Franklin County Marriage License

Franklin County marriage license records are kept by the Franklin County Recorder of Deeds in Union, Missouri. The Franklin County office has files that go back to 1819, which makes it one of the most complete marriage record collections in the state. If you want to get a new marriage license or search for an old one, the Franklin County Recorder can help. You can start your application online to save time on your marriage license application at the office. Franklin County also has links to state databases where you can look up past marriage license records for free.

Franklin County Marriage License Office

Melissa Aldridge serves as the Franklin County Recorder of Deeds. Her office is the place to go for all marriage license needs in Franklin County. The office sits at 400 E Locust, Room 102, in Union, Missouri. Call (636) 583-6365 if you have marriage license questions before your visit. The marriage license fee for a Franklin County marriage license is $56 if you pay with cash. If you use a credit card, the cost goes up to $57.55 to cover the processing charge. Both people must show up in person to apply.

Franklin County offers an online marriage license application. This lets you fill out your info from home before you visit the Franklin County Recorder's office. You still need to come in with your partner and bring valid photo ID. The online form saves time at the Franklin County counter because the staff can pull up your data right away. Make sure you have your Social Security number on hand when you fill out the form. Under RSMo 451.040, Missouri has a three-day wait between the time you apply and when you can pick up the marriage license. A judge can waive this marriage license waiting period if there is good cause.

The Missouri Recorders Association lists all county Recorder offices with links and contact info. This is a good place to check if you need to reach a nearby county office as well.

How to Get a Franklin County Marriage License

Both people must come to the Franklin County Franklin County Recorder's office at the same time. Bring a valid photo ID for your marriage license such as a driver's license or passport. You also need to know your Social Security number. If you have been married before, bring the date and county of your last divorce. Missouri law does not require a blood test for a marriage license. The whole process takes about 15 to 20 minutes once you are at the Franklin County counter.

The Franklin County marriage license is good for 30 days after you pick it up. The marriage ceremony can take place anywhere in the state of Missouri during that time. Under RSMo 451.100, a judge, clergy member, or religious leader in good standing can perform the ceremony. After the wedding, the officiant must sign the license and send it back to the Franklin County Recorder. Once it is filed, the marriage becomes an official record.

You must be at least 18 to apply on your own. Under RSMo 451.090, anyone aged 16 or 17 needs a parent or guardian to consent. No one under 16 can get a marriage license in Missouri.

Note: Franklin County accepts both cash and credit cards, but the credit card fee is slightly higher at $57.55.

Search Franklin County Marriage Records

Franklin County has marriage records going all the way back to 1819. That is nearly two centuries of marriage license records on file. You can ask the Franklin County Recorder's office to search for a record by name or date. For older marriage license records, the Missouri State Archives has a free online database that covers marriage records from 1805 to 2002. This is a great tool for genealogy work or finding a record from decades ago.

The state Bureau of Vital Records at health.mo.gov can also help. They issue a Certified Statement Relating to Marriage for $15. This short form shows the names, date, and county of the marriage. It is not a full copy of the license, but it works for many legal needs. You can order it online through VitalChek or by mail to the Bureau in Jefferson City.

For a full certified copy of a Franklin County marriage license, contact the Franklin County Recorder's office in Union. You can call, visit in person, or send a written request by mail. The staff will search their files and provide a copy for a small fee. older marriage license records may take a bit longer to find, so plan ahead if you need something from the 1800s.

Missouri Marriage License Law

Missouri law sets the rules for marriage licenses across all 114 counties. Under RSMo 451.040, couples must apply in person at any county Recorder of Deeds office. There is no residency rule. You do not have to live in Franklin County or even in Missouri to get a license here. The three-day marriage license waiting period starts when you apply and ends when you can pick up the finished license.

after the marriage ceremony, the signed marriage license must go back to the Franklin County Recorder within a set time. Under RSMo 193.255, vital records like marriage licenses are available to the public, though some personal details may be held back.

Note: Missouri does not recognize common law marriage, so a formal license is the only path to a legal union in Franklin County.

Franklin County Marriage License Resources

Several state resources can help with Franklin County marriage license matters. The Missouri Governor's Portal has a plain-language overview of marriage license rules. It covers what you need, where to go, and how much it costs. The Missouri Recorders Association keeps a directory of all Recorder offices in the state with links and phone numbers.

If you need a Franklin County marriage license for use in another country, the Missouri Secretary of State can provide an apostille. Order a certified copy from the Franklin County Recorder first, then submit it to the Secretary of State for authentication. The Bureau of Vital Records is another option for getting state-level marriage documents.

Cities in Franklin County

Franklin County includes the cities of Union, Washington, Pacific, and Sullivan. All residents of these cities get their marriage license from the Franklin County Recorder of Deeds in Union. None of these cities have separate marriage license offices.

Nearby Counties

These counties border Franklin County. Each has its own Recorder of Deeds that issues marriage licenses.