recorder with full contact info.

Both people must come to the Benton County Recorder's office to apply for a marriage license. Walk-ins are accepted during business hours, Monday through Friday. You need a valid photo ID and your Social Security number. The Benton County Recorder's office also handles land records, military discharges, and other official documents. Certified copies of marriage licenses are available on request.

Benton County was created on January 3, 1835, from Pettis and Greene Counties. The courthouse burned twice during the Civil War, in 1860 and 1864. Some early records were lost in those fires. Marriage records that survived start from 1835, but gaps may exist in the very earliest years. The Benton County Historical Society can help with research into records from that period.

Apply for a Benton County Marriage License

Both applicants must visit the Benton County Recorder's office in person at the same time. Bring a valid photo ID for your marriage license. A driver's license or passport works fine. You also need your Social Security number. Under RSMo 451.040, Missouri has a three-day marriage license waiting period before you can pick up the marriage license. A judge can waive this marriage license waiting period if needed.

The minimum age to apply for a marriage license without parental consent is 18. Applicants who are 15 to 17 years old need a parent or legal guardian present at the Benton County office. The guardian must sign the marriage license application per RSMo 451.090. No blood test is needed in Missouri. The fee for a Benton County marriage license is around $50, but you should call to confirm the current amount.

A Benton County marriage license is valid for 30 days once picked up. The wedding can take place anywhere in Missouri. Under RSMo 451.100, clergy, judges, and certain religious leaders can perform the ceremony. The officiant must then sign and return the license to the Benton County Recorder per RSMo 451.120.

Search Benton County Marriage Records

Benton County records are searchable online through the iCounty Technologies portal. Free registration gives you basic search access. Paid subscription tiers unlock document images and additional features. Marriage records are indexed in the system. You get 24/7 access with an account. Credit card processing is available for document copies.

The Missouri State Archives has historical Benton County marriage records preserved on microfilm from 1835. Some digital database access is available. You can browse by record type and date. The Archives Research Room in Jefferson City accepts walk-in researchers, and remote assistance is available for those who cannot visit.

The iCounty portal provides online access to Benton County marriage license records and other indexed documents.

The Missouri Statewide Marriage License Database is a free tool covering 1805 to 2002. Search Benton County records by name across the state. For divorce records or court filings, Missouri Case.net has free public access. Marriage licenses are only available from the Benton County Recorder or State Archives.

Missouri Marriage License Resources

The Missouri Bureau of Vital Records issues a Certified Statement Relating to Marriage for $15. It lists names, date, and county. This is not the same as a certified copy from the Benton County Recorder, but it may meet your needs depending on what you need it for.

Check the Missouri Governor's Portal for a quick overview of marriage and divorce rules in the state. For Benton County specifically, always verify current marriage license fees and procedures directly with the Benton County Recorder's office. Public access to marriage license records is governed by RSMo 193.255.

Note: Some early Benton County records were lost in courthouse fires, so the oldest marriage license records may have gaps.

Nearby Counties

Counties near Benton County each have their own Recorder of Deeds office for marriage licenses.