Beltrami County Marriage License Office
Beltrami County marriage license applications are handled by the County Recorder in Bemidji. The office has records going back to 1897 and is one of the few county offices in Minnesota that also performs wedding ceremonies by appointment. Whether you are applying for a new marriage license, searching historical records, or looking for a certified copy, this page covers what you need to know about the Beltrami County process.
Beltrami County Overview
Beltrami County Recorder
The Beltrami County Recorder's office is in Bemidji at 701 Minnesota Ave NW. The main phone number is 218-333-4170. Staff handle marriage license applications, vital records requests, and copies of recorded documents. The Beltrami County Recorder page has current hours and contact details for planning your visit.
Beltrami County's marriage license information page goes into more detail about what you need to bring and what to expect at the counter. It is a good page to review before you go. The office also handles vital records from birth and death certificates to marriage and divorce records for the county. Records on file for marriages go back to 1897.
| Office | Beltrami County Recorder |
|---|---|
| Address | 701 Minnesota Ave NW, Bemidji, MN 56601 |
| Phone | 218-333-4170 |
| Records From | 1897 to current |
Wedding Ceremonies at the Beltrami County Recorder
Beltrami County is one of a small number of Minnesota counties where the Recorder's office will perform the wedding ceremony. This is a convenience for couples who do not have an officiant or who prefer a civil ceremony without much fuss. Ceremonies are held by appointment only on weekdays from 8:30 AM to 11:00 AM.
To set up a ceremony, call 218-333-4170 in advance. You still need to apply for and receive your marriage license first, which must be done before the ceremony can take place. The license is issued immediately, and since Minnesota has no waiting period, you can schedule your ceremony for the same day you get the license if the office has time available. This is a straightforward option for couples who want a simple civil ceremony in Bemidji.
Not every county in Minnesota offers this service. For couples who want it, Beltrami County's policy is worth knowing about. If you are traveling from outside the area, call ahead to confirm availability and to understand exactly how to set up the appointment.
Note: Ceremony appointments are available Monday through Friday from 8:30 AM to 11:00 AM only. Contact the office well in advance to reserve a time.
How to Get a Marriage License in Beltrami County
Both applicants must appear in person at the Recorder's office together. Bring a valid photo ID for each person. A driver's license, state ID card, or passport all work. You also need to provide Social Security numbers. If either person was married before, bring a certified copy of the divorce decree or death certificate that ended the previous marriage.
Under Minn. Stat. § 517.08, the application is filled out at the office. Once the fee is paid and the clerk confirms all documents are in order, the license is issued the same day. There is no waiting period in Minnesota, which means you can marry right away. The license is good for six months from the date of issue. You do not have to live in Beltrami County or anywhere in Minnesota to apply here.
Age requirements follow Minn. Stat. § 517.04. Both applicants must be 18 or older. If either person is 16 or 17, written consent from a parent or guardian is required. Marriages between close relatives are not allowed under Minn. Stat. § 517.03. No blood test is needed.
Beltrami County Marriage License Fees
The standard fee in Beltrami County is $115. You pay at the Recorder's office when you apply. Cash or check are common payment methods; call ahead to confirm what the office accepts. The fee covers the cost of issuing and recording the license.
A reduced fee is available for couples who complete a 12-hour premarital education course. With proof of completion, the fee drops to around $40 to $50. The course must meet state requirements. Ask the Recorder's office what documentation they accept when you call to confirm your appointment. The discount applies at the time of application, not after the fact, so bring your certificate with you on the day you go.
Search Beltrami County Marriage License Records
Beltrami County marriage records are indexed in the Minnesota Official Marriage System (MOMS) from 1897 onward. MOMS is a free state database run by the Minnesota Department of Health. You can search by name and narrow results to Beltrami County. The system returns index-level data, meaning it shows names, dates, and county but does not display a full copy of the license document.
If you need a certified copy of a Beltrami County marriage record, contact the Recorder at 218-333-4170 or visit the office at 701 Minnesota Ave NW in Bemidji. Certified copies are also available from the MDH vital records office for $9 each. The MDH county registrar directory lists Beltrami County's contact details. Order through MDH at health.state.mn.us.
The Minnesota Historical Society at libguides.mnhs.org/vital/marriage holds older records on microfilm and in other formats. For research before 1897 or for gaps in the civil record, the MNHS library in St. Paul is a valuable resource. Many early Beltrami County marriages are also documented in church and probate records that the MNHS can help you locate.
The MDH vital records page below shows the main hub for requesting certified copies and navigating statewide marriage record resources.
MDH processes certified copy requests for marriage records from all 87 Minnesota counties, including Beltrami.
Minnesota Marriage Statutes and Beltrami County
Beltrami County follows Chapter 517 of the Minnesota Statutes for all marriage license matters. The full statute text is at revisor.mn.gov/statutes/cite/517/full. Key sections include § 517.07, which covers the application process, and § 517.13, which governs how the county records the returned license after the ceremony. The officiant who performs the wedding must sign the license and return it to the county within five days of the ceremony.
The MOMS search portal, shown below, is where the indexed records from Beltrami County and 84 other Minnesota counties can be searched for free.
MOMS is updated as new records are filed and is the fastest way to look up a marriage record without calling the office.
Cities in Beltrami County
Beltrami County has no cities over the 100,000-population threshold for a dedicated page on this site. All communities in the county, including Bemidji, Blackduck, and Kelliher, file marriage licenses through the Beltrami County Recorder at the county seat in Bemidji.
Nearby Counties
Beltrami County is in north-central Minnesota. Any of these neighboring counties can also issue a marriage license to any applicant regardless of residency.