Marriage License Information, Laws, and Requirements
Marriage license laws vary from state to state, and even from county to county in some states.
This section will specifically address Missouri, Kansas, and Illinios marriage license information, but if you are looking for information on any other state, contact us and we will send you the current information.These laws are subject to change, so it is always wise to check with a county clerk for the most current information.
Missouri Marriage License Information, Laws, Requirements
In most circumstances you may apply for a marriage license at any MO county clerk office where you plan to be married. These offices are usually located in the county probate court or circuit court.
What is the cost of a marriage license?
All marriage license applicants must pay a $48.00 application fee at the time of application. If the bride chooses to have her name changed after the wedding ceremony, a certified copy of the marriage license must be purchased for an additional $10.00. This certified copy is then presented by her to the Social Security Administration in order to effect a name change. There is a fee of $1 fee for each parental consent, if required. Fees may vary county to county. Additionally, some counties only accept cash.What are the residency requirements for Missouri?
None, you do not have to be a previous or current resident of Missouri to obtain a marriage license that is valid statewide.Is there a waiting period from the application date to the date the license is issued?
Missouri has repealed the three-day (3) waiting period that was previously required. At this time there is no waiting period. Check with your county clerk as this may change.Is there a waiting period from the date the license is issued to the date I am allowed to marry?
No, you can marry immediately after receiving your license.What is the minimum age a man or woman may marry?
You must be 18 years old or older to marry without the consent of a custodial parent or legal guardian. A birth certificate may be necessary to show proof of age.What if one or both of us is younger than 18?
If either partner is under 18, one parent or legal guardian must be present. If a parent can not be present, due to death, separation, divorce or other circumstances, proper evidence must be presented for verification. You will need a certified copy of your birth certificate. If you are under 16 you can not marry without a court order.Are blood tests and physical exams required?
No blood test or physical exam is required.How long does a marriage license remain valid once it's been issued?
Your license will expire 30 days from the date it is issued.What if one or both partners have been divorced or have had a spouse die?
If previously married, the date of divorce or date of spouse's death must be provided. Applicants must wait at least 30 days after the divorce has been finalized before applying for a marriage license. A copy of your divorce records or spouse's death certificate can be ordered online here.Where can I obtain a certified copy of a marriage, divorce, or death certificate?
Certified copies of marriage, divorce, or death records can be ordered online here.Are proxy marriages legal?
No, proxy marriages are no longer allowed.Are cousin marriages legal?
No, cousin marriages are not allowed.Are common law marriages legal?
No, common-law marriages are not allowed.Are same sex marriages legal?
No, same-sex marriages are not presently legal in the state of Missouri. However, we would be more than happy to perform a commitment ceremony.Kansas Marriage License Information, Laws, Requirements
In most circumstances you may apply for a marriage license at any KS county clerk office where you plan to be married. These offices are usually located in the county probate court or circuit court.
What is the cost of a marriage license?
The marriage license fee is $59.00. Accepted forms of payment are cash or money order. Some counties may have an additional $25.00 surcharge.What are the residency requirements for Kansas?
None, you do not have to be a previous or current resident of Kansas to obtain a marriage license that is valid statewide.Is there a waiting period from the application date to the date the license is issued?
Yes, there is a mandatory 3 day waiting period. In most states, the waiting period does not include Saturdays, Sundays or holidays. In some instances, the day the application is filed is not included within the waiting period.Is there a waiting period from the date the license is issued to the date I am allowed to marry?
No, you can marry immediately after receiving your license.What is the minimum age a man or woman may marry?
You must be 18 years old or older to marry without parental consent. A birth certificate may be necessary to show proof of age.What if one or both of us is younger than 18?
If either partner is under 18, parental consent forms must be signed. You will need a certified copy of your birth certificate. Marriage is not allowed for persons under the age of 15 in Kansas. This legislation can be waived only by a district court judge who thinks that getting married at such a young age would be in that individual's best interest.Are blood tests and physical exams required?
No blood test or physical exam is required.How long does a marriage license remain valid once it's been issued?
Your license will expire 6 months from the date it is issued.What if one or both partners have been divorced or have had a spouse die?
If previously married, the date of divorce or date of spouse's death must be provided, and you may need to wait 30 days past the date of your final decree before getting remarried.Where can I obtain a certified copy of a marriage, divorce, or death certificate?
Certified copies of marriage, divorce, or death records can be ordered online. (https://www.backgroundsusa.com/affiliate/affLanding.asp?aff=306)Are proxy marriages legal?
At this time, marriage by proxy is allowed. Check with your county clerk for more information.For information on prison marriage and divorce, please consult this pdf file: A Jailhouse Lawyer's Manual
Are cousin marriages legal?
No, cousin marriages are not allowed.Are common law marriages legal?
Yes. Kansas does allow common law marriages."A common law marriage will be recognized in Kansas if the couple considers themselves to be married and publicly holds themselves out to be married and if they are legally eligible to marry. No minimum period of cohabitation is required."
Are same sex marriages legal?
No, same-sex marriages are not presently legal in Kansas. However, we would be more than happy to perform a commitment ceremony for you.Illinois Marriage License Information, Laws, Requirements
In most circumstances you may apply for a marriage license at any IL county clerk office where you plan to be married. These offices are usually located in the county probate court or circuit court.