Marriage records in Buchanan County, Missouri, are available through several channels. BuchananCourt.us can help you find publicly available marriage record information for the county. You can also contact the Buchanan County Recorder of Deeds directly, visit the office in person, or submit a request by mail. The Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services maintains statewide vital records and offers an additional avenue for obtaining marriage certificates.
Buchanan County Marriage Records Search
In Missouri, marriage licenses are issued by the Recorder of Deeds in each county. The Buchanan County Recorder of Deeds is the custodian of marriage licenses issued within the county and maintains records of marriages filed after the license is returned by the officiant. The collection includes marriage license applications, issued licenses, and recorded marriage certificates. Historical marriage records dating back to the county's early years may also be on file, though very old records are sometimes held by the Missouri State Archives.
Walk-ins are accepted during regular business hours. If you are searching for a marriage record and are unsure whether it was filed in Buchanan County, contact the Recorder's office by phone to confirm before visiting.
Certified Marriage Record Copies and Fees in Buchanan County
Fees for marriage record copies are set by Missouri statute and county fee schedules. The table below reflects standard fees at the county and state levels. Contact the Recorder of Deeds to confirm current amounts before submitting payment.
| Service | Fee |
|---|---|
| Certified copy of marriage license/certificate (Buchanan County Recorder) | $5.00 |
| Each additional copy (same order, same record) | $3.00 |
| Certified copy from Missouri DHSS (state vital records) | $15.00 |
Fees are governed by Missouri Revised Statutes, Chapter 59 (Recorders of Deeds). The state vital records office may charge different fees and accept credit card payments for online orders. Processing times at the county level are typically same-day for in-person requests. Mail requests generally take one to two weeks.
Order Marriage Certificates Online or In Person in Buchanan County
There are three main ways to obtain a copy of a Buchanan County marriage record:
Online
The Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services allows you to order a copy of a vital record online, including marriage certificates for events recorded statewide. The state portal accepts credit card payments and typically ships certified copies by mail within several business days. Note that the state office holds records from July 1948 forward; earlier records must be obtained from the county.
In Person
Visit the Buchanan County Recorder of Deeds at the courthouse address listed above during regular business hours. Bring a valid photo ID. You can usually receive a certified copy the same day. No appointment is needed.
By Mail
Send a written request to the Recorder of Deeds at:
Include the following with your mail request:
- Full names of both spouses
- Approximate date of the marriage
- Your relationship to the individuals on the record
- A copy of your valid photo ID
- A check or money order for the applicable fee, payable to the Buchanan County Recorder of Deeds
- A self-addressed stamped envelope
If you are uncertain which office holds the record you need, BuchananCourt.us can help point you in the right direction for publicly available marriage record information in Buchanan County, Missouri.