Access Henry County Marriage License
Henry County marriage license records are kept by the Henry County Recorder of Deeds in Clinton, Missouri. The Henry County office has marriage records on file since 1835, giving the county close to two centuries of marriage license history. If you want to get married in Henry County or need to find an old record, the Henry County Recorder's office is the right place. This page covers the application process, fees, the new age requirement that took effect in 2025, and how to search for existing Henry County marriage license records.
Henry County Marriage License Quick Facts
Henry County Marriage License Office
Gail Perrymann is the Henry County Recorder of Deeds. The office is at 100 W Franklin #4 in Clinton, Missouri. Call (660) 885-7209 to reach the office. The fee for a Henry County marriage license is $55. Certified copies of marriage records cost $9 each. Both people must come to the office together to apply in person.
The Clinton office is the only place in Henry County where you can get a marriage license. The Recorder handles all recording duties for the county, including deeds, liens, and marriage licenses. The staff is used to walking people through the application process and can answer any questions you have when you arrive. Calling ahead to confirm hours is always a good idea, especially if you are driving in from out of town.
| Office | Henry County Recorder of Deeds |
|---|---|
| Recorder | Gail Perrymann |
| Address | 100 W Franklin #4, Clinton, MO |
| Phone | (660) 885-7209 |
| License Fee | $55.00 |
| Certified Copy | $9.00 |
Apply for a Henry County Marriage License
Walk into the Henry County Recorder's office in Clinton with your partner. Both people need to be present. Bring a valid photo ID for your marriage license and your Social Security number. If either person was married before, bring the date and location of the divorce. The clerk needs this for the application form. The marriage license fee is $55, payable at the time of application.
Under RSMo 451.040, there is a three-day marriage license waiting period between applying and picking up the marriage license. A judge can waive this if there is good cause. No blood test is needed. Missouri has no residency requirement, so you do not have to live in Henry County to apply here.
An important change took effect on August 28, 2025. The minimum age to get a marriage license in Missouri is now 18. Previously, 16 and 17 year olds could apply with parental consent under RSMo 451.090. The Henry County Recorder's office follows the updated law. Both applicants must be at least 18 at the time of the application.
Note: The minimum age change applies to all marriage license applications filed in Henry County on or after August 28, 2025.
Henry County Marriage Ceremony Rules
The Henry County marriage license is valid for 30 days. You can hold the ceremony anywhere in Missouri. Under RSMo 451.100, a judge, clergy member, or religious leader in good standing can perform the wedding. After the marriage ceremony, the officiant must sign the license and return it to the Henry County Recorder.
Under RSMo 451.120, the person who performed the ceremony is responsible for sending the completed marriage license back. The Recorder files it and the marriage becomes part of the permanent record in Henry County. Anyone can then request a copy from the Henry County Recorder's office in Clinton.
Search Henry County Marriage Records
Henry County has marriage records dating back to 1835. The Henry County Recorder's office in Clinton can search for records by name or date. Certified marriage license copies cost $9 each. You can visit in person, call, or send a written request by mail. The staff will search their files and get back to you with what they find.
The Missouri State Archives offers a free online database of marriage records from 1805 to 2002. This includes Henry County records. It is a helpful resource for genealogy or finding older marriage license information. The Archives office is at (573) 751-3280.
The Missouri Bureau of Vital Records can issue a Certified Statement Relating to Marriage for $15. This form shows names, date, and county. For a complete certified copy of a Henry County marriage license, the Henry County Recorder's office in Clinton is your best bet. Under RSMo 193.255, marriage records are public documents in Missouri.
Henry County Marriage License Resources
The Missouri Recorders Association has a directory of every county Recorder in the state. The Missouri Governor's Portal covers marriage license rules for all of Missouri. Both resources are useful if you have marriage license questions about the process in Henry County or nearby areas.
For international use, the Missouri Secretary of State offers apostille services. Order a certified copy from the Henry County Recorder first, then submit it to the Secretary of State for authentication. This process is required for many overseas legal needs.
Missouri does not recognize common law marriage. Even long-term couples in Henry County must apply for a formal marriage license to be legally married in the state. The application at the Clinton office is the only path to a legal union. If you have marriage license questions about whether a prior common law marriage from another state is recognized in Missouri, check with a local attorney or the Henry County Circuit Court for guidance.
Cities in Henry County
Henry County includes Clinton, Windsor, and Calhoun. All residents get their marriage license from the Henry County Recorder of Deeds in Clinton. There are no other offices in the county that issue marriage licenses.
Nearby Counties
These counties border Henry County. Each has its own Recorder that issues marriage licenses.