Saline County Marriage License

Saline County marriage license records are managed by the Saline County Recorder of Deeds in Marshall. If you plan to get married in Saline County or need to find an old marriage record, the Saline County Recorder's office can help. Saline County has kept marriage license records since it was formed in 1820. You can also search for Saline County marriage license records through state archives online. This page covers the full process for applying, searching, and getting copies of marriage records in Saline County.

Saline County Marriage License Office

The Saline County Recorder of Deeds issues all marriage licenses in the county from the courthouse in Marshall. Both people must appear together with valid photo ID and Social Security number for the marriage license application. The Saline County office accepts walk-ins during regular business hours. Call the Saline County office ahead to confirm the fee and what to bring.

Saline County sits in central Missouri along the Missouri River. Marshall is the county seat and the main place to take care of marriage license business. The Recorder also handles land records and other official county documents. Marriage records in Saline County go back to 1820 when the county was first organized. If you need a certified copy of an old Saline County marriage license, the staff can search their files and pull it for you. The Missouri Recorders Association has contact details for the Saline County Recorder.

Apply for a Saline County Marriage License

Missouri law requires a three-day marriage license waiting period after you file a marriage license application. Under RSMo 451.040, you apply at the Saline County Recorder's office, then come back in three days to pick up the marriage license. A judge can waive the wait in special cases. No blood test is needed.

You need to be at least 18 to apply by yourself. If one person is 15 to 17, a parent or guardian must come along and give written consent per RSMo 451.090. Both people must bring a government photo ID. A driver's license, state ID, or passport works. You also need your Social Security number.

The Saline County marriage license is valid for 30 days after it is issued. The wedding can be held anywhere in Missouri. Once the ceremony is done, the officiant must sign the license and return it to the Saline County Recorder under RSMo 451.120. Under RSMo 451.100, clergy in good standing, judges, and certain religious organizations may perform the ceremony.

Note: Saline County marriage license fees can change, so verify the current amount before your visit.

Search Saline County Marriage Records

The Missouri State Archives Marriage Database includes Saline County marriage license records from 1805 to 2002. Search by name at no cost. This is the best free online tool for finding older marriage license records and doing family history research in Saline County.

For recent Saline County marriage records, contact the Saline County Recorder of Deeds in Marshall directly. The office keeps local records and issues certified marriage license copies. The Missouri Bureau of Vital Records can also provide a certified statement of marriage for $15. That document covers marriages from July 1948 onward and shows names, date, and county.

The Missouri Governor's Portal has a useful overview of marriage and divorce rules for the state. It explains the basics and provides links to key agencies.

Missouri Vital Records Access

Under RSMo 193.255, only people with a direct and tangible interest can get certified copies of vital records like a Saline County marriage license. Family members, the people named on the license, and their authorized reps all qualify. The Saline County Recorder's office will check your ID before handing over a certified copy.

If you need a Saline County marriage record for use outside the United States, the Missouri Secretary of State can add an apostille. Order through VitalChek and pick the apostille option. The Secretary of State processes the request and mails the finished document to you.

Saline County Marriage License Copies

Need a certified copy of a Saline County marriage license? Visit the Saline County Recorder in Marshall with the names and date. Staff will search the records and issue a certified copy. There is a small fee for each copy. Call ahead to verify the amount and accepted payment methods.

Mail requests are also possible. Send a letter to the Saline County Recorder of Deeds with both names, the marriage date, a check or money order, and a self-addressed stamped envelope. Most requests are processed within two weeks. The state Bureau of Vital Records in Jefferson City offers certified statements for $15 through VitalChek, by phone, or by mail. Those cover marriages from July 1948 forward and arrive faster through VitalChek.

Saline County records date back to 1820. That is over 200 years of marriage records. If you are doing genealogy research, both the county office and the Missouri State Archives are excellent resources. The State Archives has a free searchable database covering 1805 to 2002. Staff at the Archives can also do limited research at no charge if you cannot visit in person.

Marriage Law in Saline County

Missouri law treats marriage as a civil contract. Common law marriages are void in the state. You must get a license from the Saline County Recorder of Deeds before the ceremony. After the wedding, the officiant signs the license and sends it back to the Saline County Recorder. If the license is not returned, the marriage may not be in the official records. Follow up with the person who performed the ceremony to make sure it gets filed.

Nearby Counties

These counties border Saline County. Each has its own Recorder of Deeds that issues marriage licenses.