How to Find Missouri Marriage Records

How To Find U.S. Marriage Records How To Find Missouri Marriage Records

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

Finding Missouri Marriage Records

 * 1821 Missouri laws required counties to record marriages
 * 1881, the county clerk began torecord marriage
 * 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 1821
 * 1821 to 1881
 * 1881 to 1948
 * 1948 to Present
 * Marriage year unknown


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Learn more about U.S. Marriage Records

Marriages Before 1821

 * Before 1821, no marriages were recorded by the state
 * 18-- to 18-- very few records exist

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



Return to the Top: Choose another marriage year

Marriages 1821 to 1881
Marriage Records on Microfilm Some 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 theFamily History Library Catalog (FHLC) to see what is available.


 * Search the FHLC 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 Family Search Center.

Return to the Top: Choose another marriage year

Marriages 1881 to 1948
Marriage Records on Microfilm Some 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 theFamily History Library Catalog (FHLC) to see what is available.


 * Search the FHLC 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 Family Search Center.

Return to the Top: Choose another marriage year

Marriages 1948 to Present
Marriage licenses may be found in the county records where the marriage occurred.

STEP ONE: Find Marriage Information


 * Copies may be ordered from the county clerk.


 * Copies may be ordered from the Missouri Department of Public Health.

Ask for the marriage license or the marriage register, not the marriage certificate. The license or register usually contains more information. Return to the Top: Choose another marriage year

Wiki Articles

 * Missouri
 * Missouri Online Genealogical Records
 * Missouri Vital Records
 * How to Find United States Marriage

Records#Tips_about_Searching_Learn more about U.S. marriage records


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 * How to find U.S. marriage records
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 * United States Record Selection Table
 * United States, How to Use Marriage Records
 * United States Marriage Records
 * United States Vital Records
 * U.S. Vital Records Overview
 * Locating United States Vital Records
 * Missouri Marriage Records (FamilySearch Historical Records)/Known Issues