Applying for a Marriage License

Applications are issued 8:30-11:30 & 12:30-3:30 Monday-Friday

  • Both parties must be present
  • Both parties must have a valid photo I.D. (Driver’s license, Passport, etc.)
  • Effective August 28, 2025  – You must be 18 years of age or older to apply and receive a marriage license.
  • If previously married, the party must know the month & year that the previous marriage ended.
  • The fee is $51.00 (must be EXACT CASH only)

Note: You will leave with a marriage license that is good for 30 days, so apply for the license based on the planned wedding date.

For your convenience, we have provided a printable PDF for you to complete before coming into the office.  Both parties must complete a separate form, so you must print it twice.  This will make the process quicker and will assure you that you have all of the information necessary to apply for your marriage license. (this form can only be used at the Clinton County, Missouri recorder’s office)

Marriage license Application 2026Download

Recording of the Marriage License

  • After the ceremony, you will have 15 days to return the completed marriage license to the Recorder of Deeds office for recording
  • The marriage is not legal until it is recorded
  • They can be brought into the office in person or mailed
  • We will record the marriage license and return the original to you by mail

Note:

You may want to consider purchasing a certified copy of the recorded marriage license to have on hand for mailings, such as applying for a passport, changing your name on your driver’s license and social security card, etc. The fee for each certified copy is $9.00.