Clark County Marriage Records
Marriage records in Clark County are handled by the Recorder of Deeds, not the Circuit Clerk. The Recorder issues marriage licenses, maintains recorded marriage materials, and provides certified marriage copies. The office is in Suite 130 at the Clark County Courthouse, 111 E. Court Street, Kahoka, Missouri 63445-1268. The listed phone number is 660-727-8261, fax is 660-727-6916, and email is recorder@clarkcountymo.org.
The Recorder's records date back to 1836, which makes the office important for both current marriage licensing and historical marriage research. Clark County also offers online searches through iCounty, but the Recorder page says viewing content requires a login. That means the in-person, phone, email, and certified-copy paths still matter even when a name or index search is possible online.
The local marriage source is the Clark County Recorder of Deeds page.
The Recorder page supplies the county-specific license rules, fees, online search note, and certified-copy information.
Apply for Clark County Marriage License
Both applicants must be present at the time of application unless an absent-applicant affidavit applies due to military service, an ADA qualifying disability, or incarceration. Each applicant must provide proof of identification and age, such as a valid driver's license or other government-issued identification. Social Security Numbers must be provided, but the actual Social Security cards are not required by the local instructions.
- Contact the Recorder of Deeds or appear at Suite 130 in the courthouse.
- Bring both applicants unless the absent-applicant affidavit exception applies.
- Bring proof of identification and age for each applicant.
- Provide Social Security Numbers during the application process.
- Pay the marriage license fee by cash or check.
- Complete the ceremony within 30 days after the license leaves the Recorder's office.
- Return the completed license to the Recorder within 15 days after the ceremony.
- Buy a certified copy if one is needed for name change, benefits, or other proof.
The Recorder warns that after a ceremony, private businesses may offer government services for a fee, such as Social Security name-change help. The Recorder advises contacting the government agency directly because dealing directly with the agency usually has no cost.
Clark County Marriage Application Fields
The Recorder's marriage requirements identify the key items needed for a license. The local research did not capture a full blank application form, so the field list is limited to the required items stated by the Recorder. Do not add prior-marriage fields, residence fields, or extra form questions unless a current official Clark County form shows them.
| Field or Item | Type | Required | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Applicant 1 identity | In-person ID or document | Yes | Valid driver's license, government ID, or proof of age. |
| Applicant 2 identity | In-person ID or document | Yes | Same proof requirement applies to the other applicant. |
| Social Security Number | Application data | Yes | Actual Social Security card is not necessary. |
| Absent Applicant Affidavit | Affidavit | Conditional | Only for military service, ADA qualifying disability, or incarceration. |
| Payment | Cash or check | Yes | Required for the license fee. |
| Completed license return | Completed ceremony license | Yes after ceremony | Must be returned within 15 days after the ceremony. |
Clark County Marriage Fees
Clark County marriage fees are stated on the Recorder page. The divorce filing fee and certified divorce decree copy fee were not located in the Clark County research, so those amounts should be confirmed with the Circuit Clerk rather than guessed. Marriage payment methods are limited to cash or check according to the Recorder's marriage fee table.
| Item | Amount or Rule |
|---|---|
| Marriage license | $55 |
| Certified marriage copy | $9 |
| Military certified copy | Free |
| Marriage payment methods | Cash or check only |
| Divorce filing or copy fees | Not located in official Clark County research; contact Circuit Clerk |
Missouri marriage age and consent limits are described in RSMo 451.040.
The statute supports the Recorder's warning about age limits and consent rules for Missouri marriage licenses.
Clark County Marriage License Rules
The Recorder page states that the license must be used within 30 days after issuance. After the ceremony, the person performing the ceremony must complete the license, and the completed license must be returned to the Recorder within 15 days. The Recorder notes that many newlyweds prefer to return the completed license themselves to ensure timely recording and to purchase the certified copy they need.
Applicants cannot be related through and including first cousins. Missouri law cited by the Recorder bars marriage licenses when either party is under age 16 and bars a person age 21 or older from marrying anyone under age 18. Parental consent remains required for minors marrying someone under 21. If a license is lost, destroyed, or unused, the applicant must return to the Recorder to complete an affidavit.
The return rule is tied to RSMo 451.090.
That statute aligns with the county instruction that the completed license must be returned after the ceremony.
Search Clark County Marriage Records
Clark County offers online Recorder searches through iCounty, but the Recorder page says content viewing requires a login. The iCounty login screen uses a User ID email field, password field, Save User ID checkbox, hidden entity value for MO-CLARK, Login button, registration link, and password reset link. That portal is useful for Recorder records, but certified copies still come through the Recorder.
The online Recorder portal is the Clark County iCounty login/search page.
The login requirement should be stated plainly because it changes how useful the online search is for public marriage record access.
Find Clark County Divorce Records
Divorce and dissolution records are court records handled by the Circuit Clerk as domestic relations cases. The Circuit Clerk lists domestic relations and child support among 1st Judicial Circuit Court case categories available through Missouri Case.net. For a public divorce docket, search Case.net by party name or case number. For copies, certified copies, or restricted-access questions, contact the Circuit Clerk.
Domestic-relations records can include sensitive material. Public dockets may exist, but financial records, minor-child details, addresses, child-support information, and confidential filings may be redacted or restricted. RSMo 452.430 is the Missouri dissolution-record confidentiality statute identified in the research.
The divorce statute supports the distinction between public docket access and restricted family-case content.
Clark County Marriage and Divorce Offices
Use the Recorder for marriage licenses and certified marriage copies. Use the Circuit Clerk for divorce case records, certified divorce copies, court dockets, and domestic-relations access questions. The County Clerk handles county administrative records and elections, not marriage licenses or divorce decrees, though the county office directory can help route courthouse visitors.
Recorder of Deeds
111 E. Court Street, Suite 130
Kahoka, MO 63445-1268
660-727-8261
recorder@clarkcountymo.org
Clark County Circuit Clerk
111 E. Court Street, Suite 210
Kahoka, MO 63445-1268
660-727-3292
kimberly.schantz@courts.mo.gov
The county office directory includes related courthouse offices, including the Clark County Clerk page.
The County Clerk page is useful for routing county records, but marriage licensing remains with the Recorder and divorce records remain with the Circuit Clerk.