Getting Your Marriage License

January 1, 2024

Everything you need to know about getting married in Missouri.

Where is the BEST wedding venue in Missouri?

Lake Breeze Event Center has a beautiful Terrace that overlooks the Lake of the Ozarks with a beautiful sunset sky for your special vows.

Wedding Packages are inclusive of all services and vary in size and price from traditional all-day events to 2 & 3 hours smaller weddings and even further to sweet 30 minute vows using the gorgeous lake as your backsplash.

Same Sex-Weddings?

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.

Is it easy to get married in Missouri? What is the overall process?

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.

Short List of Requirements in Missouri.

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 Licensing Details.

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

Is a marriage license required in Missouri? What about common law?

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.

Is there a waiting period in Missouri?

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.

What if I have been previously married?

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.

Can you apply for marriage license online?

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.

Officiants? Included at Lake Breeze.

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.