Lewis County Marriage Records
Lewis County marriage records are on file at the Recorder of Deeds office in Monticello, the county seat. This is a small, rural county in northeast Missouri along the Mississippi River. The Recorder handles new marriage licenses, stores completed filings, and provides copies to the public. If you need to search for a marriage record in Lewis County or get a certified copy, the Recorder in Monticello is the only office that handles it. Records go back to the 1830s. You can visit in person, call ahead, or send a mail request to get copies of Lewis County marriage records.
Lewis County Quick Facts
Lewis County Recorder of Deeds
The Lewis County Recorder of Deeds manages all marriage records for the county. The office sits in the Lewis County Courthouse in Monticello. This is a small office, so calling ahead is wise. Staff handle license applications, record storage, and copy requests. Walk-ins are welcome during posted hours, but confirming those hours by phone is a good habit in smaller counties.
Marriage licenses in Lewis County follow Missouri state law. Both people must show up together with valid photo ID and a Social Security number under RSMo 451.090. There is no blood test and no wait. The license is good for 30 days from the date of issue and works in any Missouri county. The Recorder's office can tell you the exact fee when you call.
The Missouri Bureau of Vital Records provides the state-level portal shown below, which can help residents of Lewis County and other counties track down where a marriage was filed.
The state portal covers marriages indexed from July 1948 forward. For older Lewis County records, contact the Recorder directly.
| Office | Lewis County Recorder of Deeds |
|---|---|
| Address | 100 E. Lafayette Street Monticello, MO 63457 |
| Phone | (573) 767-5205 |
| Hours | Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM - 4:00 PM |
How to Search Lewis County Marriage Records
Lewis County does not have an online search portal for marriage records. To find a record, go to the Recorder's office in Monticello or call. Bring the full name of at least one spouse and the approximate date. Staff will search their index and pull the file. Certified copies cost about $9. Plain copies run around $1 per page.
Mail requests are also an option. Send a letter to the Recorder with the names, date of marriage, and a check or money order for the fee. Put a self-addressed stamped envelope in with your request. Small county offices may take a bit longer to respond by mail. If you need a record fast, visit or call first.
The Missouri Bureau of Vital Records has a state-level marriage index from July 1, 1948 forward. It can help you confirm which county holds the record you are looking for. The state only has an index, not the full certificate. For the actual document, you go to Lewis County.
Note: Lewis County is right on the Mississippi River. Some families along the border may have filed in Iowa or Illinois instead.
Getting a Marriage License in Lewis County
Both people planning to marry must go to the Recorder's office together. Bring a valid photo ID and your Social Security number. Missouri has no blood test and no waiting period. You can apply, pay, and walk out with the license the same day.
The fee in Lewis County is in the range of $46 to $51. Call to confirm the current amount and what payment methods work. The license is valid for 30 days from the date of issue and works in any Missouri county. After the ceremony, the officiant returns the signed license to the Lewis County Recorder within 15 days per RSMo 451.130. If either person has been married before, bring the month and year that marriage ended. The minimum age to marry is 18 with no exceptions as of August 28, 2025.
Lewis County Marriage Certificates
The Recorder keeps the original marriage certificate on file. A certified copy from Lewis County has all the details. It costs about $9. This is the document you need for name changes and legal matters.
The Missouri Bureau of Vital Records only has an index starting July 1, 1948. They issue a Certified Statement with just names, date, and county. For the full Lewis County certificate, go through the county Recorder. The state statement can be ordered by mail, in person, or through VitalChek. Under RSMo 193.255, certified copies require proof of a direct and tangible interest.
Historical Lewis County Marriage Records
Lewis County was organized in 1833. Marriage records have been filed since that time. The Recorder in Monticello has the oldest records. Files from the 1800s may be on microfilm. Call ahead if you need something very old.
The Missouri State Archives holds microfilm of Lewis County marriage records. Their database lets you browse by county and record type. FamilySearch also has copies. Together with the Recorder's office, these three sources cover most of what is available for Lewis County marriage research.
Public Access to Lewis County Records
Marriage records in Missouri are public under the Missouri Sunshine Law. Anyone can view a Lewis County marriage record. Certified copies are restricted to those with a direct interest under RSMo 193.255. The Missouri Recorders Association has a full list of all 114 county Recorders for cross-referencing.
Nearby Counties
These counties border Lewis County in northeast Missouri. Verify which county has the record before making a request.