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 and obtain 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 $55.00. 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 marriage as well as the name of your former spouse to the clerk.
Ask the clerk if you can go ahead and PRE-PAY for your certified copy of the Marriage License. Veterans and
those active in the military can receive theirs at no cost. This fee is any where between $9 and $15 and is
needed for those who choose to change their name.
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:
Below are links/phone # for information depending on which county you are obtaining the license near
Saint Louis.
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 and obtain 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 $55.00. 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 marriage as well as the name of your former spouse to the clerk.
Ask the clerk if you can go ahead and PRE-PAY for your certified copy of the Marriage License. Veterans and
those active in the military can receive theirs at no cost. This fee is any where between $9 and $15 and is
needed for those who choose to change their name.
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/phone # for information depending on which county you are obtaining the license near
Saint Louis.
| St. Clair County, IL Call 618-277-6600 |
| Google Search to Find Other Counties Not Listed |
