Missouri Marriage License Guide (2026)
A Missouri marriage license costs approximately $51.50, though the exact fee varies by county. Licenses are issued by the County Recorder of Deeds under RSMo 451.030 - not the County Clerk. In the City of St. Louis, the City Recorder of Deeds issues the license.
The one thing to knowMarriage licenses are issued by the County Recorder of Deeds (the City Recorder of Deeds in the City of St. Louis), not the County Clerk.
The process
- Go to the County Recorder of Deeds
Marriage licenses are issued by the County Recorder of Deeds under RSMo 451.030. In the City of St. Louis, use the City Recorder of Deeds.
- Apply in person
There is no statewide pre-download form; apply in person at the Recorder of Deeds.
- Pay the license fee
Expect approximately $51.50, though the amount varies by county.
Marriage license fees by county — all 115 Missouri counties
| County | Fee |
|---|---|
| Adair County | call to confirm |
| Andrew County | call to confirm |
| Atchison County | call to confirm |
| Audrain County | call to confirm |
| Barry County | call to confirm |
| Barton County | call to confirm |
| Bates County | call to confirm |
| Benton County | call to confirm |
| Bollinger County | call to confirm |
| Boone County | call to confirm |
| Buchanan County | call to confirm |
| Butler County | call to confirm |
| Caldwell County | call to confirm |
| Callaway County | call to confirm |
| Camden County | call to confirm |
| Cape Girardeau County | call to confirm |
| Carroll County | call to confirm |
| Carter County | call to confirm |
| Cass County | call to confirm |
| Cedar County | call to confirm |
| Chariton County | call to confirm |
| Christian County | call to confirm |
| Clark County | call to confirm |
| Clay County | call to confirm |
| Clinton County | call to confirm |
| Cole County | call to confirm |
| Cooper County | call to confirm |
| Crawford County | call to confirm |
| Dade County | call to confirm |
| Dallas County | call to confirm |
| Daviess County | call to confirm |
| Dekalb County | call to confirm |
| Dent County | call to confirm |
| Douglas County | call to confirm |
| Dunklin County | call to confirm |
| Franklin County | call to confirm |
| Gasconade County | call to confirm |
| Gentry County | call to confirm |
| Greene County | call to confirm |
| Grundy County | call to confirm |
| Harrison County | call to confirm |
| Henry County | call to confirm |
| Hickory County | call to confirm |
| Holt County | call to confirm |
| Howard County | call to confirm |
| Howell County | call to confirm |
| Iron County | call to confirm |
| Jackson County | call to confirm |
| Jasper County | call to confirm |
| Jefferson County | call to confirm |
| Johnson County | call to confirm |
| Knox County | call to confirm |
| Laclede County | call to confirm |
| Lafayette County | call to confirm |
| Lawrence County | call to confirm |
| Lewis County | call to confirm |
| Lincoln County | call to confirm |
| Linn County | call to confirm |
| Livingston County | call to confirm |
| Macon County | call to confirm |
| Madison County | call to confirm |
| Maries County | call to confirm |
| Marion County | call to confirm |
| Mcdonald County | call to confirm |
| Mercer County | call to confirm |
| Miller County | call to confirm |
| Mississippi County | call to confirm |
| Moniteau County | call to confirm |
| Monroe County | call to confirm |
| Montgomery County | call to confirm |
| Morgan County | call to confirm |
| New Madrid County | call to confirm |
| Newton County | call to confirm |
| Nodaway County | call to confirm |
| Oregon County | call to confirm |
| Osage County | call to confirm |
| Ozark County | call to confirm |
| Pemiscot County | call to confirm |
| Perry County | call to confirm |
| Pettis County | call to confirm |
| Phelps County | call to confirm |
| Pike County | call to confirm |
| Platte County | call to confirm |
| Polk County | call to confirm |
| Pulaski County | call to confirm |
| Putnam County | call to confirm |
| Ralls County | call to confirm |
| Randolph County | call to confirm |
| Ray County | call to confirm |
| Reynolds County | call to confirm |
| Ripley County | call to confirm |
| Saline County | call to confirm |
| Schuyler County | call to confirm |
| Scotland County | call to confirm |
| Scott County | call to confirm |
| Shannon County | call to confirm |
| Shelby County | call to confirm |
| St Charles County | call to confirm |
| St Clair County | call to confirm |
| St Francois County | call to confirm |
| St Louis County | call to confirm |
| St Louis City County | call to confirm |
| Ste Genevieve County | call to confirm |
| Stoddard County | call to confirm |
| Stone County | call to confirm |
| Sullivan County | call to confirm |
| Taney County | call to confirm |
| Texas County | call to confirm |
| Vernon County | call to confirm |
| Warren County | call to confirm |
| Washington County | call to confirm |
| Wayne County | call to confirm |
| Webster County | call to confirm |
| Worth County | call to confirm |
| Wright County | call to confirm |
Missouri-specific details
In Missouri, marriage licenses come from the County Recorder of Deeds under RSMo 451.030. The County Clerk, whose fees are set by RSMo 50.565, does not issue marriage licenses. The City of St. Louis uses the City Recorder of Deeds.
What to bring
- Both applicants, present in person (no statewide online application)
- Payment for the license fee (approximately $51.50, varies by county)
- Confirmation from the Recorder of Deeds of any required identification or documents
Frequently asked questions
Who issues a marriage license in Missouri?
The County Recorder of Deeds, under RSMo 451.030 - not the County Clerk.
How much does it cost?
Approximately $51.50, though the fee varies by county.
What about the City of St. Louis?
The City of St. Louis uses the City Recorder of Deeds.
Can I download a form in advance?
No. There is no statewide pre-download form; apply in person.
Does the County Clerk issue marriage licenses?
No. County Clerk fees are set by RSMo 50.565, but marriage licenses are handled by the Recorder of Deeds.