How to Find Missouri Marriage Records

United States US Vital Records  How to Find United States Marriages  Missouri  Vital Records  Missouri Marriages

Missouri became a state in 1821, formed from Missouri Territory.

Finding Missouri Marriage Records

 * 1821 - Missouri laws required counties to record marriages
 * 1881 - county clerks began to send copies to the state
 * Missouri marriage records are not restricted and can be ordered by anyone during any time period

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Next Step: When did the marriage occur?

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 * Marriage Records
 * Choose a time period:
 * Before 1881
 * 1881 to Present
 * Marriage year unknown


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Learn more about U.S. Marriage Records

Marriages Before 1881

 * Marriages are kept by the county clerk for each county and begin at the creation of the county

If you cannot locate your ancestor in the databases below, try searching for marriage information in other records.

STEP TWO: Obtain the Record
If you did not find your ancestor in the databases above, follow the instructions below:

PART A: You don't know the exact date or place of marriage


 * If you know the county of marriage, you can request a search for a fee from the recorder of deeds.
 * If you don't know the date or county of marriage, you can also try searching for marriage information in other records.

PART B: You know the exact date and place of marriage from your records


 * Order a copy of a marriage record for a fee from the recorder of deeds.

OR


 * View a copy of a marriage record on microfilm at a Family Search Center:

Some images of county marriage records may be available on microfilm at your local Family Search Center. If you know the approximate date and county where the marriage took place, use the FamilySearch Catalog to see what is available.


 * Search the FamilySearch Catalog by county.
 * Select the topic Vital Records. Look for records authored by the county clerk.
 * For a small fee, order the microfilm to view at a local FamilySearch Center.

Return to the Top: Choose another marriage year

Marriages 1881 to Present

 * 1881, county clerks began to send copies to the state

STEP TWO: Obtain the Record
PART A: You don't know the exact date or place of marriage


 * If you don't know the county of marriage, you can request a search for a fee from the county clerk or the Missouri Department of Health.
 * If you don't know the date or county of marriage, you can also try searching for marriage information in other records.

PART B: You know the exact date and place of marriage from your records


 * A copy of a marriage record may be ordered for a fee from the recorder of deeds.

OR


 * A copy of a marriage record may be ordered for a fee from the Missouri Department of Health.

Return to the Top: Choose another marriage year

Wiki Articles

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