Access Dunklin County Marriage License

Dunklin County marriage license records are managed by Recorder of Deeds Angelia S. Sturdivant at the Dunklin County courthouse in Kennett. Located in the far southeast corner of Missouri, known as the Bootheel, Dunklin County was created in 1845 from Stoddard County. The Dunklin County Recorder's office issues new marriage licenses and preserves documents dating back to 1872. An online document filing portal is also available for certain records. This page covers the full process for getting a Dunklin County marriage license, office details, and how to search for older marriage license records.

Dunklin County Marriage License Office

Recorder of Deeds Angelia S. Sturdivant handles all Dunklin County marriage license applications. The mailing address is PO Box 598, Kennett, MO 63857. Phone is (573) 888-3468, fax (573) 888-2742. Email recorder@dunklincounty.org for questions. The Dunklin County Recorder's page has additional info about services and an online document filing portal.

Both applicants must come to the Kennett courthouse together. Bring a valid photo ID for your marriage license and your Social Security number. The Recorder takes the application and fee at the time of your visit. The Dunklin County office records, files, preserves, and provides access to marriage licenses as well as other official documents dating back to 1872.

Missouri's three-day marriage license waiting period under RSMo 451.040 applies. You apply on one day and come back three days later for the Dunklin County marriage license. A judge can waive this. No blood test is needed. The license is valid for 30 days and the ceremony can happen anywhere in Missouri. No residency is required.

How to Apply for a Dunklin County Marriage License

Go to the Kennett courthouse together. Bring your photo IDs and Social Security cards. Fill out the form. Pay the fee. Wait three days. Return for the license.

Applicants must be 18 or older. Between 15 and 17, parental consent is needed under RSMo 451.090. Previously married applicants should bring proof that the prior marriage ended. Call Angelia Sturdivant at (573) 888-3468 to confirm what documents you need before visiting.

after the marriage ceremony, the officiant signs the Dunklin County marriage license and returns it to the Dunklin County Recorder within 15 days per RSMo 451.120. This is what puts the marriage on official record. Without the return, the marriage may not show up in Dunklin County files. Dunklin County also accepts e-recording documents through approved vendors, which over 90 Missouri counties now use.

Search Dunklin County Marriage Records

Dunklin County was created in 1845, but marriage records at the Dunklin County Recorder's office date from 1872. The earlier records may have been lost or were not preserved. The Recorder's office in Kennett keeps the originals from 1872 forward. Visit, call (573) 888-3468, or write to request a marriage license search.

The Missouri State Archives has Dunklin County records in its statewide database (1805 to 2002). Search by name for free online. The County and Municipal Records database has additional Dunklin County files on microfilm from 1845 onward. A marriage index covering 1872 to 1900 is also available for Dunklin County through genealogical resources.

The Bureau of Vital Records issues Certified Statements Relating to Marriage for $15 covering records from July 1948 forward. For the full original Dunklin County marriage license, contact Angelia Sturdivant's office directly. The Dunklin County Historical Society has additional resources for family research in the Bootheel region.

Missouri Marriage License Resources

The Missouri Recorders Association lists Angelia S. Sturdivant as the Dunklin County Recorder with contact details. The Missouri Governor's Portal covers statewide marriage rules.

Under RSMo 193.255, only people with a direct and tangible interest can get certified copies of vital records.

Common law marriages are void in Missouri. You must get a Dunklin County marriage license for a legal marriage. Under RSMo 193.255, only those with a direct and tangible interest can get certified copies of vital records.

Dunklin County was named for Daniel Dunklin, a former Governor of Missouri. The county was created in 1845 from Stoddard County. Although the county dates to 1845, the Recorder's documents only go back to 1872. Records from the earlier period may have been lost. The Bootheel region of Missouri where Dunklin County sits has a distinct character from the rest of the state, and the Dunklin County Historical Society maintains resources for family research in this area. The County Clerk has birth and death records from 1883 to 1886.

If you are planning a wedding in the Kennett area, apply for your Dunklin County marriage license early in the week. With the three-day wait, a Monday application means a Thursday pickup. The Bootheel area borders Arkansas and Tennessee, and out-of-state couples sometimes cross into Missouri for their license since no residency requirement applies.

Note: Dunklin County marriage license fees may change. Call (573) 888-3468 to verify before your visit.

Dunklin County Vital Records Tips

For a certified copy of a Dunklin County marriage license, contact Angelia Sturdivant at (573) 888-3468. Give both names and the date. Walk-in requests happen during office hours. Mail requests go to PO Box 598, Kennett, MO 63857 with a check or money order and a self-addressed stamped envelope. The Bureau of Vital Records in Jefferson City issues Certified Statements for $15 covering records from July 1948 forward. VitalChek orders take 5 to 7 business days.

Nearby Counties

These counties border Dunklin County. Each has its own Recorder that issues marriage licenses.