Marriage records in St. Louis, Missouri, are available through several channels. StLouisCourt.us allows you to quickly find publicly available information about marriage records. Additionally, copies of documents can be obtained directly at the Recorder of Deeds office in St. Louis, through the online portal of the Missouri Bureau of Vital Records, in person, or by mail.
St. Louis Marriage Records Search
In the city of St. Louis, marriage records are maintained by the Recorder of Deeds office. This is an independent city agency — St. Louis functions as an independent city, not as part of the county of the same name. The Recorder of Deeds keeps marriage licenses, marriage certificates, and related documents dating back to the mid-19th century. Historical records prior to 1881 are also partially available through the Missouri State Archives.
At the state level, the central registry of marriage records is maintained by the Bureau of Vital Records at the Department of Health and Senior Services. This registry covers marriages registered from July 1948.
Certified Marriage Record Copies and Fees in St. Louis
The fees depend on where you order the copy — locally or through the state. Below are the approximate rates.
| Service | Fee | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Certified copy (Recorder of Deeds, City of St. Louis) | $10.00 | Recorder of Deeds Office |
| Additional copy (in the same order) | $5.00 | Recorder of Deeds Office |
| Certified copy (State Bureau of Vital Records) | $15.00 | Missouri DHSS |
| Uncertified / informational copy (state) | Free online (not legally binding) | Missouri DHSS |
| Expedited processing (state, FedEx delivery) | Additional ~$19.00 for delivery | Missouri DHSS |
Fees may change. Check current amounts directly with the office or on the vital records order page.
Order Marriage Certificates Online or In Person in St. Louis
There are several ways to obtain a copy of a marriage certificate.
Online
Through the Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services portal, you can order both certified and uncertified copies for marriages registered after July 1948. To order, you need:
- Full names of both spouses
- Approximate date of marriage
- Place of marriage registration
- Payment by credit or debit card
The standard processing time is 4 to 6 weeks by mail.
In Person
Visit the Recorder of Deeds office at the address provided above. Bring a valid photo ID. Copies are usually issued the same day. No appointment is necessary.
By Mail
Send a written request to the Recorder of Deeds office. Include in the letter:
- A completed request form (or a letter in free form with the full names of the spouses and the date of marriage)
- A check or money order for the appropriate amount, made payable to "Recorder of Deeds"
- A copy of the applicant's ID
- A self-addressed stamped envelope
You can also send a request by mail to the Missouri Bureau of Vital Records at:
For genealogical research or searching for older documents, it is worth contacting the Missouri State Judicial Archives, which hold materials from county and municipal courts. Marriage records in Missouri are generally public; however, obtaining a certified copy may require proof of the applicant's identity or their connection to the individuals named in the document.