Find Audrain County Marriage Records
Audrain County marriage records are stored at the Recorder of Deeds office in Mexico, Missouri. The Recorder manages all marriage licenses and certificates for the county, from recent filings to records that date back over a century. You can search for Audrain County marriage records in person at the courthouse, call the office, or mail in a request. The staff handles copy requests and can help you track down a specific marriage filing by name or date. Both current licenses and historical marriage documents are available through this office.
Audrain County Quick Facts
Audrain County Recorder of Deeds
The Audrain County Recorder of Deeds is the official keeper of all marriage records in the county. Located in the courthouse in Mexico, Missouri, this office issues new marriage licenses, files returned licenses after ceremonies, and provides copies to the public. The Recorder also handles real estate records, liens, and other official documents. But for marriage records specifically, this is the place to go in Audrain County.
Visit the Audrain County Recorder page for office details and contact information. The Recorder's office follows Missouri law under Chapter 451 RSMo for all marriage license procedures. Below is a screenshot of the Audrain County Recorder's page.
The page gives you a quick overview of what the Recorder handles, including marriage licenses and document recording services.
| Office | Audrain County Recorder of Deeds |
|---|---|
| Address | 101 N. Jefferson St. Mexico, MO 65265 |
| Phone | (573) 473-5830 |
| Hours | Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM - 4:30 PM |
| Website | audraincounty.org/recorder |
Searching Marriage Records in Audrain County
To search for a marriage record in Audrain County, head to the Recorder of Deeds office in Mexico. Tell the staff who you are looking for and when the marriage happened. They will check the index and pull up the file. You can view the record and request copies while you are there. A certified copy costs about $9. Plain copies are cheaper, usually $1 to $2 per page.
The Audrain County website offers general information about county offices and departments, though the Recorder does not have a full online search tool for marriage records. The screenshot below shows the county's main portal.
For now, most marriage record searches in Audrain County happen in person or by phone. If you want to request by mail, send a letter to the Recorder with the names, approximate date, and a check for the copy fee. Include a self-addressed stamped envelope. Expect a response in one to three weeks depending on how busy the office is.
Note: Always confirm the current copy fee with the Recorder's office before mailing a request.
Audrain County Marriage License Requirements
Both people need to show up in person at the Audrain County Recorder's office. Bring your photo ID and Social Security number. Missouri dropped the blood test requirement years ago, and there is no wait time. You apply, pay the fee, and walk out with the license. The cost runs about $51. Cash is your best bet.
The marriage license from Audrain County is valid for 30 days and works in any Missouri county. After the ceremony, the officiant must return the signed license to the Recorder within 15 days, as stated in RSMo 451.130. If either person was married before, they will need to provide the month and year it ended. Both must be at least 18 years old. Missouri law changed the minimum age to 18 with no exceptions as of August 28, 2025.
Marriage Certificates from Audrain County
The Audrain County Recorder holds the original marriage certificates on file. A certified copy from the county has all the details: names, date, place, officiant, witnesses, and more. This is what most people need for name changes, legal proceedings, or insurance updates. The fee is about $9 per certified copy.
The Missouri Bureau of Vital Records keeps a statewide index of marriages since July 1, 1948. From the state, you can only get a Certified Statement Relating to Marriage. It lists the names, date, and county. Nothing else. For the full certificate from an Audrain County marriage, you must contact the Recorder in Mexico.
State-level statements can be ordered by mail to the Bureau of Vital Records in Jefferson City, in person, or online through VitalChek. VitalChek charges an extra fee. Certified copies from either level are restricted to those with a direct and tangible interest under RSMo 193.255.
Historical Audrain County Marriage Filings
Audrain County was founded in 1836. Marriage records have been kept since the county's early days. If you need an old record for genealogy or legal work, the Recorder's office has the original files. Very old documents may take longer to locate.
The Missouri State Archives holds microfilm copies of Audrain County records. Their County and Municipal Records Database lets you browse digitized records by county and type. FamilySearch also has microfilm copies available for free research. These sources are especially helpful for tracing marriages from the 1800s and early 1900s.
Public Access and Audrain County Law
Missouri's Sunshine Law (Chapter 610 RSMo) makes marriage records accessible to the public. You do not need to be part of the marriage. Anyone can go to the Audrain County Recorder and request to view a marriage filing. Certified copies have more rules. Under RSMo 193.255, you must show a tangible interest. Plain copies and viewing access are available to all.
The Missouri Recorders Association has a full list of all 114 county Recorders with their contact details. If you are searching for records in more than one county, the directory helps you find each office fast.
Nearby Counties
These counties surround Audrain County in central Missouri. If you are not sure which county issued a marriage license, check the county where the couple applied. Records stay with the issuing county.