Each engagement is unique. Some couples prefer a long engagement, others waste no time between the ring and the ceremony. Here are your options no matter how long you have.
One Day
Go next door. Under Illinois law, couples can apply for a marriage license and marry the following day. (Missouri couples must wait three days after receiving a marriage license). Depending on the county, it can cost up to $30 in Illinois. Buy a wedding dress off the rack at a bridal shop (or wear your mother’s), and get in-season flowers from a grocery store florist or flower shop.
One Week
Find a minister who “freelances,” suggests Josie Littlepage, president of Cosmopolitan Events. Alternatively, go to the St. Louis County Courthouse in Clayton (Courts Building, 7900 Carondelet, 314-615-2666), where every Wednesday, except on state holidays and a few weeks throughout the year, judges marry couples. City residents can marry at St. Louis City Hall (1200 Market, 314-622-3257), where judges marry on certain Fridays. Call for a schedule.
One Month
Time of year could limit availability of venues. If you are marrying in May, June, August, September or October—the most popular months—choose a Friday, Sunday or weekday. If you have your heart set on a Saturday, opt for a private home or perhaps a favorite gazebo in Tower Grove Park (314-865-1093). With such a limited time frame, you’ll have to be flexible with other elements, such as flowers, photographers and music.
Six Months
More options become available at this point. In addition to the big five (officiant, location, flowers, photographer and music), you can start adding guests, invitations, a reception location and caterer.
One Year or More
With a year, you’ll have the time to plan the extra touches that make a wedding a more formal and fancy affair. Look for special transportation. Plan a getaway honeymoon. In St. Louis, most venues are available a year in advance, but don’t wait too long.
Legal Talk
To obtain a marriage license, the couple must show up together before the recorder of deeds in the county clerk’s office in the county where the ceremony is taking place. Missouri and Illinois require both parties be 18 years old and provide identification. For more information, log on to usmarriagelaws.com, click on United States and then select a state.
Special rules for Missouri are:
- A Social Security card or other valid identification is required.
- If divorced, those applying for a marriage license must provide proof of the date when their last marriage ended and wait 30 days after the divorce is final before applying for another license.
- A license in Missouri is only valid for 30 days after issuance before authorization and proof of marriage is needed to validate it.
- A Missouri marriage license typically costs $50.
- To be valid, the ceremony must be solemnized by a clergy person or a Circuit Court or Associate Circuit Court judge. It can also be made valid if recognized by a religious society or religious organization in Missouri with which either the bride or groom is affiliated.
