Laclede County Marriage License

Laclede County marriage license records are managed by the Laclede County Recorder of Deeds in Lebanon, the county seat. Laclede County has records going back to 1867, though Laclede County was actually organized earlier than that. A courthouse fire in 1863 destroyed the early records, so 1867 is the oldest surviving marriage license data on file. If you need a new marriage license or want to search existing records, the Laclede County Recorder handles it all. You can also search historical Laclede County marriage license records through the Missouri State Archives statewide database for records up to 2002.

Laclede County Marriage License Office

Jennifer Raef is the Laclede County Recorder of Deeds. The Laclede County office is at 200 N Adams in Lebanon, Missouri. Call (417) 532-4011 to reach the office. Hours are 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM on weekdays. One thing to keep in mind is that the Laclede County marriage license fee is $55, and the office accepts cash only. No checks, no credit cards. Make sure you bring cash when you go to apply.

Both applicants must come to the Laclede County Recorder's office in person. This is required by Missouri law. You cannot apply by mail or have someone else go in your place. Bring a valid photo ID for your marriage license such as a driver's license or passport. You also need your Social Security number. If either person was married before, bring documentation of how that prior marriage ended. The Missouri Recorders Association lists the Laclede County office in their statewide directory.

The 1863 courthouse fire in Laclede County destroyed records from Laclede County's early years. Because of this, the oldest surviving marriage records date to 1867. For anything before that date, your best bet is the Missouri State Archives, which may have some earlier records from other sources. The fire is a well-known event in Laclede County history and affects genealogy research for anyone looking into marriages from the Civil War era.

Apply for a Laclede County Marriage License

Getting a marriage license in Laclede County follows Missouri state law. Under RSMo 451.040, there is a three-day marriage license waiting period after you apply. You submit your application at the Laclede County Recorder's office in Lebanon and return three days later to pick up the marriage license. A judge can waive this marriage license waiting period if there is good cause. No blood test is needed.

You must be 18 or older to get a Laclede County marriage license without parental consent. Anyone aged 15 to 17 needs a parent or legal guardian to appear and sign under RSMo 451.090. The Laclede County Recorder checks all IDs carefully. Remember to bring $55 in cash. The office does not take any other form of payment for the marriage license fee.

Once issued, a Laclede County marriage license is valid for 30 days. The ceremony can happen anywhere in Missouri during that period. After the wedding, the officiant must sign the license and return it to the Laclede County Recorder so it becomes part of the official record. Under RSMo 451.100, clergy, judges, and certain religious leaders can perform the ceremony in Missouri.

Search Laclede County Marriage Records

The Missouri Statewide Marriage License Database covers records from 1805 to 2002 for all Missouri counties. You can search Laclede County marriage records by name through this free tool. Since the 1863 fire destroyed early local records, the State Archives is especially valuable for any pre-1867 documentation that may have survived through other channels.

For more recent Laclede County marriage records, contact the Laclede County Recorder of Deeds at (417) 532-4011. You can visit the Laclede County courthouse in Lebanon to search the index in person. The Laclede County staff can help you find records by name or date. certified marriage license copies carry the official seal and are accepted for legal purposes. Call ahead to check the fee for certified copies of marriage licenses.

The Laclede County Recorder website provides contact details and information about accessing marriage license records in Lebanon.

The Missouri Bureau of Vital Records issues certified statements for marriages statewide. This shorter document costs $15 and shows names, date, and county. It is not the same as a full certified copy from the Laclede County Recorder, but many people find it meets their needs for basic verification.

Note: Records before 1867 were lost in the Laclede County courthouse fire and may not be available from any source.

Missouri Resources for Laclede County

State agencies can assist with Laclede County marriage license questions. The Missouri Governor's Portal has an overview of marriage rules statewide, including age limits and waiting periods. The Missouri Recorders Association maintains links to all county Recorder offices in the state.

Under RSMo 451.120, the signed marriage license must be returned to the Laclede County Recorder within the required time after the marriage ceremony. If it is not returned, the marriage may not be properly recorded. Couples should check with the Laclede County Recorder's office in Lebanon a few weeks after the wedding to verify that the signed license was filed.

Access to Laclede County marriage license records is governed by RSMo 193.255. Most marriage records in Missouri are public. Anyone can request a copy from the Laclede County Recorder with valid ID and the correct fee.

Nearby Counties

These counties border Laclede County. Each has its own Recorder of Deeds for marriage license applications.