KnowMo Laws shieldKnowMo LawsShow-Me State Laws
Marriage
RSMo 451.100effective 28 Aug 1998

Marriages solemnized by whom

In plain English

In Missouri, a wedding ceremony can be performed by a clergyman (like a pastor or rabbi) who is in good standing with a church or synagogue. A judge, including a city judge, can also perform the ceremony but cannot be paid for it. A religious group can perform the ceremony too, following their own customs, as long as at least one person getting married is a member of that group.

Word-for-word law

451.100. Marriages by whom. — Marriages may be solemnized by any , either active or retired, who is in good with any church or synagogue in this state. Marriages may also be solemnized, without , by any judge, including a . Marriages may also be solemnized by a religious society, religious institution, or religious organization of this state, according to the regulations and customs of the society, institution or organization, when either to the marriage to be solemnized is a member of such society, institution or organization.

(RSMo 1939 § 3363, A.L. 1945 p. 1145, A.L. 1969 p. 545, A.L. 1978 H.B. 1634, A.L. 1989 H.B. 898, A.L. 1998 H.B. 987)

Prior revisions: 1929 § 2976; 1919 § 7301; 1909 § 8282

for illegally marriage, 451.115

Tap any gold-underlined word to see what it means.

Red section numbers link to that law.

View official source

Legal information, not legal advice. Always confirm with the official source at revisor.mo.gov.

RSMo 451.100: Marriages solemnized by whom | KnowMo Laws