Cedar County Marriage Records Lookup
Cedar County marriage records are kept at the Recorder of Deeds office in Stockton. The county has filed marriage records since 1845, and the office handles everything from new license applications to certified copies of older certificates. Cedar County also has some historical marriage records available through FamilySearch for genealogy research. If you need to find a marriage license or get a copy of one filed in Cedar County, the Recorder's staff can help you through the process by phone, mail, or in person at the courthouse in Stockton.
Cedar County Quick Facts
Cedar County Recorder of Deeds
Melissa Heskett serves as the Cedar County Recorder of Deeds. The office is at the Cedar County Courthouse, 113 South Street, in Stockton. You can reach the office at (417) 276-6700 ext. 247. The fax is (417) 276-5499, and the email is recorder@cedarcountymo.gov.
The Cedar County marriage license page has the full details on requirements and fees. Both parties must appear in person with photo ID and a Social Security card. Applicants must be at least 18 years old. Ages 16 to 17 could previously get a license with parental consent (parent appears in person with ID and proof of custody), but as of August 28, 2025, the minimum age is 18 with no exceptions. Blood relatives, including first cousins, cannot marry in Missouri.
The Cedar County website with marriage license details is shown below.
There is no waiting period in Missouri. The license is issued the same day and stays valid for 30 days.
| Office | Cedar County Recorder of Deeds |
|---|---|
| Recorder | Melissa Heskett |
| Address | 113 South Street Stockton, MO 65785 |
| Phone | (417) 276-6700 Ext. 247 |
| recorder@cedarcountymo.gov |
Cedar County Marriage Record Fees
The marriage license fee in Cedar County is $51 in cash. A certified copy of a marriage certificate costs $9. Plain copies are $1 each. Military purposes get copies at no charge. You can prepay the $9 certified copy fee at the time of application, send a written request with a check, or call the office to arrange payment.
After the ceremony, the officiant signs the license and returns it to the Cedar County Recorder within 15 days. This is required by RSMo 451.130. If you need extra certified copies later, contact the office by phone or mail.
How to Search Cedar County Marriage Records
To search for marriage records in Cedar County, visit the Recorder's office in Stockton or call at (417) 276-6700 ext. 247. Bring the name of one or both spouses and the approximate date. Staff will look it up and make copies for you.
The Cedar County website is shown below for general county information and contacts.
For historical research, early Cedar County marriages from 1845 to 1874 are searchable through FamilySearch. The Index to Marriages Volume A covers this period. An Index to Colored Marriages (1865 to 1978) is also at the Secretary of State Archives. The Missouri State Archives holds additional microfilm copies of Cedar County records.
Note: Cedar County does not have its own online search portal for current marriage records at this time.
Getting a Marriage License in Cedar County
Both people must come to the Recorder's office in Stockton. Bring valid photo ID and a Social Security card. The minimum age is 18 with no exceptions. Missouri has no blood test and no waiting period. You pay $51 in cash, fill out the application, and get the license that same day. It works anywhere in Missouri for 30 days.
If either person was married before, bring the date that marriage ended. Blood relatives through first cousins cannot marry. After the ceremony, the officiant signs the license and sends it back to the Cedar County Recorder within 15 days under RSMo 451.130. You can prepay for a certified copy at the time of application for $9. Otherwise, call or write later to order copies.
State Marriage Records for Cedar County
The Missouri Bureau of Vital Records keeps an index of marriages from July 1, 1948 forward. They issue a Certified Statement Relating to Marriage with names, date, and county. For the full certificate from a Cedar County marriage, go to the county Recorder. Order the state statement by mail, in person in Jefferson City, or through VitalChek. Certified copies require a tangible interest per RSMo 193.255. Marriage records are public under the Missouri Sunshine Law (Chapter 610 RSMo). The Missouri Recorders Association directory can help you find any other county Recorder if needed.
Certified Copies and Name Changes
Certified copies of Cedar County marriage certificates cost $9 each. You can get them at the Recorder's office in Stockton. Under Section 193.255 RSMo, certified copies are limited to those with a direct and tangible interest. This means the spouses, parents, legal guardians, or someone with a court order. Everyone else can get a plain copy for less.
Marriage records in Missouri are public. The Sunshine Law (Chapter 610 RSMo) lets anyone view and copy records at the Recorder's office. You do not need a reason. Just walk in and ask. Staff in Stockton can pull the file and make copies while you wait.
If you got married in Cedar County and plan to change your name, get several certified copies at once. Social Security, the DMV, banks, and your employer each need to see the original. Having three or four copies lets you send them out at the same time. Each is $9 from the Cedar County Recorder. Military members can get copies at no charge.
Nearby Counties
These counties border Cedar County in southwest Missouri. Marriage licenses are filed in the county where they were issued. Contact the right county for your search.