Marriage License in Big Stone County
Big Stone County marriage license records are maintained by the County Recorder in Ortonville, with records going back to 1881. The Recorder's office handles new applications and vital records requests for this small county in western Minnesota along the South Dakota border. Whether you want to apply for a marriage license or search historical records, this page covers the office contact details, requirements, fees, and how to use the state's online search system.
Big Stone County Overview
Big Stone County Recorder
The Big Stone County Recorder is at 20 2nd St SE in Ortonville. The phone number is 320-839-3778. Staff issue marriage licenses, maintain vital records, and handle document requests. The Big Stone County Recorder page has current hours and contact details for the office. The county also has a vital records page that covers what records the office holds and how to request copies.
Big Stone County is one of Minnesota's smaller counties, which can actually make the process faster. Staff know the local records well, and the office tends to have shorter wait times than larger counties. Marriage records in the county go back to 1881.
| Office | Big Stone County Recorder |
|---|---|
| Address | 20 2nd St SE, Ortonville, MN 56278 |
| Phone | 320-839-3778 |
| Records From | 1881 to current |
The screenshot below shows the Big Stone County Recorder's official page, which you can visit to check hours and confirm what documents to bring.
The county site also links to the vital records section, where you can learn more about requesting copies of marriage records held by the office.
How to Apply for a Marriage License in Big Stone County
Both applicants must appear in person at the Recorder's office in Ortonville. You cannot send a proxy. Each person must bring a valid government-issued photo ID such as a driver's license, state ID, or passport. You will need to provide Social Security numbers for both people. The clerk fills out the application with you at the counter and collects the fee before the license is issued.
If either person was married before, bring proof that the marriage ended. A certified copy of the final divorce decree or a death certificate is required. Without it, the office cannot issue the license. The whole process usually takes well under an hour once you have all your documents ready.
Under Minn. Stat. § 517.08, you do not need to be a Big Stone County resident to apply here. Any eligible couple in Minnesota can get a license at any county office. There is no waiting period. Minnesota removed that requirement on September 1, 2016. The license is valid for six months and no blood test is needed.
Age requirements are set by Minn. Stat. § 517.04. Both applicants must be 18 or older. Those who are 16 or 17 need written consent from a parent or guardian. Minn. Stat. § 517.03 prohibits marriages between close relatives or between anyone who is already legally married.
Big Stone County Marriage License Fee
The standard fee for a marriage license in Big Stone County is $115. You pay at the Recorder's office when you apply. Call 320-839-3778 ahead of your visit to confirm what forms of payment the office accepts, since cash and check are standard but policies can vary.
A reduced fee is available for couples who have completed a 12-hour premarital education course. With proof of completion at the time of application, the fee drops to around $40 to $50. The reduction applies on the day you apply; you cannot claim it after the fact. Ask the Recorder's office what type of certificate or documentation they require from the course provider. Not all programs are equal, so confirming in advance is worth the call.
Note: The $115 fee is standard for most Minnesota counties. A few charge up to $125, but Big Stone County is at the lower end of the range.
Search Big Stone County Marriage Records
The Minnesota Official Marriage System (MOMS) indexes Big Stone County marriage records from 1881 to the present. The database is free to use and does not require an account. Search by name and filter by county to find results quickly. MOMS returns index data showing names, dates, and county, not the full license document. It is a good starting point for genealogy research or for confirming a record exists before requesting a certified copy.
If you need a certified copy, contact the Big Stone County Recorder at 320-839-3778 or visit the office at 20 2nd St SE in Ortonville. Certified copies are also available from the Minnesota Department of Health for $9 each. The MDH county registrar directory has Big Stone County's contact details listed. To order through MDH, visit health.state.mn.us for instructions and forms.
For records older than what MOMS covers, or for gaps in the civil record, the Minnesota Historical Society at libguides.mnhs.org/vital/marriage holds microfilm and archival materials. Their library in St. Paul is open to the public. Genealogists researching Big Stone County families often find that church records fill gaps in the official civil files, and MNHS staff can help point you toward those sources.
Certified Copies and Legal Uses
You may need a certified copy of a Big Stone County marriage record for a name change, passport, insurance, or other legal purposes. Both the county Recorder and the MDH can provide certified copies. MDH charges $9 per copy. Their process is explained at health.state.mn.us.
If you need the document validated for use in another country, the Minnesota Secretary of State provides apostille services at sos.mn.gov/notary-apostille. The fee is $5 per document. You must start with a certified copy from the county or MDH before requesting an apostille.
The MDH marriage reporting page at health.state.mn.us/people/vitalrecords/localreg/marriage.html explains how records move from county recorders like Big Stone's to the state archive. After the officiant returns the signed license to the county, the county records it and sends a copy to MDH. Both offices can then provide certified copies of that record.
Cities in Big Stone County
Big Stone County has no cities over the 100,000-population threshold for a dedicated page on this site. All communities in the county, including Ortonville, Graceville, and Clinton, file marriage licenses through the Big Stone County Recorder at the courthouse in Ortonville.
Nearby Counties
Big Stone County sits in the far western part of Minnesota, bordering South Dakota. These neighboring Minnesota counties can also issue marriage licenses to any applicant regardless of where they live.