Cass County Marriage License

Cass County marriage license applications are handled by the Cass County Recorder of Deeds in Harrisonville. Located just south of the Kansas City metro area, Cass County is one of the faster-growing counties in western Missouri. The Cass County Recorder's office processes a high volume of marriage license requests each year. Whether you are a local couple or coming from the KC metro, this page covers everything about applying for a Cass County marriage license, what it costs, and how to search for older marriage records kept on file in Harrisonville.

Cass County Marriage License Office

The Cass County Recorder of Deeds issues all marriage licenses at the Cass County courthouse in Harrisonville. Both people must appear together. Bring a valid government-issued photo ID and your Social Security number. The Recorder's office will walk you through the application and take your payment.

Cass County sits right along the southern edge of the Kansas City metro. Plenty of couples who live in Belton, Raymore, or Pleasant Hill come to Harrisonville for their marriage license. The process is the same for everyone. Apply in person, wait three days per RSMo 451.040, and then pick up the finished license. A judge can waive the wait for good cause. No blood test is needed.

The Cass County marriage license is valid for 30 days once issued. The wedding can take place anywhere in Missouri. You do not need to be a Cass County resident to apply here. After the marriage ceremony, the officiant must sign and return the license to the Cass County Recorder so it gets officially recorded.

How to Apply for a Cass County Marriage License

The application process is quick. Both of you go to the Harrisonville courthouse. Bring your IDs. Know your Social Security numbers. Complete the form. Pay the fee. Three days later, come back and the license is yours.

You must be 18 to apply without consent. If you are between 15 and 17, a parent or legal guardian must come along and give written consent under RSMo 451.090. If either person has a prior marriage, the Cass County Recorder may ask for a divorce decree or death certificate. Call ahead to find out exactly what documentation you will need for your situation.

Once the Cass County marriage license is in hand, you have 30 days to hold the ceremony. The person who performs the wedding then signs the license and sends it back to the Recorder per RSMo 451.120. Without this step, the marriage does not get recorded. Follow up with the Cass County Recorder's office after a couple of weeks to confirm the filing went through.

Search Cass County Marriage Records

Cass County has marriage records dating back to 1835. The Recorder in Harrisonville maintains the original files. You can visit in person, call, or write to request a marriage license search. certified marriage license copies are available for a fee.

The Missouri State Archives holds Cass County marriage records in its statewide database covering 1805 to 2002. You can search by name for free online. For deeper genealogical work, visit the Archives Research Room in Jefferson City or contact staff at (573) 751-3280.

The Bureau of Vital Records can issue a Certified Statement Relating to Marriage for $15. This covers records from July 1, 1948 forward and includes only the names, date, and county. For the actual certified copy of the Cass County marriage license, you must go through the Cass County Recorder's office.

Note: Cass County marriage license fees may change, so verify the current amount with the Recorder before visiting.

Missouri Marriage Resources for Cass County

The Missouri Recorders Association has a directory of every county Recorder in the state. Use it to find contact info for Cass County or any neighboring county. The Missouri Governor's Portal covers marriage license rules statewide.

Under RSMo 451.100, weddings can be performed by clergy, judges, or religious organizations. After the marriage ceremony, the completed Cass County marriage license goes back to the Recorder. If you need the record for use outside the United States, order through VitalChek and choose the apostille option for authentication by the Secretary of State's office.

Common law marriages are not valid in Missouri. A Cass County marriage license is required for any marriage to be legally binding. Under RSMo 193.255, certified copies of vital records are available only to people with a direct and tangible interest. That includes the people named on the license, family members, and authorized agents.

Cass County is part of the Kansas City metro area and continues to grow fast. Cities like Belton, Raymore, and Pleasant Hill are all in Cass County. Despite the growth, the Cass County Recorder's office in Harrisonville handles applications efficiently. The three-day wait is the same everywhere in Missouri. Apply on a Monday and pick up on Thursday. The Cass County area has plenty of venues for weddings, from parks to event halls. The county was originally named Van Buren County before being renamed to Cass. Historical records from 1835 forward are well preserved.

Cass County Vital Records Tips

To get a certified copy of a Cass County marriage license, contact the Recorder in Harrisonville with both full names and the approximate date. Walk-in requests are handled during office hours. For mail requests, include a check or money order and a self-addressed stamped envelope. The state Bureau of Vital Records in Jefferson City issues Certified Statements for $15 covering records from July 1948 forward. VitalChek orders at 1-877-817-7363 take about 5 to 7 business days. Mail requests to the Bureau can take 4 to 8 weeks.

Nearby Counties

These counties border Cass County. Each has its own Recorder of Deeds that handles marriage license applications.