A Step-By-Step Guide to Getting Your Marriage License in Missouri

Planning your wedding is full of exciting moments like finding your dream venue, picking out flowers, and cake tastings (yum!)— but there’s also a little bit of paperwork involved. Before you can officially tie the knot at Pebble Creek Farm, you’ll need to get your marriage license in Missouri. Don’t worry, it’s easier than you think! We’ve put together this step-by-step guide so you can check this important task off your wedding planning list with confidence.

St Louis wedding venue couple married in white barn



Step 1: Know Where to Apply

In Missouri, you and your fiancé(e) will need to apply for your marriage license together at any county Recorder of Deeds office in Missouri. It doesn’t have to be the county you live in, or the one where you’re getting married. For example, if you’re planning your wedding here at Pebble Creek Farm in Missouri, you can apply in any county across the state.




Step 2: Bring the Right Documents

To avoid delays, make sure you have the following with you when you go:

  • A valid, government-issued photo ID (like a Driver’s License of Passport).

  • Your social security numbers.

  • The required marriage license fee (this varies by county so check ahead of time, but most accept cash or card).

Step 3: Apply Together

Both of you need to be present to apply in person. The process is quick, usually taking less than 30 minutes. Think of it as a little pre-wedding date. Plus, you’re checking something important off the wedding to-do list, together!

Couple gets married at Missouri white barn countryside venue.




Step 4: Understand the Waiting Period (or Lack of!)

Good news: Missouri no longer requires a waiting period. That means you can pick up your marriage license and get married the very same day. However, keep in mind that your marriage license is valid for 30 days, so don’t apply too early.




Step 5: Hand it Over on Wedding Day

Once you’ve said “I do” at Pebble Creek Farm, your officiant will fill out the license and return it to the county Recorder of Deed’s office. They should submit it within 15 days of the ceremony to ensure it is properly updated and filed. After that, you’ll receive your official marriage certificate in the mail— aka the legal proof that you’re married.




Pro Tips for a Stress-Free Experience

  • Plan Ahead. Many counties post the Marriage License Application online. To save time, print it out, fill it out, and have it with you and ready to go!

  • Call Ahead. Each county office has slightly different hours and may require an appointment.

  • Double-check fees. Bring the correct payment method to save time.

  • Don’t wait until the last minute. While you could technically gravitate your license the morning of your wedding, it’s better to handle it at least a week in advance for peace of mind.

Make It Official at Pebble Creek Farm

Here at Pebble Creek Farm, we love celebrating couples as they start their forever together. Our Missouri wedding venue, near St. Louis, provides the perfect backdrop for your big day. From our incredible space and service, to plenty of scenic spots for those once-in-a-lifetime photos, our white barn venue has that classic and timeless look to stand the test of time.



So grab your sweetheart, a valid ID, and maybe a little coffee to make the errand fun, and check “marriage license” off your wedding to-do list. Then get back to the exciting parts— like planning your celebration with us!

White barn wedding venue in St. Louis Missouri

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Planning Tips, Venue Policies & FAQsChelsey Overman