Marriage records in St. Francois County, Missouri, are available through several channels. StFrancoisCourt.us allows for quick access to public information about the county's marriage records. Additionally, the records are maintained by the county's Recorder of Deeds office, where you can make inquiries in person, by mail, or by phone. The state of Missouri also maintains a centralized registry of vital records through the Bureau of Vital Records, where you can order copies of marriage certificates online or by mail.
St. Francois Marriage Records Search
In St. Francois County, marriage records are maintained by the Recorder of Deeds office. According to Missouri law, this office registers and stores marriage licenses and returned marriage certificates. The collection includes licenses issued to couples in this county, marriage certificates filed after the ceremony, and historical records dating back to the county's founding.
Marriage records in Missouri are considered public documents under RSMo § 610.023. This means that anyone can request a copy—not just the spouses or their relatives. However, certified copies are typically issued only to authorized applicants.
The St. Francois County Recorder of Deeds office is located in the county government building in Farmington.
For general inquiries about county services, visit the official Saint Francois County website.
Certified Marriage Record Copies and Fees in St. Francois
The fees for copies of marriage records are set at the county and state levels. Below are the typical fees for St. Francois County and the state Bureau of Vital Records.
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Certified copy (via county Recorder) | $10.00 |
| Additional copy (in the same request) | $5.00 |
| Certified copy (via Missouri Bureau of Vital Records) | $15.00 |
| Search without issuing a copy | Included in the copy cost |
Source of fees: Recorder of Deeds county fee schedule and Missouri DHSS. Request processing time at the county office is usually the same day for in-person visits. Mail requests through the state bureau may take 4 to 6 weeks.
If you need an uncertified or informational copy, check directly with the Recorder for the availability of this option—not every county offers this format separately.
Order Marriage Certificates Online or In Person in St. Francois
There are three main ways to order a copy of a marriage certificate.
Online
The state of Missouri allows you to order a certified copy of a marriage certificate through the Missouri Bureau of Vital Records portal. Online ordering with credit card payment is available on the site. You need to provide:
- Full names of both spouses
- Date of marriage (or approximate period)
- County where the license was issued
Note: The state registry contains records starting from July 1948. For earlier records, contact the county Recorder directly.
In Person
The quickest option is to visit the Recorder of Deeds office in Farmington. A copy is usually issued the same day. Bring a valid photo ID with you. No appointment is necessary—the office accepts walk-ins during business hours.
By Mail
Send a written request to the county Recorder or the state Bureau of Vital Records. Include in your letter:
- Full names of both spouses (including maiden name)
- Approximate date of marriage
- County of registration
- Purpose of the request
- Your name, address, and phone number
- Copy of your ID
- Check or money order for the appropriate amount
- Self-addressed stamped envelope (for county office)
Mailing address for county requests:
For state-level requests:
If you're unsure which channel to choose—the county office processes requests faster, while the state portal is more convenient for those who cannot visit in person. You can also check basic information about the county's marriage records on StFrancoisCourt.us before submitting an official request.