Applying for a Marriage License
Although some couples see this as a mundane task, I suggest you treat it as a ritual of love.
Prepare for the practical aspects, but also allow yourselves to feel and celebrate the importance
of the celebration. This is the first step towards making it legal. It will be very exciting when you see
your names on the license for the very first time.
From the practical point of view, BOTH of you must apply for the license in person, bringing the
appropriate payment and documentation. The clerk's office will not allow a solo bride or groom to
apply for a license.
Missouri law allows you to obtain your license anywhere in the state (for example, you can get the
license in St. Charles County, even if you intend to wed in the City of St. Louis).
A marriage license from another state will not be considered valid. In Illinois, the ceremony must be performed in the same
county of which you apply and pick up the marriage license.
EFFECTIVE AUGUST 28, 2007 - There is no WAITING PERIOD in the State of Missouri.
Once you apply for the license, the marriage ceremony must occur within 30 days.
If you are coming from out-of-town to get married, you will have limited days before your ceremony. Make sure the Clerk's
office is open on the days you would need to, or plan to, get your marriage license. They are closed evenings, weekends, and
most holidays. In Illinois, the clerk will issue a marriage license when you apply, but it cannot be used until the next day.
You need to bring CASH to get a marriage license and it can cost as much as $51.00. They do not take credit cards or
checks. If you have been married before, bring your divorce papers and be prepared to give the dissolution papers of your
former marrige as well as the name of your former spouse to the clerk.
Keep in mind that you are responsible for bringing valid and acceptable forms of identification when applying for a marriage
license. Proof of your Social Security number is also required. Expired forms of ID will not be accepted.
Although some couples see this as a mundane task, I suggest you treat it as a ritual of love.
Prepare for the practical aspects, but also allow yourselves to feel and celebrate the importance
of the celebration. This is the first step towards making it legal. It will be very exciting when you see
your names on the license for the very first time.
From the practical point of view, BOTH of you must apply for the license in person, bringing the
appropriate payment and documentation. The clerk's office will not allow a solo bride or groom to
apply for a license.
Missouri law allows you to obtain your license anywhere in the state (for example, you can get the
license in St. Charles County, even if you intend to wed in the City of St. Louis).
A marriage license from another state will not be considered valid. In Illinois, the ceremony must be performed in the same
county of which you apply and pick up the marriage license.
EFFECTIVE AUGUST 28, 2007 - There is no WAITING PERIOD in the State of Missouri.
Once you apply for the license, the marriage ceremony must occur within 30 days.
If you are coming from out-of-town to get married, you will have limited days before your ceremony. Make sure the Clerk's
office is open on the days you would need to, or plan to, get your marriage license. They are closed evenings, weekends, and
most holidays. In Illinois, the clerk will issue a marriage license when you apply, but it cannot be used until the next day.
You need to bring CASH to get a marriage license and it can cost as much as $51.00. They do not take credit cards or
checks. If you have been married before, bring your divorce papers and be prepared to give the dissolution papers of your
former marrige as well as the name of your former spouse to the clerk.
Keep in mind that you are responsible for bringing valid and acceptable forms of identification when applying for a marriage
license. Proof of your Social Security number is also required. Expired forms of ID will not be accepted.
Acceptable forms of identification include:
Valid Driver's License (from the United States or from one of its territories)
Non-Driver's License Identification Card (from the United States or from one of its territories)
Active United States Military Identification Card
Valid Passport
Certified Birth Certificate
U.S. Certificate of Naturalization (issued within the past ten years)
Valid United States Alien Registration Card with expiration date
Employment Authorization Card issued by the United States Immigration Authorities.
Below are links to information depending on which county you are obtaining the license near Saint Louis.
Valid Driver's License (from the United States or from one of its territories)
Non-Driver's License Identification Card (from the United States or from one of its territories)
Active United States Military Identification Card
Valid Passport
Certified Birth Certificate
U.S. Certificate of Naturalization (issued within the past ten years)
Valid United States Alien Registration Card with expiration date
Employment Authorization Card issued by the United States Immigration Authorities.
Below are links to information depending on which county you are obtaining the license near Saint Louis.
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