Boone County Marriage License

Boone County marriage license records are managed by Recorder of Deeds Bob Nolte at the Boone County courthouse in Columbia. The Boone County Recorder handles new marriage license applications and maintains one of the longest record collections in the state, going back to 1821. You can search records online, apply in person, or request certified marriage license copies by mail. This page covers the full process for getting a Boone County marriage license and finding existing records through both local and state databases.

Boone County Marriage License Office

Bob Nolte is the Boone County Recorder of Deeds. He was elected in 2022 and took office on January 1, 2023. The Boone County office is at 801 East Walnut, Room 132, in Columbia, Missouri 65201. Phone (573) 886-4345 with questions. The fax number is (573) 886-4359. Email the Boone County office at bnolte@boonecountymo.org or recorder@boonemo.gov. Hours are Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM.

The Boone County Recorder website has detailed information about marriage license services. The online search system was updated on September 1, 2023. You can search Real Estate, Marriage, UCC, and Tax Lien records through the site. An online marriage license application is available so you can start the process before your visit. The Missouri Recorders Association also lists the Boone County office in their statewide directory.

Boone County was created on November 16, 1820, from Howard County. It is one of Missouri's oldest counties. Marriage records go back to 1821, and there are no known courthouse disasters that destroyed records. That gives Boone County one of the most complete marriage license collections in the state. Columbia, the county seat and home to the University of Missouri, makes this one of the busiest Recorder offices in the area.

How to Get a Boone County Marriage License

Both people must visit the Boone County Recorder's office in person. Bring valid photo ID and your Social Security number. The marriage license fee is $50, payable by check, debit card, credit card, or cash. A processing fee of $1.55 applies to debit and credit card payments. Under RSMo 451.040, Missouri requires a three-day marriage license waiting period between application and pickup. A judge can waive the wait for good cause.

Boone County offers an online marriage license application through their website. You can fill out the form ahead of time to save time on your marriage license application at the Boone County counter. Both people still need to show up in person at the office. No blood test is needed in Missouri. The minimum age to apply for a marriage license without parental consent is 18. If you are 15 to 17, a parent or guardian must come with you and sign under RSMo 451.090.

Your Boone County marriage license is valid for 30 days. The marriage ceremony can take place anywhere in Missouri. Under RSMo 451.100, clergy in good standing, judges, and authorized religious leaders may perform the ceremony. After the Boone County wedding ceremony, the officiant must sign and return the license to the Boone County Recorder for recording per RSMo 451.120.

Starting May 7, 2025, certified copies of marriage licenses may be needed for REAL ID name changes. The Boone County Recorder's office at boonemo.gov/recorder has more details about this requirement and how to get your certified copy.

Search Boone County Marriage Records

The Boone County Recorder's website has an online marriage license search tool for marriage license records. The system was updated in September 2023 and covers marriage, real estate, UCC, and tax lien records. You can search by name and date to find Boone County marriage records in the system.

Certified copies of a Boone County marriage license cost $9.00. You can get them in person, by mail, or by email request. Mail requests go to: Boone County Recorder of Deeds, 801 East Walnut, Rm 132, Columbia, MO 65201-7728. Email your request to recorder@boonemo.gov. Payment by check, debit card, credit card, or cash is accepted.

The Boone County Recorder website offers online marriage license search tools for marriage license records and other public documents.

The Missouri State Archives holds historical Boone County marriage records on microfilm from 1821. The county's long history means the Archives has a deep collection. The State Historical Society of Missouri Research Center in Columbia is another resource for historical records. Use the free Missouri Statewide Marriage License Database to search records from 1805 to 2002 across all counties.

For divorce records and court filings, Missouri Case.net offers free public access. Marriage licenses are not on Case.net. They are handled exclusively by the Boone County Recorder.

Missouri Marriage License Resources

The Missouri Bureau of Vital Records issues a Certified Statement Relating to Marriage for $15. This short document shows names, date, and county. It is not the same as the $9 certified copy from the Boone County Recorder, but it can work for some purposes. The Bureau is in Jefferson City and accepts mail orders.

The Missouri Governor's Portal has a quick overview of marriage law in the state. Access to Boone County marriage license records is public under RSMo 193.255. Anyone can request copies with proper identification and the required fee. The Boone County Recorder is the primary source for all local marriage license records.

Note: Boone County processes a high volume of marriage licenses due to the Columbia area population. Plan for possible wait times during busy periods.

Cities in Boone County

Columbia is the main city in Boone County. Residents get their marriage license from the Boone County Recorder of Deeds.

Nearby Counties

Counties bordering Boone County each have their own Recorder of Deeds that handles marriage licenses.