ID Requirement: Picture ID such as driver's license, and Social Security card.

Residency Requirement: Do not have to be a resident of Missouri.

Previous Marriages: Applicants must provide the date their last marriage ended and must wait at least 30 days after the divorce is final before applying for a marriage license.

Application Requirement: Both the bride and groom must appear together before the Recorder of Deeds of any Missouri county and apply for a marriage license.

Waiting Period: 3 days. The 3-day waiting period can be waived with approval of a judge if special conditions make an earlier marriage "advisable."

Fees: $50 plus a $1 fee for each parental consent. No Refunds. Cash Only.

Blood Tests: No tests

Under 18: A person under age 18 cannot marry without the consent of the custodial parent or guardian.

A person under age 15 cannot marry without the approval of a judge in the county where the marriage license is sought. The statute states that the judge should grant approval only after a showing of "good cause" and that unusual conditions make the marriage "advisable." Any individual lacking the mental capacity to consent to marriage cannot marry without court approval.

Solemnization Authority:

Within the 30-day period after the marriage license is issued, the marriage must be "solemnized" by one of the following:

- A clergyman or clergywoman, active or retired, who is in good standing with any church or synagogue in Missouri

- A Circuit Court or Associate Circuit Court judge (who are prohibited by a Missouri Constitutional provision from receiving any compensation for the service)

- A religious society, institution or organization in Missouri of which either marriage party is a member, in accordance with the organization's regulations and customs

Within 90 days after the marriage ceremony, the person solemnizing the marriage must complete the marriage certificate issued with the marriage license and return it to the office of the issuing Recorder. Lack of witnesses does not make a marriage invalid. However, two witnesses can submit an affidavit that the marriage ceremony took place if the certificate is lost or destroyed and the person who solemnized the marriage is unavailable.

Common Law Marriage: No. However, Missouri law does recognize the validity of common law marriages entered into in Missouri before 1921, as well as common law marriages contracted in other states which permit them.

Cousin Marriages: No.

Proxy Marriages: Yes.

Same Sex Marriages: No.

Officiants: Marriages may be performed by any clergyman who is a citizen of the United States and who is in good standing with any church or synagogue in this state. Ministers must keep a record of all marriages they perform. They must give the couple a marriage certificate and must complete the marriage license and return it to the recorder of deeds within 90 days after the marriage license was issued.

Valid: License is valid for 30 days within the state of Missouri.