Buchanan County Marriage Records

Buchanan County marriage records are kept by the Recorder of Deeds in St. Joseph, Missouri. The office has marriage licenses and certificates going back to 1839 when the county was first organized. Buchanan County is one of the larger counties in northwest Missouri, and the Recorder handles a steady flow of marriage record requests. You can search for Buchanan County marriage records by visiting the office on Jules Street, calling the staff, or sending a mail request. Certified copies and plain copies are both available for records on file.

Buchanan County Recorder of Deeds

Rebecca Dunlap serves as the Buchanan County Recorder of Deeds. The office is at 411 Jules Street, Room 103, in St. Joseph. This is the official location for all marriage record services in Buchanan County. The Recorder issues marriage licenses, files completed licenses after ceremonies, and provides copies to the public. E-recording services are also available for certain document types.

You can reach the office at (816) 271-1596 for general inquiries or (816) 271-1437 for marriage license questions specifically. The fax number is (816) 271-1582, and the email is bdunlap@co.buchanan.mo.us. All marriage license procedures follow Chapter 451 RSMo. The Buchanan County website has additional information about the Recorder's office and frequently asked questions about marriage licenses.

Since no local screenshot is available for Buchanan County, the image below shows the Missouri Recorders Association website, which provides a directory of all county Recorders including Buchanan County.

The Recorders Association directory is helpful for finding the right office when you are not sure which county to contact.

How to Search Buchanan County Marriage Records

Visit the Recorder of Deeds at 411 Jules Street in St. Joseph to search for marriage records. Give the staff the names of both spouses and an approximate date. They check the index and pull the file. Copies are available on the spot. A certified copy of a marriage license costs about $10. Plain copies are $2 per page.

Buchanan County does not have a public online portal for marriage record searches at this time. All searches go through the office in person, by phone, or by mail. For a mail request, send a letter with the names, date, and your payment to the Recorder's office. Include a self-addressed stamped envelope. Check or money order works for mail payments. Cash is accepted in person.

The office is closed on weekends and county holidays. Make sure to plan your visit during regular business hours. If you are driving to St. Joseph from out of town, call ahead to confirm the record you need is available.

Note: Military personnel may get certified copies of their marriage license at no charge from the Buchanan County Recorder.

Buchanan County Marriage License

Both people must come to the Buchanan County Recorder in St. Joseph. Bring a valid photo ID and your Social Security number. Missouri has no blood test and no wait time. You apply, pay, and walk out with the license. The fee is about $51. Cash and checks are both accepted. Confirm payment methods when you call.

The license works for 30 days from the date it was issued. You can use it anywhere in Missouri. After the wedding, the officiant has to get the signed license back to the Buchanan County Recorder within 15 days per RSMo 451.130. If you were married before, bring the month and year that marriage ended. Both applicants must be at least 18 years old, with no exceptions under Missouri law as of August 28, 2025.

Marriage Certificates from Buchanan County

The Buchanan County Recorder has original marriage certificates from 1839 to the present. The courthouse survived fires that destroyed records in many other Missouri counties, so Buchanan County has one of the more complete collections in the state. A certified copy costs about $10. It shows names, date, place, officiant, and witnesses.

The Missouri Bureau of Vital Records has a state marriage index from July 1, 1948 onward. They issue a Certified Statement Relating to Marriage with just the names, date, and county. For the full certificate, you need the Buchanan County Recorder. State statements can be ordered through VitalChek or by mail to the Bureau in Jefferson City. Under RSMo 193.255, you need tangible interest to get a certified copy from either source.

Historical Marriage Records

Buchanan County was organized in 1839, and marriage records have been preserved since that time. The courthouse did not suffer the fire losses that affected many Missouri counties during the Civil War, so the historical record is unusually complete. If you need an old marriage filing from Buchanan County, the Recorder's office in St. Joseph is the best place to start.

The Missouri State Archives holds microfilm copies of Buchanan County marriage records from 1839. Their online database has some of this material scanned and browsable. FamilySearch also has microfilm copies available for free research. These sources are especially valuable for genealogy work in the St. Joseph area.

Public Access and Missouri Law

Marriage records are public under the Missouri Sunshine Law (Chapter 610 RSMo). Anyone can request to view a marriage filing at the Buchanan County Recorder's office. You do not have to be a party to the marriage. Plain copies and viewing are open to all. Certified copies require tangible interest under RSMo 193.255.

The Missouri Recorders Association maintains a statewide directory of all 114 county Recorder offices. If you need marriage records from other counties in northwest Missouri, the directory can help you find the right contact information quickly.

Cities in Buchanan County

St. Joseph is the county seat and the largest city in Buchanan County. All marriage licenses for the county are issued through the Recorder of Deeds on Jules Street in St. Joseph. St. Joseph has its own municipal government but still uses the Buchanan County Recorder for all marriage record services.

Other communities in Buchanan County include Agency, DeKalb, and Easton. All residents file for marriage licenses through the county Recorder in St. Joseph.

Nearby Counties

These counties surround Buchanan County in northwest Missouri. Each has its own Recorder of Deeds. Check which county issued the marriage license before making your request.