Caldwell County Marriage Records
Caldwell County marriage records are filed and stored at the Recorder of Deeds office in Kingston. Whether you need to look up a past marriage license, get a certified copy of a certificate, or find out what is on file, the Recorder's office is the place to start. Caldwell County has maintained marriage records for well over a century, and both old and new filings can be searched. The staff can help you find what you need by name or date. Online records are also available through the county's digital search portal, which covers documents from around 2000 forward.
Caldwell County Quick Facts
Caldwell County Recorder of Deeds
The Caldwell County Recorder of Deeds handles all marriage records for the county. Angie Merrill serves as the Recorder, with Melinda Nyquist as Chief Deputy Recorder. The office is on the first floor of the Caldwell County Courthouse in Kingston. You can walk in during regular hours to search for records, apply for a marriage license, or pick up certified copies. Call ahead if you need a record from before 1978, as older files may take more time to pull.
The Caldwell County Recorder of Deeds website lists office details and services. Marriage licenses in Caldwell County follow Missouri law. Both people must show up in person with valid photo ID and a Social Security number. No blood test is needed. There is no waiting period at all. The license is good for 30 days after it is issued. Your officiant must return the signed license to the Caldwell County Recorder within 15 days of the ceremony per RSMo 451.130.
The Recorder's office also has the Caldwell County Historical Society books on hand, which can be useful for older marriage research.
| Office | Caldwell County Recorder of Deeds |
|---|---|
| Recorder | Angie Merrill |
| Address | 49 East Main Street Kingston, MO 64650 |
| Mailing | PO Box 65, Kingston, MO 64650 |
| Phone | (816) 586-3080 |
| Fax | (816) 586-1252 |
| Recorder@caldwellco.missouri.org | |
| Hours | Monday - Friday, 8:00 AM - 12:00 PM and 1:00 PM - 4:30 PM |
Note: Marriage licenses and recordings are not processed after 4:00 PM.
Search Caldwell County Marriage Records Online
Caldwell County offers an online records portal through iCounty. The portal at caldwellmo.icounty.com lets you search marriage records from about 2000 to the present. You can look up a license by name or date. Indexed data is available for free, though viewing and printing images may need a login. The office also has deed records going back to 1860 in the system.
The Caldwell County Recorder's online search page is shown below. This portal gives you a way to find recent Caldwell County marriage records without making the trip to Kingston.
If you need records from before 2000, you will have to contact the office directly. Two public search stations are also available at the Recorder's office for in-person use. Records prior to 1978 are indexed using the Grantee/Grantor system.
Getting a Marriage License in Caldwell County
To get a marriage license in Caldwell County, both people must appear together at the Recorder of Deeds office. Bring a valid photo ID and your Social Security number. Missouri does not require a blood test or a waiting period. You fill out the application, pay the fee, and get your license that same day. The fee is around $51. Cash is the safest form of payment.
The license stays valid for 30 days. It can be used anywhere in Missouri. After the wedding, the officiant signs the license and sends it back to the Caldwell County Recorder within 15 days. If you were married before, bring the date your last marriage ended. The minimum age to marry in Missouri is 18 with no exceptions as of August 28, 2025. This rule is set by state law under Chapter 451 RSMo.
Caldwell County Marriage Certificates
The Caldwell County Recorder keeps the original marriage certificates on file. A certified copy costs about $9. Plain copies run $1 to $2 per page. If you need a certified copy for a name change, insurance, or legal matter, the Recorder's office in Kingston can provide it.
You can visit the Caldwell County Recorder of Deeds page to find contact details and learn more about the office. The screenshot below shows the Recorder's website with office information.
The Missouri Bureau of Vital Records in Jefferson City holds an index of marriages from July 1, 1948 forward. They issue a Certified Statement Relating to Marriage, which only has the names, date, and county. It does not include the full certificate details. For the complete document from a Caldwell County marriage, contact the Recorder's office. You can order the state-level statement by mail, in person, or through VitalChek. Under RSMo 193.255, only those with a direct and tangible interest can get a certified copy.
Older Marriage Records in Caldwell County
Caldwell County has maintained records for a long time. The Recorder's office holds deed records dating back to 1860 and marriage files that span many decades. For historical or genealogy research, the county is a good primary source. The Caldwell County Historical Society also keeps reference materials in the Recorder's office.
The Missouri State Archives in Jefferson City may have microfilm copies of older Caldwell County marriage records. You can search their County and Municipal Records Database by county and record type. Not everything has been digitized, but the collection keeps growing. FamilySearch also maintains microfilm copies of Missouri marriage records that can be accessed at any FamilySearch center for free.
Marriage records in Missouri are public under the Missouri Sunshine Law (Chapter 610 RSMo). Anyone can request to see them. Certified copies are restricted to those with a tangible interest per RSMo 193.255, but plain copies and viewing are open to the public. The Caldwell County Recorder's office can explain what is available if you have questions.
Nearby Counties
These counties border Caldwell County in northwest Missouri. If you are unsure where a marriage license was filed, check with the county where the couple got the license. Records stay in the county of issuance.