Marriage in Missouri - Marriage Certificates dont exist here??? Help!

[helpmeee]

Hello,

Me (canadian) and my spouse (american) got married in St. Louis, MO in February and I went in expecting to pick up what was supposed to be a marriage certificate. What they gave me was a literal copy of the marriage license. It says on the document "certified copy of marriage license" printed on a regular sheet of paper... On the back it provides information about the person at the recorder of deeds who gave us the document and their signature. It also has an official seal, but the one that bends or imprints the paper. I asked and they dont give any official document by the name of "marriage certificate". I dont know what to do as I dont want this to delay our application. PLEASE has anyone else run into this issue before? I know theres a couple other states that are also like this. I know I could request a document from the Vital Records, but I know they dont provide enough information on this document so I dont know if it will help.

Any advice is GREATLY appreciated! Thank you.

 

[armoured]

You'll have to check with the local recorder of deeds as to what the correct form or name is. Terminology varies by state. But should be extract or copy from the Civil registry (by county there I guess) and show the date of marriage.

It does seem like the marriage license is the only one issued there. Just confirm with the county registrars that it is the proof of marriage (and not just the license to marry which is the term used in most Canadian provinces).

Please do check, sounds correct to me but I don't know Missouri.

 

[Amalthea]

I actually found the most helpful information on this wedding chapel site in MO:

https://www.yourmagicalday.net/marriage-license.html

It looks like you will want a certified copy of your marriage license. That is the official document that allows you to change your name with SS, and so I truly believe that is the equivalent of certified copies of marriage certificates in other States/countries.