St. Louis, MO

St. Louis marriage license cost and civil wedding steps

Last updated: 2026 • Official Source ↗

Quick answer

St. Louis: For St. Louis, the listed marriage license fee is $48. There is no waiting period, and the license is valid for None. Use the official source before applying, because local offices can change fees, appointments, and ceremony rules.

License Fee

$48

Wait Time

no waiting period

Valid For

None
Ranked #28 of 86 by lowest listed cost, below the $66 average
Same-day available — No waiting period required

St. Louis marriage license cost and wait time

St. Louis's listed marriage license fee is $48. There is no waiting period, and the license has a None validity window. Compared with the US city average of $66, St. Louis is $18 below average and ranks 28 of 86 for lowest listed cost.

Courthouse or city hall wedding in St. Louis

If you are searching for a courthouse wedding in St. Louis, start with the marriage license. Civil ceremony appointments, city hall options, officiants, and return rules are handled locally, so confirm ceremony availability with the official office before choosing a date.

Official details can change without much notice. Treat this as a planning guide and verify with the linked office before you apply.

Overview

Marriage license applications in St. Louis County are completed entirely online or by virtual appointment through the Recorder of Deeds office. Walk-ins are not accepted. Applicants must complete an online application before a license can be issued. The Recorder of Deeds office processes applications and provides pickup/payment options after the application is complete.

1

Requirements

2

Process

01

Complete Online Application

Complete the Marriage License Application via any electronic device no more than 30 days before the ceremony.

02

Upload IDs

Both parties must upload their government-issued picture IDs.

03

Schedule Virtual Appointment (if needed)

If you do not meet the criteria for a fully online application, schedule a virtual appointment with the Recorder of Deeds office using the Qless appointment scheduler.

04

Pickup and Payment

After your virtual appointment, you will be provided pickup and payment options. One applicant may pick up the license at the Recorder of Deeds office in Clayton after receiving a confirmation email.

How St. Louis compares

CityLicense FeeWait Time
St. Louis$48no waiting period
Louisville, KY$50no waiting period
Oklahoma City, OK$50no waiting period
Washington, DC$45no waiting period
Billings, MT$5330 Minutes
?

Frequently Asked Questions

How much is a marriage license in St. Louis?

The listed marriage license fee for St. Louis is $48. Fees can change, so verify the amount with the official office before applying.

How long does it take to get a marriage license in St. Louis?

St. Louis: There is no waiting period. If you are planning a civil or courthouse wedding, build that timing into your date planning.

Can you have a courthouse wedding in St. Louis?

Courthouse, city hall, or civil ceremony availability depends on the local office. The marriage license is the first step; use the official source to confirm ceremony appointments and local rules.

What if one applicant is absent?

The absent party must complete an affidavit of absence (disability, military, or incarceration) and provide it to the Recorder of Deeds before the application can be processed.

What is the cost of a certified copy?

Each certified copy of the marriage certificate costs $9.00.

What happens if I submit my application after 4:00 pm?

All prepaid applications submitted after 4:00 pm will be processed on the next business day.