Monroe County Marriage License
Monroe County marriage license records are kept at the Monroe County Recorder of Deeds office in Paris, Missouri. This small northeast Missouri county has maintained marriage records for generations. The Monroe County Recorder's office in Paris is the place to go for both new marriage license applications and searches of old records. Couples who want to wed in Monroe County or who have ties to the area will find the process simple and direct. This page explains how to apply for a Monroe County marriage license and where to find records that are already filed.
Monroe County Marriage License Quick Facts
Monroe County Recorder of Deeds
The Monroe County Recorder of Deeds processes all marriage license applications. The Monroe County office is in the courthouse in Paris. Both people who want to marry must visit at the same time. Bring a photo ID and know your Social Security number. The form does not take long to fill out. Staff will review it with you to make sure everything is correct before you leave. The whole visit is usually done in about 20 minutes.
A Monroe County marriage license costs $50. Pay when you file. After the application is in, you must wait three days before the license can be picked up. This waiting period is required under RSMo 451.040. A judge can waive it for good cause. After the wait, come back to the Paris courthouse and pick up the finished license. It remains valid for 30 days. The wedding can happen at any location in Missouri during that time.
You can find contact details for the Monroe County Recorder on the Missouri Recorders Association directory.
| Office | Monroe County Recorder of Deeds |
|---|---|
| Address | Monroe County Courthouse, Paris, MO 65275 |
| License Fee | $50.00 |
| Waiting Period | 3 days (judge may waive) |
Monroe County License Requirements
Missouri has uniform rules for marriage licenses. You must be 18 or older. Under RSMo 451.090, people aged 16 or 17 can apply if a parent or guardian gives written consent at the Monroe County Recorder's office. No blood test is needed in Missouri. There is no residency rule either. Anyone from any state can walk into the Monroe County Recorder and apply for a marriage license.
Documents you need for a Monroe 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 fee
Both people must appear. One person cannot apply on behalf of the other. This rule holds for every county in Missouri, not just Monroe County.
Ceremony and Recording in Monroe County
Once you have the Monroe County marriage license, pick your officiant. RSMo 451.100 authorizes clergy, judges, and religious leaders to perform weddings in Missouri. Municipal judges count as well. The ceremony location is up to you. It can be a church, a farm, a backyard, or anywhere else in the state.
after the marriage ceremony, the officiant signs the license and sends it back to the Monroe County Recorder of Deeds. RSMo 451.120 makes this a legal requirement. The Recorder files it, and the marriage goes on the books as an official Monroe County record. certified marriage license copies can be ordered from the Monroe County Recorder at any time after filing.
Missouri does not require any specific number of witnesses at a wedding. The ceremony can be as small or large as you choose. A Monroe County marriage license just needs the couple and an authorized officiant to be valid.
Note: Remind your officiant to return the signed marriage license to the Monroe County Recorder right after the marriage ceremony.
Find Monroe County Marriage Records
The Missouri State Archives has a free online database of marriage records from 1805 to 2002. Monroe County entries are in the system. Type a name into the search and see what comes up. This is the fastest way to look for older Monroe County marriage license records from home. For records dated after 2002, the Monroe County Recorder of Deeds in Paris can help.
The Missouri Bureau of Vital Records provides a Certified Statement Relating to Marriage for $15. It includes names, date, and county. It is not a full copy of the original license but works for many needs. For a complete certified copy of a Monroe County marriage license, the county Recorder is the best option. Under RSMo 193.255, marriage records are open to the public in Missouri.
State Resources
The Missouri Governor's Portal offers a general overview of marriage and divorce in the state. For court-related searches, Case.net provides free access to Missouri court records. These resources work for every county including Monroe County.
Certified copies of a Monroe County marriage license serve many purposes. Name changes at the DMV or Social Security office are the most common reasons to order one. Insurance companies, banks, and real estate offices may ask for proof of marriage too. The Monroe County Recorder in Paris can provide these copies during normal office hours. If you need the document for use in another country, the Missouri Secretary of State can add an apostille for international recognition. Get the certified copy first, then submit it for authentication. Monroe County has kept marriage records for well over a century, so even very old records may still be on file with the Recorder or at the state archives.
Nearby Counties
Monroe County borders these counties in northeast Missouri. Each has its own Recorder of Deeds for marriage license filings.