Find Marriage Licenses in Lake County

Lake County marriage licenses are issued by the Lake County Recorder in Two Harbors, on the North Shore of Lake Superior. Both people planning to marry must appear in person at the recorder's office to apply. Lake County marriage records are searchable online through the Minnesota Official Marriage System from 1870 through the present. This page covers the application steps, costs, requirements, and how to access historical records.

Lake County Recorder Office

The Lake County Recorder is located at 601 3rd Ave, Two Harbors, MN 55616. Call them at 218-834-8347. Both applicants must be present when you apply. Bring a valid government-issued photo ID for each person. If either you or your partner has been married before, bring a certified divorce decree or a death certificate for the prior spouse. The recorder will process the application and issue your license the same day.

Once issued, the license is valid for six months and can be used anywhere in the state. Minnesota law has no waiting period, so you can hold your ceremony the same day you get the license. There is also no residency requirement, which means you do not need to live in Lake County or anywhere in Minnesota to apply here. Many people apply in Lake County specifically because they plan to marry along the North Shore.

The Lake County Marriage License page lists the most current requirements, hours, and details for applying at the Two Harbors office.

Lake County Marriage License Screenshot

The Lake County marriage license page covers step-by-step application instructions and lists what documents to bring for your appointment at the recorder's office.

This is the official county source for up-to-date fee amounts, hours, and any recent changes to the application process in Lake County.

Lake County Recorder and Vital Records

The Lake County Recorder's main page covers all of the office's functions, including property records, vital records, and marriage licenses. The recorder is the local official who issues marriage licenses and maintains the county's vital records on file.

The recorder's office in Two Harbors handles all marriage license requests for Lake County residents and for anyone who chooses to marry in this county.

The Lake County Vital Records page covers certified copies, how to request records, and other vital record services offered through the county.

Through the vital records office, you can request certified copies of Lake County marriage certificates for legal and official purposes.

License Fees and Discount

The fee for a Lake County marriage license is $115 to $125. A reduced fee of $40 to $50 applies if both applicants have completed at least 12 hours of premarital education before applying. You need to bring written proof of that course to the recorder's office at the time of application. The discount is not available after the license has already been issued. Call 218-834-8347 to confirm payment options before your visit.

Search Lake County Marriage Records

The Minnesota Official Marriage System (MOMS) is the free online tool for searching Lake County marriage records. The Lake County index in MOMS runs from 1870 to the present, which makes it one of the deeper county records in the state. You search by name, date, or county. Results display the names of both parties, the license date, and the county where the marriage was recorded. No login or payment is required to search.

MOMS shows index-level information only. It does not show the full marriage certificate. If you need a certified copy for legal purposes such as a name change, passport, or insurance update, you can order one from Minnesota Department of Health Vital Records for $9 per copy. MDH processes requests by mail and online. You can also request a copy directly from the Lake County Recorder at 218-834-8347.

Minnesota Marriage Law and Requirements

Minnesota marriage licenses are governed by Chapter 517 of the state statutes. The rules for how county recorders like Lake County issue licenses are in Minn. Stat. § 517.08. Both applicants must be at least 18. Those who are 16 or 17 can apply with written parental or guardian consent under Minn. Stat. § 517.04. Prohibited marriages are addressed under Minn. Stat. § 517.03. Minnesota requires no blood test and no waiting period.

After your ceremony, the officiant must sign the license and return it to the Lake County Recorder within five days. The recorder files it with the county and transmits the data to the Minnesota Department of Health. MDH processes the record and adds it to the statewide MOMS database within a few weeks. Once it's in the system, certified copies can be ordered from MDH. The complete text of Minnesota marriage law is at Chapter 517 of the Minnesota Statutes.

Historical Records and Research

Lake County marriage records stretch back to 1870 in MOMS, making this one of the richer county datasets for genealogy research in northeastern Minnesota. For records that fall outside what MOMS covers, or for more detail on historical documents, the Minnesota Historical Society marriage records guide is a strong resource. MNHS maintains early county records and can assist with research requests for documents from the 1800s and early 1900s.

If you need a Lake County marriage certificate authenticated for use in another country, the Minnesota Secretary of State handles apostille requests at $5 per document through sos.mn.gov. The MDH county directory has current contact information for the Lake County Recorder and every other county recorder in Minnesota.

Cities in Lake County

Lake County includes Two Harbors, Silver Bay, Finland, and several other small communities along the North Shore. None of these cities meet the population threshold for a dedicated city page on this site. All residents in Lake County apply for a marriage license through the Lake County Recorder at 601 3rd Ave in Two Harbors.

Nearby Counties

Minnesota allows anyone to apply for a marriage license at any county recorder's office in the state. These nearby counties may be easier to reach depending on where you live or plan to hold your ceremony.