Jackson County Marriage Records
Jackson County marriage records go back to 1826 and are kept at the Recorder of Deeds office inside the Historic Truman Courthouse in Independence. This is one of the largest counties in Missouri, home to Kansas City, Independence, Lee's Summit, and Blue Springs. Whether you need a copy of a marriage license, want to look up an old filing, or plan to get married in Jackson County, the Recorder handles all of it. You can search records online, visit the office in person, or request copies by mail. The staff can help with name searches and pull files by date or case number.
Jackson County Quick Facts
Jackson County Recorder of Deeds
The Jackson County Recorder of Deeds is the official keeper of all marriage records for the county. This is where you go for a marriage license, a copy of a certificate, or to search old filings. The office sits inside the Historic Truman Courthouse in Independence. This is the only location that processes marriage licenses for Jackson County. The downtown Kansas City courthouse no longer handles marriage licenses, so do not go there for that purpose.
The Jackson County marriage license page has details about hours, fees, and what to bring. Jackson County is one of the few counties in Missouri where couples can file their own marriage licenses after the ceremony. In most counties, only the officiant can return the license. That makes Jackson County a bit different. Staff at the Recorder's office handle a high volume of requests given the county's size, so calling ahead can save you wait time.
The Recorder's office shown on the Jackson County website provides all the details about services and hours. The screenshot below shows the county's marriage license page.
The website also lists requirements and provides a link to the online application form that can speed up your visit.
| Office | Jackson County Recorder of Deeds |
|---|---|
| Address | Historic Truman Courthouse 112 W. Lexington Ave, Suite 30 Independence, MO 64050 |
| Phone | (816) 881-4483 |
| records@jacksongov.org | |
| Hours | Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM |
| Website | jacksongov.org |
Search Jackson County Marriage Records Online
Jackson County has an online search tool for marriage records. You can look up marriages filed in the county without leaving your home. The Jackson County online marriage records search lets you search by name and view images of marriage records on file. The search covers records from 1826 to the present. It is free to search. This is one of the better online tools among Missouri counties.
The Jackson County Recorder of Deeds website portal is shown below. This is the main page for the Recorder's office where residents can access various record types including marriage filings.
The online tool is helpful for quick lookups. But if you need a certified copy, you still have to go through the office. Certified copies cost $10 each. You can get them in person at the Historic Truman Courthouse or request them by mail. Plain copies are cheaper. For in-person searches, bring the name of at least one spouse and the rough date of the marriage. Staff can also look up records by case number if you have one.
Jackson County Marriage License Process
Both people must show up together at the Historic Truman Courthouse in Independence. You cannot send just one person. Bring a valid photo ID and your Social Security number. No blood test is needed. There is no waiting period in Missouri.
The license fee in Jackson County is $50. Applications are accepted until about 4:00 PM on weekdays. You can start the process faster by filling out the online application before your visit. The license stays good for 30 days and works in any Missouri county. Your officiant must return the signed license within 15 days of the ceremony under RSMo 451.130. Jackson County is unique because couples can also return the license themselves. If you were married before, you will need the month and year that marriage ended. Jackson County does not strictly enforce the 30-day divorce waiting period that some other Missouri counties follow. The minimum age to marry is 18 with no exceptions as of August 28, 2025.
Note: The downtown Kansas City location at 415 E 12th Street no longer processes marriage licenses.
Marriage Certificates in Jackson County
The Jackson County Recorder has original marriage certificates on file going back to 1826. A certified copy from the county shows everything: the names, date, place, officiant, and witnesses. The cost is $10 for a certified copy. You can order at the time of your application or come back later to get extra copies.
The Missouri Bureau of Vital Records has an index of marriages from July 1, 1948 forward. They issue a Certified Statement Relating to Marriage. It just lists the names, date, and county. No other details. For the full certificate from a Jackson County marriage, contact the county Recorder. The state statement can be ordered through the Bureau of Vital Records or through VitalChek. VitalChek charges an extra service fee. Under RSMo 193.255, you need a direct and tangible interest to get certified copies.
Historical Jackson County Marriage Records
Jackson County has marriage records from 1826. That is nearly 200 years of filings. The oldest records are on microfilm at the courthouse. Some have been digitized and are available through the online search tool. For genealogy or historical research, the Recorder's office in Independence is the primary source.
The Missouri State Archives also holds microfilm copies of Jackson County marriage records from 1826. Their County and Municipal Records Database lets you browse by county and record type. Not everything is online, but the collection expands regularly. You can submit a research request, though it may take up to eight weeks. FamilySearch has microfilm copies as well. These are free at any FamilySearch center.
Note: Microfilm records at the courthouse may take additional time to retrieve for very old filings.
Public Access to Jackson County Records
Marriage records in Missouri are public under the Missouri Sunshine Law, Chapter 610 RSMo. Anyone can request to see a marriage license or certificate filed in Jackson County. You do not need to be named on the record.
Certified copies are more restricted. Under RSMo 193.255, only those with a direct and tangible interest can get them. Plain copies and viewing are open to everyone. The Missouri Recorders Association has a directory of all 114 county Recorders if you need to check a different county.
Cities in Jackson County
Jackson County includes several of Missouri's largest cities. All marriage licenses for residents of these cities are handled at the Historic Truman Courthouse in Independence. No city clerk in Jackson County issues marriage licenses.
Other communities in Jackson County include Grandview, Raytown, Grain Valley, and Oak Grove. Residents of these areas also use the Jackson County Recorder for marriage records.
Nearby Counties
These counties border Jackson County. If you are not sure which county holds a particular marriage record, check where the license was actually filed. You must request records from that county.