Scotland County Marriage Records Search

Scotland County marriage records are maintained by the Recorder of Deeds in Memphis, Missouri. This northeast Missouri county was organized in 1841 and has kept marriage records since the 1840s. The Recorder's office at the Scotland County Courthouse handles everything from new license applications to searches of old records. If you need a marriage certificate, want to check a date, or plan to get married in Scotland County, the Recorder of Deeds office on South Market Street is where all of that happens. Phone ahead to make sure the office is open and ready for your visit.

Scotland County Recorder of Deeds

Teresa Creek serves as the Scotland County Recorder of Deeds. The office is at 117 South Market Street, Suite 106 in Memphis. This is where all marriage license applications are processed and where completed marriage certificates are filed after the ceremony. Staff can search records by name or date. Because Scotland County is a small rural county, the office may have limited staff on hand. It is a good idea to call first.

Both parties must come to the office in person to apply for a marriage license. You need valid photo ID and your Social Security card. Missouri law requires no blood test and no waiting period, so the license can be picked up the same day. The fee runs about $46 to $51. Once you have the license, it stays valid for 30 days. The person who performs the ceremony must sign it and return it to the Scotland County Recorder within 15 days as required by Section 451.130 RSMo. That signed certificate then becomes part of the permanent public record in Scotland County.

The Scotland County Recorder's office follows standard business hours during the week. Call (660) 465-2284 to confirm before visiting.

How to Find Scotland County Records

Scotland County does not have an online search portal for marriage records. All searches must be done in person, by phone, or by mail through the Recorder of Deeds office in Memphis. Provide the full names of one or both spouses and an approximate date. Staff will look through their files and tell you what they find. Certified copies cost $9, which is the standard rate across Missouri.

The Scotland County Recorder's website is shown below. It provides contact details and basic information about the office.

If you are not sure which county a marriage was filed in, the Missouri Bureau of Vital Records can help. Their central index covers marriages from July 1948 forward. They issue a Certified Statement Relating to Marriage that lists both names, the date, and the county. For the full certificate with all the details, you have to go through the Scotland County Recorder's office. The state office takes requests in person, by mail, or through VitalChek online.

Scotland County Marriage Laws

Marriage licenses in Scotland County follow the rules laid out in Chapter 451 of the Missouri Revised Statutes. Both applicants must be 18 or older. Minors aged 16 or 17 can apply with written consent from a parent or guardian. The license has no waiting period. It is valid for 30 days. The ceremony can be performed by a judge, a member of the clergy, or any other person allowed by Missouri law under Section 451.040.

Marriage records in Scotland County are public under the Missouri Sunshine Law (Chapter 610 RSMo). This means anyone can ask to view a marriage record. You do not have to be named on the record. However, getting a certified copy is more restricted. Under RSMo 193.255, only people with a direct and tangible interest can get a certified copy. That includes the spouses, parents, legal guardians, and others with a clear legal reason. Uncertified copies are available more broadly.

Scotland County keeps these records permanently. The files do not get destroyed. If a record is very old, it may take extra time for staff to find it. Some older records have also been transferred to microfilm at the Missouri State Archives.

Note: Scotland County has no online portal for marriage records, so all requests go through the Recorder's office by phone, mail, or in person.

Historical Scotland County Records

Scotland County was organized in 1841. Marriage records date back to the 1840s. The Missouri State Archives has microfilm copies of these early records. You can browse their County and Municipal Records Database online to check what has been scanned for Scotland County. The archives staff in Jefferson City can also handle research requests by mail, though it may take several weeks to hear back.

FamilySearch holds microfilm copies of Scotland County marriage records as well. This free resource is mainly used for genealogy work. You can search their catalog and view records at any FamilySearch center. The Missouri Recorders Association keeps a statewide directory of all 114 county recorder offices, which is handy if you need records from more than one county.

Scotland County Record Fees

A marriage license in Scotland County costs about $46 to $51. The fee is set by state law and split among several funds including the Children's Trust Fund and a domestic violence shelter fund. Call the Recorder's office to confirm the exact amount before your visit.

Certified copies of existing marriage records are $9. Regular copies run $1 per page. These are standard fees across Missouri counties. If you prefer to order a marriage statement from the state, the Bureau of Vital Records in Jefferson City can help. They accept payment by mail or online through VitalChek. The state statement has limited information compared to the full county certificate, but it works if you just need to verify a marriage took place.

Cities in Scotland County

Scotland County is home to the city of Memphis, which serves as the county seat. Other small communities in the area include Granger, Arbela, and Bible Grove. All marriage records for residents of Scotland County are handled by the Recorder of Deeds in Memphis. No qualifying cities with dedicated pages are in Scotland County.

Nearby Counties

These counties surround Scotland County in northeast Missouri. You can get a marriage license in any Missouri county, but the record is filed in the county that issued the license.