Ste. Genevieve County Marriage License

Ste. Genevieve County marriage license records are held by the Ste. Genevieve County Recorder of Deeds in the town of Ste. Genevieve. This is one of the oldest counties in Missouri, and marriage records go back a long way. If you need a new marriage license or want to find an old one, the Ste. Genevieve County Recorder's office is where to go. You can also search the Missouri State Archives for historical Ste. Genevieve County marriage license records online. This page walks through every step of the application and record search process.

Ste. Genevieve County Marriage License Office

The Ste. Genevieve County Recorder of Deeds handles all marriage license work in Ste. Genevieve County. The Ste. Genevieve County office is in the courthouse in the town of Ste. Genevieve. Both people who want to marry must show up together with valid photo ID and Social Security number for the marriage license application. The staff will walk you through the application. Walk-ins are accepted during normal business hours.

Ste. Genevieve County was one of the first five counties formed when Missouri became a territory in 1812. That makes it one of the oldest in the state. Marriage records here go back to the very start of the county. If you need an old record, the Ste. Genevieve County Recorder may have it on file or can point you to the State Archives. The Missouri Recorders Association lists the Ste. Genevieve County office along with every other county recorder in Missouri.

Call before you visit to make sure of the current hours and fees. Small county offices sometimes have shorter hours than the bigger ones.

Get a Ste. Genevieve County Marriage License

Missouri law requires a three-day wait between filing a marriage license application and picking up the actual license. This is spelled out in RSMo 451.040. A circuit court judge can waive the wait for good cause. No blood test is needed. You apply at the Ste. Genevieve County Recorder's office, then return after the waiting period to get your license.

Both Ste. Genevieve County marriage license applicants must be 18 or older to apply for a marriage license without parental consent. Under RSMo 451.090, people aged 15 to 17 can apply if a parent or guardian appears and signs. Nobody under 15 can get a marriage license in Missouri. Both people need a valid photo ID and Social Security number.

Your Ste. Genevieve County marriage license is good for 30 days. The ceremony can happen anywhere in Missouri. Afterward, the person who performed the wedding signs the license and returns it to the Recorder per RSMo 451.120. Under RSMo 451.100, clergy, judges, and certain religious groups can officiate weddings in the state.

Search Ste. Genevieve County Marriage Records

The Missouri State Archives Marriage Database has Ste. Genevieve County records in their statewide collection covering 1805 to 2002. You can search by name for free. This is a great starting point for older marriage license lookups and genealogy work. The database includes names, dates, and the county where the marriage was recorded.

For newer records, go to the Ste. Genevieve County Recorder directly. The office keeps all local marriage records and can provide certified marriage license copies for a fee. The Missouri Bureau of Vital Records also issues certified statements of marriage for $15. Those cover marriages from July 1948 to the present.

The Missouri Governor's Portal provides a good overview of marriage and divorce rules for the whole state. It covers the basics and links to official resources.

Note: Ste. Genevieve County marriage records from before 1948 are only available from Ste. Genevieve County Recorder or State Archives.

Vital Records Access in Ste. Genevieve County

Under RSMo 193.255, only people with a direct and tangible interest can get certified copies of vital records in Missouri. This includes the people named on the marriage license, their immediate family, and legal representatives. The Ste. Genevieve County Recorder will verify your identity before issuing a certified copy.

If you need a Ste. Genevieve County marriage record for use in another country, the Missouri Secretary of State can provide an apostille. You can order through VitalChek and choose the apostille option at checkout. The authenticated document will be mailed directly to you.

Ste. Genevieve County Marriage License Copies

If you need a certified copy of a Ste. Genevieve County marriage license, go to the Recorder in the town of Ste. Genevieve. Provide both names and the date. Staff will pull the record and issue a certified copy for a fee. Call ahead to find out the exact cost.

You can also request copies by mail. Send a letter to the Ste. Genevieve County Recorder with the details, a check or money order, and a self-addressed stamped envelope. Mail requests take about two weeks. The state Bureau of Vital Records also issues certified statements for $15. These are available through VitalChek, by phone, or by mail and cover marriages from July 1948 to the present.

Ste. Genevieve County is one of the oldest settled areas in Missouri. Some marriage records here are very old. If you are searching for a record from the early 1800s, both the county office and the State Archives are good places to check. The online marriage database from the State Archives covers 1805 to 2002 and is free to search.

Nearby Counties

These counties are near Ste. Genevieve County. Each has its own Recorder that handles marriage licenses.