Cape Girardeau County Marriage License

Cape Girardeau County marriage license records are handled by the Cape Girardeau County Recorder of Deeds at the Cape Girardeau County courthouse in Jackson, which serves as the county seat. Despite sharing a name with the city of Cape Girardeau, the Cape Girardeau County government offices sit in Jackson. This is one of the larger counties in southeast Missouri, and the Cape Girardeau County Recorder's office processes a good number of marriage license applications each year. This Cape Girardeau County marriage license guide walks you through the Cape Girardeau County process of applying for a Cape Girardeau County marriage license, searching for existing marriage license records, and understanding the rules that apply.

Cape Girardeau County Marriage License Office

The Cape Girardeau County Recorder of Deeds is the office that issues marriage licenses. It is located at the Cape Girardeau County courthouse in Jackson, not in the city of Cape Girardeau. This is a common point of confusion. Both Cape Girardeau County marriage license applicants must show up at the Cape Girardeau County Recorder's office at the same time to fill out the marriage license application.

You need a valid photo ID and your Social Security number. A driver's license, state ID, or passport works for identification. The Cape Girardeau County Recorder's staff will have you complete the marriage license application and collect the marriage license fee. Cape Girardeau County follows the standard Missouri three-day marriage license waiting period set by RSMo 451.040. After applying, you wait three days and then come back to pick up your license.

The license is valid for 30 days from the date it is issued. You can get married anywhere in Missouri during that time. No marriage license residency requirement applies. Couples from Illinois and other nearby states frequently get their marriage license in Cape Girardeau County.

Applying for a Cape Girardeau Marriage License

The steps are clear. Both people visit the Jackson courthouse. Bring photo ID. Know your Social Security number. Fill out the form. Pay the fee. Wait three days. Pick up the license. That covers the basics.

Missouri does not require a blood test. You must be at least 18, or between 15 and 17 with parental consent per RSMo 451.090. If either person was divorced, you may need to bring proof that the prior marriage ended. The Cape Girardeau County Recorder's office can tell you what documents are needed when you call. A judge can waive the three-day wait for urgent situations, though this is rare.

After your ceremony, the person who performed it must sign the Cape Girardeau County marriage license and return the signed marriage license to the Cape Girardeau County Recorder's office. This is required by RSMo 451.120. Without the return, the marriage does not get recorded. The officiant has 15 days to file the completed marriage license.

Search Cape Girardeau County Marriage Records

Cape Girardeau County has marriage records going back to 1812, making it one of Missouri's oldest collections. The Recorder's office in Jackson holds these records. Visit in person or call to request a marriage license search. certified marriage license copies are available for a fee.

The Missouri State Archives has Cape Girardeau County marriage records in its statewide online database covering 1805 to 2002. Search by name at no cost. The Archives Research Room in Jefferson City offers access to microfilm records for deeper research. Staff can be reached at (573) 751-3280.

For a Certified Statement Relating to Marriage from the state level, contact the Bureau of Vital Records. The marriage license fee is $15. This document covers marriages from July 1948 forward and includes only names, date, and county. A full certified copy of the original license must come from the Cape Girardeau County Recorder.

Note: Cape Girardeau County marriage license fees are subject to change. Confirm current rates with the Cape Girardeau County Recorder's office before your trip to Jackson.

Missouri Marriage License Resources

The Missouri Recorders Association maintains a directory of every Recorder of Deeds in the state. It is useful for finding contact information for Cape Girardeau County or nearby counties. The Missouri Governor's Portal offers a broad overview of marriage laws that apply in all 114 Missouri counties.

Who can perform your ceremony? Under RSMo 451.100, any active or retired clergy in good standing, any judge including municipal judges, and religious organizations (when one party is a member) are all authorized. The ceremony must happen within 30 days of picking up the Cape Girardeau County marriage license. For authentication needed for use outside the United States, order through VitalChek and select the apostille option.

Common law marriages have no legal standing in Missouri. You must have a Cape Girardeau County marriage license or one from another Missouri county for the marriage to be recognized. This is true even for couples who have lived together for decades. Under RSMo 193.255, certified copies of vital records including marriage licenses are only available to people with a direct and tangible interest. That includes the people named on the license, family members, or authorized representatives.

Cape Girardeau County sits along the Mississippi River, and its proximity to Illinois means couples from across the river sometimes come to Jackson to get a Missouri marriage license. Since there is no marriage license residency requirement, this is perfectly fine. Just make sure both people can make the trip to the courthouse in Jackson together for the application. Remember that the county seat is Jackson, not the city of Cape Girardeau. Many people make this mistake and drive to the wrong town. The courthouse in Jackson is about 15 minutes west of downtown Cape Girardeau on I-55.

Nearby Counties

These counties border Cape Girardeau County. Each handles its own marriage license applications through the local Recorder.