St Louis Marriage Records are official documents that prove a legal marriage took place within the city limits. These records are managed by the St. Louis City Recorder of Deeds and date back to January 1932. Anyone can request a copy, but only certified versions carry the government seal and are accepted for legal use. Whether you’re changing your name, applying for benefits, or researching family history, these records provide the proof you need. The process is straightforward, affordable, and supported by both online tools and in-person services.
What Are St Louis Marriage Records?
St Louis Marriage Records include every marriage license issued by the city since 1932. Each record lists the full names of both spouses, the date and location of the ceremony, the officiant’s name, and the names of any witnesses. These documents serve as legal proof of marriage and are often required for government forms, name changes, or benefit claims. Certified copies include an official seal and signature from the Recorder of Deeds, making them valid in court and with federal agencies.
Uncertified copies are also available for free and contain the same information but lack the seal. These are useful for personal research, genealogy, or informal verification. Both types can be requested online, by mail, or in person at the Recorder of Deeds office located in City Hall.
How to Get a Certified Copy of a Marriage Record
To obtain a certified copy of a St Louis Marriage Record, you must submit a request to the Recorder of Deeds. The fee is $12 per document, payable by cash, check, or credit card. You can apply online through the city’s official portal, which provides instant tracking and secure payment options. Alternatively, visit the office in person at 1200 Market Street, Room 126 or 128, during business hours from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., Monday through Friday.
When requesting a copy, provide the full legal names of both spouses and the exact date of marriage. If you’re unsure of the date, use the free search tool to locate the record first. Processing takes one to three business days for mailed requests and same-day service for walk-ins with valid ID.
Search for St Louis Marriage Records Online
The City of St. Louis offers a free online search tool for marriage records from 1932 to today. Simply enter the surname and first name of either spouse, and optionally narrow results by year or month. The system returns the license number, marriage date, ceremony location, and witness names. Each result includes a direct link to request a certified copy and shows the exact ledger page where the entry appears.
This portal is updated daily and reflects all licenses processed by the Recorder of Deeds. It’s the fastest way to verify a marriage or gather details before submitting a formal request. For records before 1932, contact the City Archives, which holds handwritten registers and microfilm copies available for on-site review or digitization upon request.
Marriage Records Before 1932
Marriages that occurred in St. Louis before January 1932 are not available online. These older records are stored in the City Archives as handwritten ledgers and microfilm reels. Researchers must schedule an appointment to view them in person or request digital scans. The archives staff can assist with locating specific entries, but advance notice is recommended due to limited staffing.
Some pre-1932 records have been transcribed by the St. Louis Genealogical Society, especially those from the French-colonial era up to 1803. These include original marriage contracts and church registers. While not official for legal purposes, they are valuable for historical and family research.
St. Louis Genealogical Society Resources
The St. Louis Genealogical Society (SLGS) maintains a rich collection of historical marriage documents. Their archives include French-colonial marriage contracts, church records, probate files, and city indexes. Many of these have been digitized and indexed for easier searching. Visitors can access the materials at the SLGS research room or request photocopies for $0.25 per page.
The society also hosts monthly workshops to teach researchers how to cross-reference marriage records with land deeds, census data, and military files. This helps build a complete family timeline and uncover connections that aren’t obvious from a single document. SLGS works closely with city and county offices to preserve and share vital records.
FamilySearch and Digitized Microfilm
FamilySearch.org hosts a complete digital collection of St. Louis City marriage records on microfilm. These were transferred to the Missouri State Archives in 1978 and later scanned for online access. The collection covers licenses from 1876 onward and includes bride and groom names, ages, occupations, and officiant signatures.
An index created by volunteers in 2021 allows users to search by surname and year without viewing every image. This speeds up research significantly. The site also links to related records like naturalization papers and court documents that may reference a marriage. It’s a free, reliable resource for genealogists and historians.
St. Louis County vs. St. Louis City Records
It’s important to know whether the marriage occurred in St. Louis City or St. Louis County. The city became independent from the county in 1876, so records are split between two offices. City records are managed by the St. Louis City Recorder of Deeds, while county records fall under the St. Louis County Recorder of Deeds in Clayton, Missouri.
