Officiating a wedding in Missouri
Registration, the license, and who returns it — the essentials for officiants.
Informational only. Informational only, not legal advice. Confirm the current rule with the county clerk or issuing office that handles the license.
Reviewed August 2026 · Issuing office: revisor.mo.gov
Can you officiate, and is registration required?
Missouri sets no officiant registration. Any clergyperson, active or retired, in good standing with any church or synagogue in this state may solemnize, as may judges without compensation and religious societies of this state under their own customs. That phrase, in this state, is narrower than the usual formula and is the pressure point for a remote online ministry; no Missouri decision resolving it was located, so confirm with the recorder of deeds before you take the date. The couple gets the license from a Recorder of Deeds, and it is void 30 days after issuance.
Who returns the license, and by when
The person who solemnized returns the license to the officer who issued it within fifteen days after the issuing of the license, not fifteen days after the wedding. Because the license lives 30 days, a ceremony late in its life is already past that deadline, so do not collect the license weeks early. Confirm the count with the issuing recorder.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do you have to register to officiate in Missouri?
No. Missouri’s marriage chapter contains no registration provision for officiants.
Does Missouri accept an online ordination?
It is unsettled. The statute asks for good standing with a church or synagogue in this state, which is narrower than the usual wording, and no Missouri decision resolving how recorders apply it was located. Confirm with the recorder of deeds first.
When is a Missouri marriage license due back?
Within fifteen days of the date the license was issued, not fifteen days after the ceremony. Since the license is void after thirty days, a late ceremony can already be past the return deadline.
Never miss a return deadline
RiteBinder's license tracker keeps every state's note in front of you (free, no card). On Solo it also turns the signed license into a task and reminds you before the deadline.
Confirm the current rule with the issuing office:revisor.mo.gov.