Howard County Marriage Records
Howard County marriage records are filed with the Recorder of Deeds in Fayette, Missouri. This central Missouri county has a small population and a rich history as one of the older counties in the state. The Recorder of Deeds manages all marriage license applications, records returned certificates, and provides copies of marriage records to the public. If you need to look up an old record, get a certified copy, or apply for a new marriage license in Howard County, this page explains how to do it and what you can expect along the way.
Howard County Quick Facts
Howard County Recorder of Deeds
The Howard County Recorder of Deeds is in the courthouse in Fayette. The office issues marriage licenses, stores completed certificates, and helps the public with records requests. This is a small office that serves a rural community. Hours may be limited compared to larger county offices, so calling ahead is a smart move.
Both applicants must appear in person to get a marriage license. Bring a valid photo ID with your date of birth. You need your Social Security number too. Missouri law does not require a blood test or a waiting period. The license fee is about $51, which is the same rate statewide. After it is issued, the license is good for 30 days. The officiant must sign it and return it to the Howard County Recorder within 15 days after the ceremony.
Two witnesses are required to sign the license at the wedding. Once the completed license is filed at the Recorder's office, it becomes part of the permanent public record in Howard County.
| Office | Howard County Recorder of Deeds |
|---|---|
| Location | Howard County Courthouse, Fayette, MO 65248 |
Find Howard County Marriage Records
To search for a marriage record in Howard County, visit or call the Recorder of Deeds in Fayette. Give them the names of either spouse and an approximate date. Staff will look through the files and let you know what they have. Certified copies cost $9 each. Plain copies are $1 per page.
The Missouri Bureau of Vital Records keeps a state index of marriages since July 1948. You can request a Certified Statement Relating to Marriage from that office. This statement shows both names, date, and county. It is useful if you are not sure where the record is. But for the full certificate, you need the Howard County Recorder.
State-level statements can be ordered by mail to the Bureau of Vital Records at 930 Wildwood Drive in Jefferson City, or through VitalChek online. VitalChek adds a service fee.
Howard County Marriage Law
Marriage license rules in Missouri come from Chapter 451 RSMo. Every county follows the same law. Both applicants must be 18 years old. No exceptions. There is no blood test, no residency rule, and no waiting period. You can apply and get the license the same day.
The vital records guide from the Missouri Department of Health explains the difference between a marriage statement issued by the state and a full certificate from the county. It is a helpful resource before you start the process.
Marriage records in Howard County are public documents. Under the Missouri Sunshine Law (Chapter 610 RSMo), anyone can ask to see a marriage record. Certified copies have a more specific rule. RSMo 193.255 limits them to people with a direct and tangible interest. This includes the spouses, parents, legal reps, or people with a court order.
Note: Howard County has limited staff, so plan your visit and call the courthouse to confirm availability.
Howard County Record Fees
The license fee in Howard County is about $51. This is standard across Missouri. Certified copies of existing marriage records cost $9. Non-certified copies are $1 per page. The fee breakdown includes parts that go to the Children's Trust Fund, the Shelter Fund for Abused Women, county revenue, and state user fees. Ask the Recorder's office about which payment methods they accept.
At the state level, a Certified Statement Relating to Marriage costs about $9 from the Bureau of Vital Records. VitalChek adds a service fee for online orders. The state document only has basic information. For the full marriage certificate from Howard County, you need the Recorder of Deeds in Fayette.
Historical Howard County Records
Howard County was one of the first counties organized in Missouri, established in 1816. Marriage records go back to the earliest days of the county. These historical records are stored at the Recorder's office and on microfilm at the Missouri State Archives in Jefferson City. The Archives maintains a County and Municipal Records Database where you can browse what has been digitized for Howard County. Their staff can also search records by request, though it may take several weeks to get a response.
The FamilySearch library has microfilm copies of Howard County marriage records going back many years. This is a free resource for genealogical research. The Missouri Recorders Association provides a full directory of all 114 county recorders in the state, which is useful if you need to contact offices in counties near Howard County.
Cities in Howard County
Fayette is the county seat and largest community in Howard County. Other towns include Glasgow, New Franklin, and Armstrong. All residents of Howard County get their marriage licenses at the Recorder of Deeds in Fayette. Columbia, in neighboring Boone County, is the nearest qualifying city.
Nearby Counties
Howard County sits in central Missouri along the Missouri River. These neighboring counties each have their own Recorder of Deeds for marriage records.