Dade County Marriage License
Dade County marriage license applications are handled by Recorder Carolyn Kile at the Dade County courthouse in Greenfield. The license fee in Dade County is $51, and the office accepts cash, check, or money order for the exact amount. The Dade County Recorder's office has marriage records going back to 1841. If you plan to get married in this southwest Missouri county or need to search for an older marriage record, this page covers everything from the marriage license application process to record searches and the rules that apply.
Dade County Marriage License Quick Facts
Dade County Marriage License Office
Recorder Carolyn Kile runs the Dade County Recorder of Deeds office at the Dade County Courthouse, 300 W Water St, Greenfield, MO 65661. Phone is (417) 637-5373, fax (417) 637-1006. Office hours are 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM, Monday through Friday. Both people must sign the marriage license application in front of the Dade County Recorder.
The Dade County marriage license fee is $51.00. You must pay the exact amount by cash, check, or money order. The Dade County office does not make change. Both applicants need a driver's license or government-issued ID and a Social Security card. Starting August 28, 2025, both Dade County marriage license applicants must be at least 18 years old with no exceptions in Dade County.
Missouri law requires a three-day marriage license waiting period under RSMo 451.040. You apply on one day and pick up the Dade County marriage license three days later. A judge can waive this marriage license waiting period. No blood test is needed. The license stays valid for 30 days and the ceremony can happen anywhere in Missouri. Recording fees for additional documents are $24.00 for the first page and $3.00 for each extra page.
| Recorder | Carolyn Kile |
|---|---|
| Address | 300 W Water St, Greenfield, MO 65661 |
| Phone | (417) 637-5373 |
| Fax | (417) 637-1006 |
| License Fee | $51.00 (exact amount, cash/check/money order) |
| Hours | Monday - Friday, 8:00 AM - 4:00 PM |
Applying for a Dade County Marriage License
Both people must visit the Greenfield courthouse. Bring your driver's license or government ID and Social Security card. You both sign the marriage license application in front of Recorder Carolyn Kile. Pay the $51 fee with exact cash, check, or money order. Then wait three days before coming back for the license.
Under RSMo 451.090, applicants must be of legal age. Starting August 28, 2025, Dade County requires both applicants to be 18 or older. Previously married applicants should bring proof the prior marriage ended. No marriage license residency requirement exists. Call (417) 637-5373 to confirm what you need before your visit.
After the wedding, the officiant must sign the Dade County marriage license and return it to Carolyn Kile's office within 15 days per RSMo 451.120. Without this filing, the marriage will not be recorded in Dade County. Follow up with the Dade County office to confirm everything was filed.
Search Dade County Marriage Records
Dade County has marriage records from 1841 to the present. The Recorder's office in Greenfield keeps the originals. Visit, call (417) 637-5373, or write to request a marriage license search. certified marriage license copies are available.
The Missouri State Archives has Dade County marriage records in its statewide database (1805 to 2002). Search by name for free online. The County and Municipal Records database has additional Dade County records on microfilm from 1841 onward, including marriage licenses, applications, and registers.
The Bureau of Vital Records can issue a Certified Statement Relating to Marriage for $15 covering records from July 1948 forward. For the full original Dade County marriage license, contact the Dade County Recorder's office in Greenfield directly.
Note: Dade County marriage license fees are currently $51 but can change. Always verify with the Recorder before visiting.
Missouri Marriage Resources
The Missouri Recorders Association lists Carolyn Kile as Dade County Recorder with full contact info. The Missouri Governor's Portal covers statewide marriage license rules.
Under RSMo 451.100, weddings can be performed by clergy, judges, or religious organizations. For international authentication, order through VitalChek and select the apostille option.
Common law marriages are void in Missouri. You need a Dade County marriage license for your marriage to be legal. Under RSMo 193.255, only people with direct and tangible interest can get certified marriage license copies. That means the people named on the license, family members, or authorized agents.
If you are planning a wedding in Dade County, keep the $51 fee and the three-day wait in mind. Apply early in the week. Have the exact amount ready in cash, check, or money order. The Greenfield courthouse area offers a quiet, small-town setting for a wedding. The Dade County Historical Society has records and resources for anyone doing family research in this part of southwest Missouri. The County Clerk has birth and death records from 1883 to 1886 that may help with genealogical work.
Dade County Vital Records Tips
For a certified copy of a Dade County marriage license, contact Carolyn Kile at (417) 637-5373. Give both full names and the date of marriage. Walk-in requests happen during the 8 AM to 4 PM office hours. Mail requests should include exact payment and a self-addressed stamped envelope. The Bureau of Vital Records at 930 Wildwood Drive in Jefferson City issues Certified Statements for $15 covering records from July 1948 to the present. Orders through VitalChek at 1-877-817-7363 take 5 to 7 business days. Standard mail to the Bureau takes 4 to 8 weeks depending on how busy they are.
Nearby Counties
These counties border Dade County. Each has its own Recorder of Deeds for marriage licenses.