Marriage records in Franklin County, Missouri, can be accessed through several channels. FranklinMOCourt.us can help you find publicly available marriage record information for the county. You can also contact the Franklin County Recorder of Deeds directly, visit the office in person at the county courthouse, or submit a request by mail. For older or historical records, the Missouri State Archives may also hold relevant documents. The Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services maintains statewide vital records as an additional resource.
Franklin County Marriage Records Search
In Missouri, marriage licenses are issued by the Recorder of Deeds in each county. The Franklin County Recorder of Deeds is the office responsible for issuing marriage licenses and maintaining marriage records filed in the county. The collection includes marriage licenses issued to couples who applied in Franklin County, returned marriage certificates recorded after the ceremony, and historical marriage records dating back to the county's early years.
Marriage records in Franklin County are generally considered public records. A search typically requires the names of the parties and an approximate date of the marriage. For records that predate the county's current indexing system, you may need to contact the office directly or check with the Missouri State Archives for older county records.
Certified Marriage Record Copies and Fees in Franklin County
Fees for marriage record copies in Franklin County are set by Missouri statute and the Recorder of Deeds office. The following table summarizes standard fees. Contact the Recorder's office to confirm current amounts before submitting a request.
| Service | Fee |
|---|---|
| Certified copy of marriage license/certificate | $10.00 |
| Each additional certified copy (same order) | $5.00 |
| Search fee (if no record is found) | $10.00 |
Fees are based on Missouri Revised Statutes governing recorder fees. Payment methods accepted in person typically include cash, check, or money order. For mail requests, money orders or checks payable to the Franklin County Recorder of Deeds are generally required. Processing for in-person requests is usually same-day; mail requests may take one to two weeks depending on volume.
Certified copies from the state level can also be ordered through the Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services vital records office, which maintains statewide marriage records from July 1948 forward. State-level fees and processing times differ from county fees.
Order Marriage Certificates Online or In Person in Franklin County
There are three main ways to obtain a copy of a marriage record from Franklin County:
Online
The Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services offers an online vital records ordering system for marriage records from July 1948 to the present. Orders placed online are processed through a third-party vendor, and additional service fees apply. This is often the fastest option if you do not live near Union, Missouri.
At the county level, check the Franklin County government website for any online request forms or electronic ordering options that may be available through the Recorder of Deeds.
In Person
Visit the Franklin County Recorder of Deeds at the courthouse during regular business hours:
Walk-ins are generally accepted. Bring a valid photo ID. You will need to provide:
- Full names of both spouses
- Approximate date of marriage
- Payment for the applicable fee
Certified copies are typically available the same day for records on file.
By Mail
To request a marriage record copy by mail, send the following to the Recorder of Deeds:
- A written request including the full names of both spouses and the approximate date of marriage
- A check or money order payable to the Franklin County Recorder of Deeds for the applicable fee
- A copy of your valid photo ID
- A self-addressed stamped envelope for return mailing
Mail requests to:
Allow one to two weeks for processing. If the office cannot locate a record matching your request, the search fee is typically still charged. For statewide vital records or marriages that took place in a different Missouri county, contact that county's Recorder of Deeds or the state vital records office instead.