Warren County, MO Recorder

Apply for a Marriage License in office 

Both applicants must appear together at the Recorder of Deeds Office, located in the Warren County Administration Building at 101 Mockingbird Lane, Suite 303, Warrenton, Mo. 63383.  

• Applicants must present a valid government-issued photo ID and know their Social Security number.  If applicants have not been issued a Social Security Number, they will need Affidavit of no social security number (PDF)  

• 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. 

• Applicants under 16 years of age shall not apply or obtain a marriage license. (RSMO 451.090) 

• 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 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)  If 30 days has not lapsed since the Divorce Judgment was entered, applicant shall fill out a statement stating that they are aware that judgment may be appealed or set aside. Divorce Statement (PDF)  

• Applicants shall not be related by blood through and including first cousins. (RSMO 451.020) 

• The ceremony must be performed within 30 days in the State of Missouri beginning from the date of issuance of the marriage license. 

• 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 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) 

• • Verification of Incarcerated Person (PDF) 

• • Verification of Disabilities pursuant to the ADA (PDF)  

• • Verification of Person on Active Military Duty (PDF) 

• 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 

• 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 4:00 p.m. Please plan accordingly. 

There are no refunds on issued marriage licenses. 

Applying for Marriage License Online  

• 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 Warren 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.  

• Both applicants shall be present to complete this application process with the exception of incarcerated, in active military, or qualifies under the American Disabilities Act  has a completed Affidavit of Absent Applicant, it can be uploaded for this process along with appropriate verification. 
  • Verification of Incarcerated Person (PDF) 

• • Verification of Disabilities pursuant to the ADA (PDF)  

• • Verification of Person on Active Military Duty (PDF) 

• Only one applicant has to come into the office and provide their Government issued Photo ID to 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. 

Return and Recordation of Marriage 

After the marriage license is issued, the applicants leave with the license, which must be signed by an officiant and two witnesses on the day of the ceremony. The person performing the ceremony is required by law to return the completed license within 15 days of the ceremony per RSMo 451.080. Once returned, staff then records the license, and a certified copy and keepsake version are mailed to the couple. Due to mail delays, please allow 30 days after your ceremony date to receive your certified copy and keepsake version. Thank you for your patience! 

Fees and Payment Information 

The total cost of the marriage license and certified copy is $61 ($52 for marriage license, $9 for certified copy). 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. 

Lost, Destroyed or Unused Marriage License 

A lost or destroyed marriage license can be replaced with a replica marriage license with the original issuance date for $10 in the Recorder of Deeds Office. If a marriage license is unused, it must be marked “unused” and returned to the Office per RSMo 451.130.  

Courthouse Marriages  

If you would like to schedule a marriage ceremony with the 12th Judicial Circuit Court, please call 636-456-3363 and schedule a date prior to applying for a marriage license. If you are getting married with the Judge at the 12^th Judicial Circuit Court, you must have obtained your license from The Warren County Recorder of Deeds Office.