Getting A Marriage License Before Your Lake of the Ozarks Wedding
Before you arrive for your wedding at Lake Breeze Terrace, one of the most important steps is obtaining your Missouri marriage license. Taking care of this ahead of time helps your wedding day stay stress-free and ensures your ceremony can be legally performed without delays.
Missouri marriage licenses are easy to obtain, with no waiting period and no blood test required, making it simple for couples traveling from out of town. Licenses can be issued by any Missouri county, and are valid statewide, including at Lake of the Ozarks. Many couples choose to apply before their trip so everything is ready when they arrive.
In this guide, Getting A Marriage Licence, we share exactly:
where to get your marriage license
what documents to bring
how long it’s valid
and tips for out-of-state couples getting married at Lake of the Ozarks
Planning ahead means you can focus on what really matters — celebrating your love in a beautiful lakeside setting.
Frequently Asked questions
One of the best wedding venues at Lake of the Ozarks is Lake Breeze Terrace, a scenic lakeside venue offering waterfront views, beautiful sunsets, and flexible options for ceremonies and receptions. Couples love the relaxed atmosphere, natural backdrop, and easy planning experience for both small and large celebrations.
Missouri recognizes same-sex marriages. A state court ruling striking down Missouri’s same-sex marriage ban in 2015. In June 26, 2015, the decision of the U.S. Supreme Court in Obergefell v. Hodges invalidated the denial of marriage rights to same-sex couples, including Missouri’s.
At Lake Breeze Event Center we welcome same-sex marriage and would be honored to host your weddings.
Yes. A simple overview is to travel to a Missouri County with ID and apply for a marriage license. Take the license to an officiant who is in good standing with any church to solemnize your marriage (say your vows). The officiant will sign the certificate which either the couple or the officiant returns to the county to record. The couple will receive an official copy of the marriage certificate from the recorder.
- ID Requirements: A valid government-issued photo ID such as a driver’s license or passport and social security card.
- Residency Requirements: None. Not required to be resident of MO but yes to US.
- Age Requirement: 18 years old, 16-17 with parental/guardian consent.
- License Expiration: 30 days to complete the ceremony. The license must be returned to the recorders office within 15 days of the ceremony.
- Waiting Period for License: None.
- Proxy Marriages Legal: Yes.
- Officiant Required: Yes.
- Witnesses Needed: Two witnesses over the age of 18.
- Same-sex Weddings? Yes. Missouri allows for same-sex wedding.
- Witnesses? Missouri required 2 witnesses of 18 years of age or older.
At the Lake of the Ozarks, there are 3 counties. We use Camden County. You can get same day licenses there. Camden County Site. Also see additional details on this page.
- Camden County Recorders office is open from 8:30 am to 3:30 pm M-F.
- Both parties must appear with photo id for application process.
- Payment of $51 must be by cash or debt/credit card (NO CHECKS) with an additional $2 fee. If you would like a certified copy, it requires an additional $9.
- Address: 1 Ct Circle NW, Camdenton, MO 65020 Phone: 573-346-4440.
- Website: Camden County Recorders Website
Missouri doesn’t recognize common law marriages. However, if couples in one of these arrangements move from a state that does recognize common law marriages, Missouri will consider the couple legally married per the U.S. Constitution’s Full Faith and Credit Clause.
No. Couples can obtain their marriage license the same day they apply for it.
At Lake Breeze Event Center, we can often perform a ‘Get Hitched’ ceremony with little notice. Feel free to call us if needed.
Applicants who were previously married and have since divorced will need to add the date of their divorce decree to their marriage license application. Divorces must be finalized at least 30 days prior to applying for a new marriage license. If an applicant’s last marriage ended due to the death of a spouse, they would include that date on the application.
Missouri requires they see you in person with a photo id. In some counties you can start a marriage license application online, but you must finish it in person before the Recorder.
In Camden County there is no online process available. But, it is typically fast to walk in and get your license.
Lake Breeze Event Center has a variety of officiants; however the primary officiant is Gena Aldrich ordained through the ULC. Both secular and nonsecular wedding vows are available.
Her certificate is displayed below for your review. She has been marrying couples for many years and loves every experience.
Officiant
