Getting Your Marriage License

Some might see this as a mundane task. But you treat it as a ritual of love. Prepare for the practical aspects, but also allow yourselves to feel and celebrate the importance of every step 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!

NOTE: Due to the pandemic and ever-changing rules, the process for obtaining a marriage license may be different than what is described below. It is always best to check with the recorder of deeds office to see current requirements.

BOTH of you must apply for the license in person or through an on-line portal, providing the appropriate payment and identification. The clerk's office will not allow a solo bride, groom or partner to apply for a license.

If you are coming from out-of-town to get married, make sure the Recorder of Deeds office is open on the days you would need to, or plan to, get your marriage license. Most are closed evenings, weekends, and most holidays. Check with the links below for St. Louis metro and Metro East county office hours or Google "marriage license" and specify the county and state (for example, "Madison County Illinois marriage license").

It is best to bring CASH to get a marriage license. The cost is different in each county. Some take credit cards or checks, but they may charge a convenience fee. If you have been married before, you need to provide the month and year that the last marriage ended.

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. Again, the fee is different in every county. The certified copy of the marriage license is needed for those who choose to change their name, social security, health insurance and other legal issues.

Keep in mind that you are responsible for bringing valid and acceptable forms of identification when applying for a marriage license. Expired forms of ID will not be accepted. The name on your government-issued identification must match your name with the Social Security Administration.

You DO NOT need to live in Missouri or Illinois or the United States to obtain a marriage license.

Anyone from anywhere in the world with proper valid Identification can get married in the St Louis Metro Area.

Acceptable Forms of Identification Include:

Valid U.S. Driver's License
Non-Driver's US State License Identification Card
Active United States Military Identification Card
Valid Passport
Certified Birth Certificate
Non-U.S. Citizens Valid Government-Issued Photo ID

Missouri

Missouri law allows you to obtain your license anywhere in Missouri. For example, you can get your license in St. Charles County and have your ceremony in the city of St. Louis. A marriage license from another state will NOT be considered valid.

There is no waiting period, but the ceremony MUST be performed within 30 days beginning from the date that the marriage license is issued. The completed license must be submitted within 15 days of the ceremony.

In most cases, no witnesses are required to sign the marriage license.

Illinois

Illinois law requires you to obtain your license from the SAME COUNTY where your ceremony will be held. A marriage license from another state will NOT be considered valid.

There is a 24-hour waiting period before the ceremony can be held. The ceremony MUST occur within 60 days beginning from the date the marriage license is issued. The completed license must be submitted within 10 days of the ceremony.

No witnesses are required to sign the marriage license.