If you’re unsure where the license was issued, check the ceremony location. Weddings held within the city limits—such as downtown, The Hill, or Forest Park—are city records. Those in suburbs like Chesterfield, Florissant, or Kirkwood are county records. Both offices maintain separate search tools and fee structures.
St. Louis County Marriage Records
St. Louis County maintains marriage records from January 1, 1877, to the present. The public index is free to search and includes license numbers, marriage dates, spouse names, and precinct locations. Certified copies cost $10 each and can be requested online, by mail, or in person at the Recorder of Deeds office at 41 South Central Avenue, Clayton, MO 63105.
The county also links marriage records to other vital documents like birth and death certificates. This helps users build a full life timeline for individuals. Walk-in service is available weekdays from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., with same-day pickup for certified copies upon presenting valid photo ID.
How to Request a Copy from St. Louis County
To get a certified marriage record from St. Louis County, complete the online request form or submit a written application by mail. Include the full names of both spouses, the marriage date, and your reason for requesting the document. Payment is $10 per copy, accepted via credit card online or check by mail.
Once processed, the document is mailed via USPS or available for pickup at the Clayton lobby. Processing takes three business days for in-person requests and up to ten days for mailed applications. The certified copy includes the original signatures, county seal, and notarized authenticity statement required for legal use.
Statement of No Marriage Record Found
Sometimes, you may need proof that no marriage record exists for a person in St. Louis. This is called a “Statement of No Marriage Record Found” or Single Status Affidavit. It’s commonly required for immigration, military enlistment, or legal name changes under Missouri law.
To request this statement, contact the St. Louis City Recorder of Deeds with the individual’s full name and date of birth. The office will search their database and issue a signed affidavit confirming no license was issued. There is no fee for this service, and it can often be completed the same day.
Common Uses for St Louis Marriage Records
People request St Louis Marriage Records for many reasons. Legal name changes after marriage require a certified copy to update Social Security, driver’s licenses, and bank accounts. Survivor benefits from Social Security or veteran programs also need proof of marriage.
Immigration applications often require marriage certificates to sponsor a spouse. Employers may ask for verification during background checks. Genealogists use these records to trace family trees, especially when combined with census and property records.
Fees and Payment Options
The cost for a certified marriage record is $12 in St. Louis City and $10 in St. Louis County. Uncertified copies are free. Payment methods include cash, check, or credit card. Online requests use secure payment portals, while mailed applications should include a check payable to the Recorder of Deeds.
Bulk orders of ten or more copies may qualify for discounts in some counties. Always confirm current fees on the official website before submitting payment, as rates can change.
Processing Times and Delivery
Processing times vary by method. In-person requests in St. Louis City are often fulfilled within minutes if the record is on file. Mailed applications take one to three business days in the city and up to ten in the county. Online orders typically process within 48 hours.
Certified copies are sent via USPS unless picked up in person. Expedited shipping is not available, but tracking numbers are provided for online requests. During holidays or high-volume periods, delays may occur.
Contact Information and Office Hours
For St. Louis City Marriage Records, call (314) 622-4610 or visit City Hall at 1200 Market Street, Rooms 126–128. Office hours are Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., excluding city holidays.
For St. Louis County, call (314) 615-5100 or visit 41 South Central Avenue, Clayton, MO 63105. The lobby is open weekdays from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Both offices provide walk-in service and accept phone inquiries during business hours.
Tips for Successful Record Requests
To avoid delays, always double-check the spelling of names and the marriage date. If the exact date is unknown, use the online search tool first. Bring a valid photo ID when picking up in person. For mailed requests, include a self-addressed stamped envelope.
If the record is older than 1932, contact the City Archives in advance. For international use, ask if an apostille is needed—this extra certification is required by some countries and can be arranged through the Missouri Secretary of State.
Related Vital Records
Marriage records are part of a larger set of vital records managed by local governments. In St. Louis, you can also request birth certificates, death certificates, and divorce decrees from the same offices. Each has its own fee, process, and eligibility rules.
