How to Get Married Online in Missouri (Step-by-Step Guide)

Missouri, known as the "Show Me State," offers a diverse array of stunning wedding venues, from the majestic Ozark Mountains and the iconic Gateway Arch to the serene vineyards of Missouri Wine Country. Couples can exchange vows amid natural beauty or in charming chapels by the Mississippi River.

For those unable to visit these locations in person, online weddings provide a flexible alternative. Whether from a cozy Ozark cabin or a secluded spot, Missouri's scenic landscapes enhance virtual ceremonies. Planning an online wedding involves obtaining a marriage license and selecting an officiant, and this guide will help navigate the process for a seamless digital celebration.

In-Person Wedding Requirements in Missouri

Getting married in Missouri is a straightforward process, but it involves a few key steps to ensure everything is legally binding and recognized. 

The first step is obtaining a marriage license, which is required for all couples wishing to marry in Missouri. Both parties must appear in person at the Recorder of Deeds office in any Missouri county. You will need to provide valid identification, such as a driver's license or passport. If either party has been married before, you must also provide the date and manner of dissolution (divorce or death).

Furthermore, Missouri does not have a waiting period, so you can use your marriage license immediately after issuance. However, the license is only valid for 30 days from the date of issuance, so plan accordingly. The ceremony must be conducted by an authorized officiant. This can be a religious clergy member, a judge, or another person authorized by the state to solemnize marriages. Missouri allows for a broad range of officiants, including online-ordained ministers.

Missouri requires at least two witnesses present at the ceremony, who must also sign the marriage license. After the ceremony, the officiant and witnesses must sign the marriage license, which should then be returned to the Recorder of Deeds office to be officially recorded.

Obtaining a Missouri Marriage License Online

In Missouri, obtaining a marriage license is an essential first step toward your big day. The state offers a convenient online application process, allowing couples to streamline their paperwork before heading to the Recorder of Deeds office. Here’s how you can secure your marriage license online in Missouri:

1. Start the Application Online: Many counties in Missouri provide an online portal where you can pre-complete your marriage license application. This preliminary step saves time by gathering necessary information in advance, such as your full name, birth dates, and social security numbers. Some counties, like Jackson County, specifically encourage starting the process online to expedite in-person visits.
2. Visit the Recorder of Deeds Office: After filling out the online form, both parties must visit the Recorder of Deeds office together to finalize the application. You’ll need to present valid photo IDs, such as a driver’s license or passport, and pay the required fee. This step is crucial as Missouri law requires both applicants to appear in person to verify identities and provide necessary documentation.
3. Receiving the License: Once the application is approved, you'll receive your marriage license. This document is valid immediately and can be used for up to 30 days, during which you must have your ceremony and return the signed license to the same office for recording.

Online Marriage License vs. Fully Online Marriage

Obtaining an online marriage license and having an online marriage are two separate processes. An online license is just a document that grants legal permission for a couple to get married. Some states allow this license to be applied for and received online, making the paperwork easier. However, even with an online marriage license, the wedding ceremony itself still needs to happen in person, following state laws.

On the other hand, an online marriage, like those facilitated by Courtly, means the entire process, including both the legal documentation and the wedding ceremony, can be completed online. This offers a convenient and modern alternative to the traditional in-person wedding ceremony.

Courtly: Simplifying the Online Marriage Process in Missouri

Courtly provides a user-friendly platform for couples looking to get married online in Missouri, offering a fully remote process that minimizes the need for extensive paperwork. With Courtly, couples can easily obtain a valid U.S. marriage certificate. Here’s a step-by-step guide to the process:

Step-by-Step Guide for Online Marriage in Indiana with Courtly

1. Create an Account

Start by creating an account on the Courtly website. Click on the "Get Married" button, usually located at the top right corner of the page, and follow the instructions to set up your profile.

2. Choose Ceremony Details

Select your desired ceremony format, venue, and style to suit your preferences. Courtly will match you with a qualified U.S. officiant based on your chosen date and time.

3. Confirm and Pay

After selecting your wedding package, proceed to payment. Once your payment is processed, you will receive an email confirmation detailing your wedding plans.

4. Celebrate Online

Invite your friends and family to join your online ceremony. The ceremony, which typically lasts around 15 minutes, can be conducted from any location with a reliable internet connection. 

After the ceremony, you will receive a digital copy of your U.S. marriage certificate. Courtly will also mail a printed copy within 1 to 2 weeks, and you can download your digital marriage license within 24 hours.

The Legality of Online Marriages in Missouri

Traditionally, marriage laws required the couple and officiant to be physically present for the ceremony and to obtain a marriage license in person from the county clerk's office. However, this changed with an innovative digital marriage license application system introduced in Utah County in 2019. This system allows couples to complete the entire process online, eliminating the need for in-person visits.

A significant aspect of Utah's online marriage system is that it is accessible to couples regardless of their state of residence. Marriages legally performed under this system are generally recognized across the United States, as long as both state and federal regulations are adhered to. Thus, couples who marry online using Utah's platform typically have their marriage recognized in other states, including Missouri. This development has made it possible for many couples to legally marry without the traditional constraints of physical presence.

Special Circumstances and FAQs

Applying from Out-of-State or Abroad

Couples who wish to marry in Missouri but live out-of-state or abroad can apply for a marriage license remotely, provided they meet Missouri's requirements. This can often be done via mail or online platforms, depending on the county's specific rules.

Expedited Processing Options

For those in a hurry, some counties offer expedited marriage license processing. It's advisable to check with the local county clerk's office for availability and any additional fees associated with expedited services.

If you need to get married as soon as possible, you may also consider using Courtly’s Rush Processing service which allows you to get married online in less than 24 hours. You can learn more about adding this service on our Pricing Page. 

Handling Name Changes

After marriage, spouses may choose to change their last name. In Missouri, this process typically involves updating your Social Security record, driver's license, and other official documents. Each agency may have specific forms and identification requirements. Courtly also offers kits and name change boxes to make the process easier in the United States.

Registering the Online Marriage Abroad

Couples marrying online through services like Utah's digital marriage system may need an apostille to ensure their marriage certificate is recognized internationally. An apostille is a form of authentication suitable for documents used in countries participating in the Hague Apostille Convention. Missouri provides apostille services through the Secretary of State's office for documents issued in the state.

Proxy Marriages in Missouri

Proxy marriages, where one or both parties are not physically present, are generally not permitted in Missouri. However, exceptions exist for military personnel under specific circumstances. In such cases, a double proxy marriage may be allowed, where stand-ins represent both parties.

Prohibited Marriages

Missouri law prohibits incestuous marriages, where one party is already legally married, or where either party lacks the mental capacity to consent. Additionally, marriages involving minors under 16 are not allowed without court approval.

Final Thoughts

In Missouri, getting married—whether in person or online—requires careful adherence to legal procedures. Platforms like Courtly offer a streamlined process for couples, making it possible to handle everything from obtaining a marriage license to holding the ceremony virtually.

Courtly pairs you with a certified officiant and manages the necessary paperwork, ensuring that your marriage certificate is issued promptly and legally recognized. For those opting for an online marriage, Missouri provides an online application process, although couples are generally required to visit a county Recorder's office to finalize the license.