Marriage Licenses

The Recorder of Deeds has a representative in the lobby behind a plexiglass shield in a shared space when needed. Due to processing time, marriage licenses will not be issued after 4:30 p.m.

Apply for a Marriage License

• Complete the application online no more than 30 days before the ceremony. 
• Both applicants must appear together at the Recorder of Deeds Office, located in the St. Charles County Administration Building at 201 N. Second St., St. Charles, MO 63301. 
• If you would like to schedule a marriage ceremony with the 11th Judicial Circuit Court, please call 636-949-7380 and schedule a date prior to applying for a marriage license. St. Louis County and St. Louis City courts will not use a St. Charles County marriage license. There are no refunds on issued marriage licenses.
• Marriage licenses are issued on a first come, first served basis; no appointments are taken.
• Due to processing time, marriage licenses will not be issued after 4:30 p.m. Please plan accordingly.

Online Marriage License Process

• Complete the application online no more than 30 days before the ceremony. After the application is saved, the system will ask if you want to complete the process online. 
• Both applicants must be at least 18 years of age and at least one applicant must be a resident of St. Charles County. (RSMO 451.040)
• Both applicants must provide an electronic signature, upload a copy of their valid government-issued identification, and answer security questions.
• The name on your government-issued identification must match your name with the Social Security Administration. 
• If an applicant is incarcerated, active military, or qualifies under the American Disabilities Act and has a completed Affidavit of Absent Applicant (PDF), it can be uploaded for this process.
• All prepaid applications submitted after 2:30 p.m. will be processed on the next business day.
• For overnight delivery: It is recommended to complete the online marriage license more than 48 hours prior to the ceremony to ensure it will arrive on time.
• For in-office pick-up and payment: One applicant may come to the office and pick up the license if they have received a confirmation email stating they have completed the electronic marriage license process. 
• If for any reason the online marriage license cannot be completed, both applicants must complete the application in the office together.

Qualifications

• The ceremony must be performed within 30 days in the state of Missouri beginning from the date of issuance of the marriage license.
• Applicants must present a valid government-issued photo ID and know their Social Security number.
• Applicants must be 18 years of age to marry without parental consent. (RSMO 451.090)
• A marriage license shall not be issued to any applicant who is 21 years of age if the other party is less than 18 years of age. (RSMO 451.090)
• Applicants who are 16 or 17 years of age may obtain a license with the consent of a parent or legal guardian. Consent must be given in person at the time of application with proper identification. (RSMO 451.090) If parents are divorced, the consenting parent must provide court papers to prove custody. An additional fee must be paid at the time of application for each parental consent.
• Applicants over the age of 18, who have a legal guardian, may obtain a license with the consent of their legal guardian. Consent must be given in person at the time of application with proper identification.
• Applicants under 16 years of age shall not apply or obtain a marriage license. (RSMO 451.090)
• Applicants shall not currently be married. (RSMO 451.030)
• Applicants, if previously married, shall provide the month and year that the last marriage ended. (RSMO 451.040)
• Applicants shall not be related by blood through and including first cousins. (RSMO 451.020)
• Foreign applicants must present their valid government-issued photo ID along with a certified English translation of all non-English documentation used. If a translator is needed, an appointment with our office must be made in advance.
• Applicants shall be present to complete the application process with the exception of incarcerated, active military, and persons who qualify under the American Disabilities Act. An Affidavit of Absent Applicant (PDF) is available for such qualifying parties and shall be presented to the Recorder of Deeds prior to issuance of the marriage license. (RSMO 451.040)

Fees and Payment Information

The total cost of the marriage license and certified copy is $58 ($47 for marriage license, $9 for certified copy, $2 for postage). Payment is due in full at time of license issuance. Cash or credit card is accepted (additional convenience fee for Visa, Mastercard or American Express). Personal checks are not accepted.