If a marriage record was destroyed by fire or some other way, the person who was married (or their family) can get a new certificate from the official or religious leader who performed the wedding. That certificate counts as basic proof of the marriage in Missouri courts.
451.180. New obtained, how. — In all counties in this state where s of marriages have been destroyed by fire or otherwise, any person whose record of marriage has been destroyed, or the or of such person, may obtain from the officer or minister who such marriage a certificate, showing dates, names of parties married, and witnesses present at said of marriage, so far as said officer or minister may be able to the same; and the record of said certificate shall be of said marriage in all the courts of this state.
(RSMo 1939 § 3645)
Prior revisions: 1929 § 3255; 1919 § 10617; 1909 § 10428
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Related Missouri laws
Lost record of marriage supplied, how
RSMo 451.170
Record supplied by certificate of witnesses, how
RSMo 451.190
Names of children born before marriage shall be recorded
RSMo 451.160
Certificates and affidavits recorded when records lost or destroyed
RSMo 451.200
Additional fee for issuing marriage license or certified copies
RSMo 451.151
Rerecording where marriage records are destroyed
RSMo 451.210
Legal information, not legal advice. Always confirm with the official source at revisor.mo.gov.