Find Marriage Records in Becker County
Becker County marriage license records are kept by the County Recorder in Detroit Lakes, with records going back to 1873. If you need to apply for a new marriage license or search historical records, the Recorder's office is the right place to start. The state's MOMS database also lets you search Becker County marriage records online at no cost. This page has everything you need, from the office address and phone number to fee details and how to get certified copies.
Becker County Overview
Becker County Recorder
The Becker County Recorder in Detroit Lakes handles all marriage license applications and vital records for the county. The office is at 915 Lake Ave in Detroit Lakes and can be reached at 218-846-7310. Staff there issue new licenses, maintain the county's vital records archive, and provide copies on request. The Becker County Recorder page has current hours and any news from the office.
Becker County also maintains a Vital Records page that covers the services offered and how to request records. Marriage records held by the county go back to 1873. That is a long run of history for a county seat like Detroit Lakes. If you are looking for a record that old, start with the MOMS online search or contact the office directly to ask about archival access.
| Office | Becker County Recorder |
|---|---|
| Address | 915 Lake Ave, Detroit Lakes, MN 56501 |
| Phone | 218-846-7310 |
| Records From | 1873 to current |
How to Get a Marriage License in Becker County
Both people who plan to marry must appear at the Becker County Recorder's office in person at the same time. You cannot send a proxy unless the absent party has a valid Power of Attorney document. Bring a photo ID for each person. A driver's license, state ID, or passport all qualify. You will also need to give your Social Security numbers to the clerk.
If either applicant has been married before, bring proof that the prior marriage ended. A final divorce decree or a death certificate is required. The clerk will review your documents and fill out the application with you. Payment is due at the time of application. Once the fee is paid and everything checks out, the license is issued that same day.
Under Minn. Stat. § 517.08, any eligible couple can apply for a marriage license at any county in Minnesota, no matter where they live. You do not have to be a Becker County resident. There is no blood test required and no waiting period. Minnesota removed its waiting period on September 1, 2016. The license is good for six months from the day you get it.
The Minnesota Official Marriage System gives a good overview of the process statewide. The screenshot below shows the MOMS search portal, which you can also use to look up existing Becker County records before you visit the office.
MOMS indexes Becker County marriage records from 1873 forward and is updated as new licenses are returned and recorded.
Becker County Marriage License Requirements
Minnesota law governs marriage license requirements statewide. Both applicants must be at least 18 years old. Under Minn. Stat. § 517.04, applicants who are 16 or 17 may apply only with written parent or guardian consent. Marriages between close relatives are prohibited under Minn. Stat. § 517.03. Both applicants must be free to marry, meaning neither can be legally married to someone else at the time of application.
What to bring to the Becker County Recorder:
- Photo ID for both applicants
- Social Security numbers for both people
- Proof that any prior marriage ended (divorce decree or death certificate)
- Parent or guardian consent if either applicant is 16 or 17
- Payment for the license fee
You do not need to be a Minnesota resident. No blood test is required. Once issued, the license is valid for six months. If your ceremony does not happen within that window, you must apply again.
Becker County Marriage License Fees
The standard fee for a marriage license in Becker County is $115. You pay at the Recorder's office when you apply. Some counties charge up to $125, so Becker County is at the lower end of the typical range in Minnesota.
A reduced fee is available. Couples who complete a 12-hour premarital education course and bring proof to the office qualify for a lower fee of around $40 to $50. The course must meet Minnesota's requirements. Call 218-846-7310 to ask what documentation the office accepts and whether your course qualifies. This reduction can make a meaningful difference, so it is worth asking about if you are already planning to take a premarital class.
Note: Fees are set in part by state law and can be updated. Confirm the current amount with the Recorder before your visit.
Search Becker County Marriage Records
You can search Becker County marriage records online through the Minnesota Official Marriage System. MOMS is free to use and does not require an account. Becker County records are indexed from 1873 to the present. Enter a name and narrow by county to find records quickly. The system returns index-level data: names, date, and county. It is not a full copy of the license, but it is enough for most searches.
If you need a certified copy of a marriage record, contact the Becker County Recorder at 218-846-7310 or visit the office at 915 Lake Ave in Detroit Lakes. Certified copies are also available from the Minnesota Department of Health for $9 each. The MDH county registrar directory lists Becker County's contact info. You can order from MDH by mail through health.state.mn.us.
For older historical records, the Minnesota Historical Society at libguides.mnhs.org/vital/marriage holds microfilm copies and other archival materials. Their collections are open to the public and useful for genealogy work. Records from the mid-1800s may exist in church or probate files as well, and MNHS staff can point you toward those sources.
Minnesota Marriage Law and Becker County
All Minnesota counties operate under the same marriage statutes. The full text of Chapter 517 is available at revisor.mn.gov. Key sections include § 517.07, which covers the application process, and § 517.13, which governs the recording of marriages once the ceremony is complete. The officiant who performs the ceremony signs the license and is responsible for returning it to the county within five days.
The MDH marriage reporting page at health.state.mn.us/people/vitalrecords/localreg/marriage.html explains how records flow from the county to the state. After the county records the returned license, it sends a copy to MDH for statewide record-keeping. That is why both the county and MDH can provide certified copies of the same record.
The MDH vital records page is shown below. It covers how the state manages marriage records across all 87 counties, including Becker.
Use the MDH site to order certified copies, look up fees, or find contact information for the Becker County registrar.
Cities in Becker County
Becker County has no cities over the 100,000-population threshold. All communities in the county, including Detroit Lakes, Frazee, and Audubon, file marriage licenses through the Becker County Recorder at the courthouse in Detroit Lakes.
Nearby Counties
Becker County sits in northwest Minnesota. You can apply for a marriage license at any county in the state, so these nearby offices may be convenient depending on where you live.