Scotland County Marriage License

Scotland County marriage license records are filed at the Scotland County Recorder of Deeds office in Memphis, Missouri. This small county in the northeast corner of the state has marriage records going back to 1841. If you want to apply for a Scotland County marriage license or need to search for an older record, the Scotland County Recorder is where you start. The Missouri State Archives also has a free online database where you can look up historical Scotland County marriage license records by name. Here you will find all the details on fees, requirements, and search tools.

Scotland County Marriage License Office

The Scotland County Recorder of Deeds issues marriage licenses from the courthouse in Memphis. Both people who want to get married need to come in together. You must bring a valid photo ID for your marriage license and your Social Security card. The Scotland County Recorder will take your information, have you fill out the marriage license application, and tell you when to come back for the license.

Scotland County has about 4,800 residents. The Scotland County Recorder's office is small but handles the same work as larger counties. Marriage licenses, land records, and other official documents all pass through the Scotland County office. If you need a certified copy of a Scotland County marriage license from any year, the Scotland County staff can help you find it. The Missouri Recorders Association lists Scotland County in their statewide directory with contact information.

Call the Scotland County office before your visit to check hours and fees. Rural counties sometimes keep shorter hours than their urban counterparts.

Apply for a Scotland County Marriage License

Under RSMo 451.040, there is a three-day marriage license waiting period after you file your marriage license application. You submit the paperwork at the Scotland County Recorder's office and then come back after three days to pick it up. A circuit judge can waive the wait for good cause. Missouri does not require a blood test.

You must be at least 18 to apply on your own. Under RSMo 451.090, anyone between 15 and 17 needs a parent or guardian present to sign the marriage license application. Both people need government-issued photo ID and Social Security information.

The Scotland County marriage license is good for 30 days. The marriage ceremony can take place anywhere in Missouri. After the wedding, the officiant signs the license and sends it back to the Scotland County Recorder per RSMo 451.120. Clergy, judges, and qualified religious groups can perform the ceremony under RSMo 451.100.

Note: Scotland County marriage license fees may change, so call the Recorder before making the trip.

Search Scotland County Marriage Records

The Missouri State Archives Marriage Database has Scotland County records from 1805 to 2002. Search by name for free. The database covers all Missouri counties and is the easiest way to find older Scotland County marriage license records from home.

For records after 2002, contact the Scotland County Recorder in Memphis. The Scotland County office has all local marriage records on file and can issue certified marriage license copies for a fee. The Missouri Bureau of Vital Records provides certified statements for $15 covering marriages from July 1948 to the present.

The Missouri Governor's Portal gives general info about marriage and divorce rules across the state. Under RSMo 193.255, only those with a direct interest in the record can get certified marriage license copies. Family members and the people named on the license qualify.

Scotland County Marriage License Copies

If you need a certified copy of a Scotland County marriage license, visit the Scotland County Recorder's office in Memphis. Provide the names and date, and staff will search the files. Certified marriage license copies cost a small fee. Cash and checks are the typical payment methods. Call ahead for the exact amount.

Mail requests are an option if you cannot visit Memphis in person. Send a letter to the Scotland County Recorder of Deeds with both names, the marriage date, a check or money order for the fee, and a self-addressed stamped envelope. Most requests are processed within two weeks. The state Bureau of Vital Records in Jefferson City also issues certified statements for marriages from July 1948 forward. These cost $15 each and can be ordered by mail, phone, or online through VitalChek. Phone and online orders typically arrive in five to seven business days.

For older Scotland County marriage records, the State Archives is a good backup. Their online database has records from 1805 to 2002 and is free to search. If you cannot find what you need online, you can submit a research request to the Archives staff. They do limited research at no cost for people who cannot visit in person.

Marriage Law in Scotland County

Missouri treats marriage as a civil contract. Common law marriages are not valid. You must get a license from the Recorder before you marry. After the marriage ceremony, the officiant signs the license and returns it to the Scotland County Recorder. If the license is not returned, the marriage may not appear in the official record. Make sure the person who performs your ceremony knows they have to send it back.

Scotland County is a small and close-knit community. The Recorder's office may have shorter hours than what you see in bigger counties. The staff knows the process well, though, and can help you through each step. Just be sure to call ahead and confirm they will be open when you plan to visit Memphis.

Nearby Counties

These counties border Scotland County. Each has its own Recorder of Deeds for marriage license filings.