Mississippi County Marriage License
Mississippi County marriage license applications go through the Mississippi County Recorder of Deeds office in Charleston. Mississippi County sits in the far southeast corner of Missouri, right along the Mississippi River. The Recorder handles all marriage license filings and keeps records that stretch back well over a century. Couples looking to get married in Mississippi County or wanting to search for an existing marriage record will work with the Mississippi County office. Below you will find the steps to apply for a new license, what documents you need, and how to track down older Mississippi County marriage license records.
Mississippi County Marriage License Quick Facts
Mississippi County Recorder Office
The Mississippi County Recorder of Deeds is in the courthouse in Charleston. This office issues all marriage licenses for the county. Walk-in applications are the standard way to apply. Both people must be present at the same time. You each need a valid photo ID, like a driver's license or passport, plus your Social Security number. The application takes about 20 minutes to fill out. Staff are there to help with any part of the form that is not clear.
The marriage license fee for a Mississippi County marriage license is $50. It is due when you file the marriage license application. Check with the office on payment options since rural county offices sometimes have limits on what they can accept. After you apply and pay, there is a three-day marriage license waiting period set by RSMo 451.040. A local judge can waive this if needed. When the wait is over, go back to Charleston and pick up the marriage license. It marriage license is good for 30 days.
| Office | Mississippi County Recorder of Deeds |
|---|---|
| Address | Mississippi County Courthouse, Charleston, MO 63834 |
| License Fee | $50.00 |
| Waiting Period | 3 days (judge can waive) |
Requirements for a Mississippi County License
Missouri law is clear on who can apply for a marriage license. Both people must be at least 18 years old. Under RSMo 451.090, applicants who are 16 or 17 may apply with a parent or legal guardian's written consent. There is no exception for anyone under 16. No blood test is required anywhere in Missouri. There is also no marriage license residency requirement, which means you do not have to live in Mississippi County to get a license here.
If either applicant was married before, a certified copy of the divorce decree must be presented. This proves the prior marriage was legally ended. Without it, the Mississippi County Recorder cannot process the new application. Make sure the document is a certified copy, not just a photocopy. The Mississippi County Recorder's staff will check this during the application.
Things to bring when you apply for a Mississippi County marriage license:
- Valid photo ID for each person
- Social Security numbers
- Certified divorce decree if previously married
- Parental consent if under 18
- $50 for the license fee
Note: If you lost your divorce decree, contact the court that issued it for a replacement certified copy before visiting the Mississippi County Recorder.
Marriage Ceremony and Filing
With a Mississippi County marriage license in hand, you can hold the ceremony. RSMo 451.100 lists who may perform a marriage in Missouri. Clergy members, judges, and religious leaders are all authorized. The marriage ceremony can take place anywhere in the state within 30 days of picking up the marriage license. It does not have to be in Mississippi County.
After the wedding, the officiant signs the license and must return it to the Mississippi County Recorder of Deeds. This recording is required by RSMo 451.120. When the Mississippi County Recorder receives the signed marriage license, they file it and the marriage becomes part of the official Mississippi County record. You can order certified marriage license copies at any time after that. The Missouri Recorders Association has contact details for the Mississippi County office and every other Recorder in the state.
Search Mississippi County Marriage Records
The Missouri State Archives has a free online marriage license search tool for marriage records from 1805 to 2002. Mississippi County records are in that database. Enter a name and see what results come back. It is a fast way to check for old records without making a trip to Charleston. For records from after 2002, reach out to the Mississippi County Recorder of Deeds directly.
You can also get a Certified Statement Relating to Marriage from the Missouri Bureau of Vital Records for $15. This is a short form that lists the names, date, and county. For a complete certified copy of the original marriage license, the Mississippi County Recorder is the place to ask. Missouri law under RSMo 193.255 keeps marriage records open to the public.
Missouri Resources
The Missouri Governor's Portal has basic information about marriage and divorce in the state. The Case.net system provides free access to court records, which can be useful for related legal matters. Both resources cover all counties, including Mississippi County.
You may need a certified copy of a Mississippi County marriage license for things like name changes, insurance claims, or legal proceedings. The Mississippi County Recorder's office in Charleston handles these requests during regular business hours. Fees for certified marriage license copies can vary, so call ahead to check. If the record is needed for international use, the Missouri Secretary of State's office can add an apostille to the certified copy. Mississippi County has records stretching back many generations, making it a good resource for genealogy researchers working on family lines from the Bootheel region.
Nearby Counties
Mississippi County is in Missouri's Bootheel region. These nearby counties each issue marriage licenses through their own Recorder of Deeds.