Birth and death records are restricted to immediate family or legal representatives. Divorce records are maintained by the Circuit Court. Combining these documents gives a full picture of a person’s legal status over time.
Genealogy and Historical Research
St Louis Marriage Records are a goldmine for family historians. By tracing marriages across generations, researchers can uncover migration patterns, ethnic communities, and social changes. The city’s diverse population—from French settlers to German immigrants—is reflected in its marriage contracts and church records.
Organizations like the St. Louis Genealogical Society and FamilySearch have made thousands of records searchable online. These resources, combined with city and county archives, allow anyone to explore their roots without traveling far.
Legal Validity and Acceptance
Only certified copies of St Louis Marriage Records are legally valid. They must include the official seal, signature of the Recorder of Deeds, and a statement of authenticity. Uncertified copies are for reference only and will not be accepted by courts, banks, or government agencies.
If you plan to use the record outside the U.S., ask about an apostille. This certification verifies the document’s origin and is recognized by countries in the Hague Convention.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
One common error is confusing St. Louis City with St. Louis County. Always confirm the ceremony location before requesting a record. Another mistake is submitting incomplete forms—missing names or dates can delay processing.
Never send original documents by mail. Use copies for applications and keep the originals safe. If you’re unsure about requirements, call the office ahead of time.
Frequently Asked Questions About St Louis Marriage Records
Below are answers to the most common questions about obtaining, using, and understanding St Louis Marriage Records. These cover legal requirements, research tips, and procedural details to help you get what you need quickly and correctly.
Can I get a marriage record if I don’t know the exact date?
Yes. Use the free online search tool to find the record by name. You can narrow results by year or month if needed. Once you locate the entry, note the license number and date before requesting a certified copy. The search tool is updated daily and includes all licenses from 1932 to today.
Are St Louis Marriage Records public?
Yes, marriage records in St. Louis are public information. Anyone can search for and request a copy, though certified versions require a small fee. However, some details like Social Security numbers may be redacted to protect privacy. Records older than 75 years are fully open for research.
How long does it take to receive a certified copy?
In-person requests in St. Louis City are often fulfilled the same day. Mailed applications take one to three business days. St. Louis County processes requests within three days for walk-ins and up to ten days by mail. Online orders usually ship within 48 hours of payment confirmation.
Can I request a record for someone else?
Yes, but you must provide a valid reason and sometimes proof of relationship. For legal matters like estate settlements, a court order may be required. In most cases, anyone can request an uncertified copy for research, but certified copies for legal use may require authorization.
What if the marriage happened before 1932?
Pre-1932 records are held by the City Archives. Contact them to schedule a visit or request digitization. Some older records have been transcribed by the St. Louis Genealogical Society and are available for research at their facility or through limited online indexes.
Do I need an apostille for international use?
If you’re using the marriage record in a foreign country, check if an apostille is required. This certification confirms the document’s authenticity under the Hague Convention. You can request it from the Missouri Secretary of State after obtaining the certified copy from the Recorder of Deeds.
Is there a discount for multiple copies?
St. Louis County offers a discount for bulk orders of ten or more certified copies. Contact the office for details. St. Louis City does not currently offer bulk pricing, but fees remain low at $12 per document. Always confirm current policies before submitting payment.
Official Resources and Links
For the most accurate and up-to-date information, use these official sources:
- St. Louis City Recorder of Deeds: https://www.stlouis-mo.gov/government/departments/recorder/marriage/index.cfm
- St. Louis County Marriage Records: https://stlouiscountymo.gov/services/services-links/recorders-office-marriage-license/marriage-licenses-faqs/get-a-copy-of-marriage-license/
- FamilySearch St. Louis Records: https://www.familysearch.org/search/catalog/178298
- St. Louis Genealogical Society: https://stlgs.org/research-2/life-death/marriages
Phone: (314) 622-4610 (City) | (314) 615-5100 (County)
City Office Hours: Monday–Friday, 8:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m.
County Office Hours: Monday–Friday, 8:30 a.m.–4:30 p.m.