Platte County Marriage Records

Platte County marriage records are held at the Recorder of Deeds office in Platte City. The Recorder issues licenses, records marriages after the ceremony, and keeps the original certificates. Platte County is part of the Kansas City metro area in northwest Missouri. The county has a large and growing population. If you need to find a marriage record, get a certified copy, or apply for a new license, the Recorder's office handles all of that. You can visit in person, call the office, or send a written request for Platte County marriage records.

Platte County Recorder of Deeds

The Platte County Recorder of Deeds manages all marriage records for the county. This office issues new marriage licenses, records completed ceremonies, and maintains every original certificate. The office is in Platte City at the county administration building. Staff can pull records by name or date and provide either certified or plain copies. Certified copies cost about $9 each. Plain copies run $1 to $2 per page.

The Platte County Recorder website has information about office hours, fees, and services. Below is a screenshot of the Platte County Recorder's page with details on how to reach the office and apply for a license.

Check the site before you go. It covers what you need to bring and how much to expect in fees.

The Platte County government website shown below links to all county departments and services.

That is a useful page for finding other county offices and phone numbers.

How to Search Platte County Marriage Records

Go to the Recorder's office in Platte City with the full name of one or both spouses and the approximate date of the marriage. Staff will search the index and pull the record for you. You can view the file and order copies while you are there. Certified copies carry the Platte County seal and work for legal purposes like name changes, court documents, and government forms.

Mail requests are an option if you cannot visit in person. Write to the Recorder with the names, date, and a check or money order for the copy fees. Include a self-addressed stamped envelope. Processing typically takes a couple of weeks. If you are searching from out of state, this is often the most practical approach for getting Platte County marriage records.

Note: Platte County is in the Kansas City metro area, so if you are not sure which county the marriage was filed in, check with both Platte County and neighboring Jackson or Clay County.

Getting a License in Platte County

Both people must appear at the Platte County Recorder's office to apply. Each person brings a valid photo ID and Social Security number. Missouri has no blood test and no waiting period. Pay the fee, fill out the application, sign it, and you get the license right then. The fee is about $51.

The license stays good for 30 days under RSMo 451.090. You can use it in any county in Missouri. After the ceremony, the officiant must sign the license and send it back to the Platte County Recorder within 15 days per RSMo 451.130. If either person was married before, bring the month and year that marriage ended. Both parties must be at least 18, with no exceptions, as of August 28, 2025.

Platte County Marriage Certificates

The Platte County Recorder has the original marriage certificate on file. A certified copy includes the full details: names, date, location, officiant, and witnesses. The fee is about $9 per copy. You will need this for name changes, insurance updates, and legal matters. Order a few extras to save trips later.

The Missouri Bureau of Vital Records in Jefferson City can issue a Certified Statement Relating to Marriage. This statement only shows names, date, and county. It is available for marriages from July 1, 1948 onward. Order from the Bureau or through VitalChek. Under RSMo 193.255, certified copies require a direct and tangible interest in the record.

Historical Platte County Marriage Records

Platte County was organized in 1838. Marriage records go back to that time. The Recorder in Platte City has the originals. For genealogy or family research, the Missouri State Archives holds microfilm copies of Platte County marriage records. FamilySearch also has free copies. The Missouri Sunshine Law ensures public access to these records under Chapter 610 RSMo.

The Missouri Recorders Association has a full directory if you need to contact a Recorder in another county.

More Resources for Platte County

Platte County is one of the fastest-growing counties in the Kansas City metro area. The county seat is Platte City, but many residents live in the Kansas City portion that extends into Platte County. Parkville and Riverside are also in Platte County. All residents file marriage licenses at the Recorder's office in Platte City regardless of which city they live in. Missouri handles all marriage records at the county level through the Recorder of Deeds.

After a wedding, most people need certified copies of the license for name changes. Social Security, the DMV, banks, and employers all ask for it. The Platte County Recorder charges about $9 per certified copy. Order several at once so you can send them to different agencies at the same time. It speeds up the process by weeks compared to waiting for one to come back before sending it to the next. Missouri has no residency requirement for marriage licenses. Couples from Kansas or any other state can apply at the Platte County Recorder.

Cities in Platte County

Parts of Kansas City extend into Platte County. Residents of Kansas City who live in the Platte County portion file for marriage licenses at the Platte County Recorder in Platte City, not at the Jackson County office.

Nearby Counties

These counties surround Platte County in the Kansas City metro area. Verify which county the license was filed in before making a request.