Access Mercer County Marriage License

Mercer County marriage license records are on file at the Mercer County Recorder of Deeds office in Princeton. As one of the smallest counties in Missouri by population, Mercer County still follows the same marriage license rules as every other county in the state. The Recorder of Deeds in Princeton handles new applications and keeps the historical record of past marriages filed in Mercer County. Whether you live here or are visiting from out of state, this page explains how to apply for a marriage license for a license and how to search for marriage records already on file in Mercer County.

Mercer County Recorder of Deeds

The Mercer County Recorder of Deeds sits in the marriage license office at the courthouse in Princeton. This is the only place in the county where you can apply for a marriage license. Both people must show up together with valid photo ID and their Social Security numbers. The staff will walk you through the form. Mercer County is a small office, so wait times are usually short. Still, it is wise to call ahead and make sure someone is available, as hours may be limited compared to larger counties.

The marriage license fee in Mercer County is $50. Pay when you file the marriage license application. Cash is the safest bet at smaller offices, though you should confirm payment options by phone before your visit. Missouri law under RSMo 451.040 requires a three-day marriage license waiting period after you apply for a marriage license. You then come back to pick up the Mercer County marriage license. It is valid for 30 days. The marriage ceremony can take place anywhere in Missouri during that window.

Contact information for the Mercer County Recorder can be found on the Missouri Recorders Association website.

Mercer County Marriage License Rules

Missouri sets the age requirement at 18 for applying without parental involvement. Under RSMo 451.090, people who are 16 or 17 can get a license if a parent or legal guardian comes to the office and gives written consent. No blood test is required. Missouri does not have a residency requirement, so anyone can apply for a Mercer County marriage license regardless of where they live. If either person was married before, a certified copy of the final divorce decree is needed.

Both applicants must be present when filing the application. The Mercer County Recorder cannot accept applications from one person alone. This is a standard rule across Missouri. Plan to spend about 15 to 20 minutes at the office. Have all your documents ready so the visit goes smoothly.

Note: Call the Mercer County Recorder before visiting to confirm current office hours, as they may differ from larger counties.

Wedding Ceremony in Mercer County

After picking up your Mercer County marriage license, you need an officiant for the ceremony. RSMo 451.100 allows clergy, judges, and certain religious leaders to perform weddings in Missouri. Municipal judges qualify too. The wedding can be held in Mercer County or anywhere else in the state. Some couples choose to have their ceremony at a church, while others pick a spot outdoors or at a private home. Missouri does not restrict where the ceremony takes place.

Once the ceremony is done, the officiant signs the license. The signed document must then be returned to the Mercer County Recorder of Deeds for recording. This is required under RSMo 451.120. After the Mercer County Recorder files it, the marriage is part of the permanent public record. certified marriage license copies can be ordered from the Mercer County Recorder at any time after that.

Search Mercer County Marriage Records

Looking for a marriage record from Mercer County? The Missouri State Archives maintains a free online database of marriage records from 1805 to 2002. You can search by name and find entries from Mercer County and every other county in the state. For records after 2002, the Mercer County Recorder of Deeds is the source. Contact the Mercer County office in Princeton to request a marriage license search.

The Missouri Bureau of Vital Records issues a Certified Statement Relating to Marriage for $15. This short document lists the couple's names, date of marriage, and county. It is not a full copy of the marriage license but serves many legal and personal purposes. Under RSMo 193.255, marriage records in Missouri are public. Anyone can request a copy from either the county Recorder or the state.

Missouri Marriage License Resources

The Missouri Governor's Portal has a page covering marriage and divorce basics. You can also use Case.net to look up court records that may relate to marriage or divorce proceedings. Both of these tools are free and work for any county in the state, including Mercer County.

You may need a certified copy of a Mercer County marriage license for practical purposes like name changes, insurance claims, or property matters. The Mercer County Recorder's office in Princeton can provide certified marriage license copies during regular hours. Since Mercer County is one of the smallest in Missouri, the office staff can usually process requests quickly. If you need a Mercer County marriage record for use outside the United States, the Missouri Secretary of State can add an apostille for international recognition. Get your certified copy first, then submit it for the apostille.

Nearby Counties

Mercer County sits in north-central Missouri near the Iowa border. These nearby counties each have a Recorder of Deeds for marriage licenses.