Cedar County Marriage License

Cedar County marriage license records are kept by the Cedar County Recorder of Deeds in Stockton. This small county in southwest Missouri sits near Stockton Lake and has been issuing marriage licenses since it was formed in 1845. The Cedar County Recorder's office manages both new marriage license applications and searches for older marriage license records. If you need to apply for a license or find a past record in Cedar County, this page lays out the process, what to bring, and where to look for help.

Cedar County Marriage License Office

The Cedar County Recorder of Deeds issues marriage licenses at the Cedar County courthouse in Stockton. Both people must appear together to apply. You will need a valid photo ID and your Social Security information. The Recorder's office collects the application fee at the time you apply.

Cedar County follows Missouri's standard three-day marriage license waiting period. Under RSMo 451.040, you apply and then wait three days before picking up the marriage license. A judge can waive this period if there is good cause. No blood test is required. The Cedar County marriage license is good for 30 days after you pick it up. The marriage ceremony can take place anywhere in Missouri, not just in Cedar County.

Since Cedar County is a smaller office, calling ahead is a good idea. Make sure the Cedar County Recorder is in when you plan to visit. Walk-in applications are fine, but confirming hours saves you a trip if anything has changed.

How to Apply for a Cedar County Marriage License

Head to the Stockton courthouse with your partner. Bring valid photo ID and your Social Security card or number. Complete the application. Pay the fee. Return after the three-day wait to pick up the Cedar County marriage license.

Both applicants must be at least 18 years old. If either person is 15 to 17, parental consent is required under RSMo 451.090. No residency requirement exists. You can live anywhere and still apply in Cedar County. If either person was previously married, bring proof the prior marriage ended.

After the Cedar County wedding ceremony, the person who performs the ceremony signs the Cedar County marriage license and returns it to the Cedar County Recorder's office. This is required by RSMo 451.120. Make sure the officiant handles this within 15 days. The marriage is not officially on record until the signed marriage license is filed with the Cedar County Recorder of Deeds.

Search Cedar County Marriage Records

Cedar County marriage records go back to 1845. The Recorder's office in Stockton has the originals. 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 includes Cedar County records in its statewide marriage database (1805 to 2002). Search online by name at no cost. The Archives Research Room in Jefferson City has more records on microfilm. Contact them at (573) 751-3280 or archref@sos.mo.gov for assistance.

A Certified Statement Relating to Marriage from the Bureau of Vital Records costs $15. It covers marriages from July 1948 forward and lists only the names, date, and county. For a full certified copy of the original Cedar County marriage license, go through the Cedar County Recorder's office in Stockton.

Note: Fees for Cedar County marriage license copies may change. Call the Recorder to confirm.

Missouri Resources for Cedar County

The Missouri Recorders Association provides a full directory of county Recorders. The Missouri Governor's Portal has statewide marriage license information.

Under RSMo 451.100, weddings can be performed by clergy, judges, or religious organizations. For international use, order a certified copy through VitalChek and request an apostille from the Secretary of State.

Common law marriages are not recognized in Missouri. You need a Cedar County marriage license or one from another Missouri county for any marriage to be legal. Under RSMo 193.255, certified marriage license copies are only available to people with a direct and tangible interest in the record. Family members, the people named on the license, and authorized agents qualify.

Cedar County is a quiet place to get married if you want something away from the bigger cities. The Stockton Lake area draws visitors during the warmer months, and some couples choose to hold their ceremony near the lake. Just remember that you need the Cedar County marriage license in hand before the ceremony. Plan your timeline around the three-day wait. Apply on a Monday and pick up the marriage license on Thursday to have it ready for a weekend wedding. The Recorder's office in Stockton can help you plan the timing.

For genealogical work in Cedar County, the Recorder has marriage records from 1845. The County Clerk may have birth and death records from the 1880s. The Cedar County Historical Society can point you to additional resources for family research in this part of southwest Missouri.

Cedar County Vital Records Tips

To get a certified copy of a Cedar County marriage license, contact the Recorder in Stockton. Provide both full names and the date of the marriage. Walk-in requests are handled during regular hours. For mail requests, include payment and a self-addressed stamped envelope. The state Bureau of Vital Records in Jefferson City can issue a Certified Statement for $15. Orders through VitalChek at 1-877-817-7363 take 5 to 7 business days. Standard mail requests to the Bureau take 4 to 8 weeks depending on volume.

Nearby Counties

These counties are near Cedar County. Each has its own Recorder of Deeds for marriage licenses.