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City of St. Louis exact answer

How long is a marriage license valid in City of St. Louis?

This answer belongs to the issuing office and task named above. It does not substitute a statewide summary or infer a rule the office does not publish.

Direct answer

The license used in City of St. Louis is valid for 29 days. Counted from the day the license is picked up, which in practice is the day it is issued. The Recorder's brochure and Missouri statute both allow 30 days; 29 is the current published instruction and the safer figure to plan against — see the source conflict note.

Published rule and conditions

Marriage license validity
29 days

Counted from the day the license is picked up, which in practice is the day it is issued. The Recorder's brochure and Missouri statute both allow 30 days; 29 is the current published instruction and the safer figure to plan against — see the source conflict note.

Official requirement

License must be used for a ceremony within 29 days after it is has been picked up.

Issuing office

City of St. Louis Recorder of Deeds, Marriage License Department

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Official sources for this answer

  • Apply for a Marriage LicenseCity of St. Louis Recorder of Deeds, Marriage License Department - checked July 26, 2026

    You can fill out an online application beforehand or in person, but in either case couples must visit the Marriage Department together in person to obtain the license. Your license will be issued during your visit to the Marriage Department. License must be used for a ceremony within 29 days after it is has been picked up. $60.00 nonrefundable application fee payable by Visa/MasterCard or cash. No checks. Two witnesses to the ceremony must sign the license.

  • RSMo Section 451.040 — Marriage license required, waiting period; application, contents; license void whenMissouri Revisor of Statutes - checked July 26, 2026

    After the receipt of the application the recorder of deeds shall issue the license, unless one of the parties withdraws the application. The license shall be void after thirty days from the date of issuance.

Answer boundary

MarriageLicenseCheck is an independent reference, not the issuing office or legal advice. Applicant facts, timing, prior marriages, and document type can change the result. The official office decides what it will accept.

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