Missouri Marriage

Entering a legal marriage in Missouri requires obtaining a valid Missouri marriage license. Missouri marriage law puts certain restraints in place for minor children and for those who have completed their divorce process. Additionally, Missouri does not recognize a valid common-law marriage on its own but does recognize those validly entered into in another state. See below for more details on the requirements for applying for a Missouri formal marriage license.

 

Missouri Marriage Consent Laws

• With Parental Consent: Minors between the ages of 15 and 17 may marry in Missouri only with parental consent. Minors 14 and younger must also obtain an order from a circuit court judge in order to make their marriage valid. A judge will only grant such an order for “good cause.”
• Without Parental Consent: Adults 18 and older may marry in Missouri without parental consent.

 

Missouri Common Law Marriage

The state of Missouri does not recognize common-law marriage but does recognize those that were validly created in another state.

 

Missouri Legal Marriage License

• Residency:  No residency requirement.
• Tests: None.
• Identification Required: Photo ID such as a driver’s license and a social security card.
• Appearance/Proxy:  No proxy marriages in Missouri.
• Previous Marriages:  Previously married individuals must provide the date their previous marriage ended, and cannot get a marriage license until 30 days after the divorce was finalized.
• Length of License:  30 days from the time of issuance.
• Fees: $50, payable in cash only.
• Authorized Missouri Officiants:  Any Circuit Court or Associate Circuit Court judge, and any ordained minister.