Find Stone County Marriage License

Stone County marriage license records are filed with the Stone County Recorder of Deeds in Galena. This southwest Missouri county sits near Branson and Table Rock Lake. The Recorder handles new marriage license applications and keeps older marriage license records on file going back to 1851. If you need to get married in Stone County or want to track down an old marriage record, the Stone County Recorder's office is your starting point. You can also search for Stone County marriage license records through the Missouri State Archives. Here is all the information you need.

Stone County Marriage License Office

The Stone County Recorder of Deeds issues all marriage licenses in the county from the courthouse in Galena. Both people must come to the office together. Bring a valid photo ID for your marriage license and your Social Security card. Walk-ins are accepted during regular hours. The staff can answer questions about fees and what to bring if you call ahead.

Stone County has grown a lot in recent years thanks to its location near Branson and Table Rock Lake. Stone County has about 32,000 residents now. The Stone County Recorder's office processes a good number of marriage license applications each year. Marriage records go back to 1851 when the county was organized. Certified copies of any Stone County marriage license on file are available for a fee. The Missouri Recorders Association has Stone County listed in their directory with contact details.

Because of the tourist traffic near Branson, some couples visiting the area choose to get their marriage license in Stone County. The same rules apply to visitors as to residents.

Apply for a Stone County Marriage License

There is a three-day marriage license waiting period in Missouri after you file a marriage license application. Under RSMo 451.040, you submit the form at the Stone County Recorder's office and come back in three days to pick up the marriage license. A judge can waive the wait for good cause. No blood test is needed in Missouri.

Both applicants need to be 18 or older. Those between 15 and 17 can apply with a parent or guardian present to sign consent per RSMo 451.090. Bring a government photo ID and your Social Security number. You do not need to be a Missouri resident to apply for a marriage license here.

The Stone County marriage license is good for 30 days. The wedding can take place anywhere in Missouri during that window. After the marriage ceremony, the officiant must sign and return the license to the Stone County Recorder per RSMo 451.120. Clergy, judges, and qualified religious organizations can perform the ceremony under RSMo 451.100.

Note: Stone County marriage license fees can change, so call the Recorder before your visit.

Search Stone County Marriage Records

The Missouri State Archives Marriage Database includes Stone County records from 1805 to 2002. Search by name for free. This is the best online tool for finding older Stone County marriage license records and doing family history work.

For newer records, contact the Stone County Recorder in Galena. The Stone County office has all local records and can issue certified marriage license copies. The Missouri Bureau of Vital Records provides certified statements for $15 covering marriages from July 1948 forward. The Missouri Governor's Portal has general marriage info for the whole state.

Under RSMo 193.255, only those with a direct and tangible interest can get certified marriage license copies. Family members and the people named on the license qualify.

Stone County Marriage License Copies

To get a certified copy of a Stone County marriage license, visit the Stone County Recorder's office in Galena. Provide both names and the marriage date. The staff will search the files and issue a certified copy for a fee. Call ahead to check the exact amount.

Mail requests are also accepted. Send a letter to the Stone County Recorder with the details, a check or money order, and a self-addressed stamped envelope. Most requests take one to two weeks. The state Bureau of Vital Records offers certified statements for $15 covering marriages from July 1948 forward. These can be ordered by phone, mail, or through VitalChek online.

Stone County's location near Branson means some visitors get married here while on vacation. If you got married in Stone County years ago and now live out of state, you can request a copy by mail or have a friend pick one up for you with proper authorization. The Recorder's office works with out-of-state requests regularly.

Marriage Law in Stone County

Missouri law treats marriage as a civil contract. Common law marriages are not valid in the state. A license from the Stone County Recorder of Deeds is required before the ceremony. After the wedding, the officiant must sign the license and send it back to the Stone County Recorder. If this step is skipped, the marriage may not be recorded. Follow up with your officiant to make sure it gets done.

Stone County follows the same marriage statutes as the rest of Missouri. The three-day marriage license waiting period, 30-day license validity, and rules about who can officiate are all statewide. The Recorder in Galena handles all local administration. If you have marriage license questions about wedding venues or local officiants near Table Rock Lake, the Stone County Recorder's staff may be able to point you in the right direction.

Nearby Counties

These counties border Stone County. Each has its own Recorder of Deeds for marriage license needs.