Lyon County Marriage License Records

The Lyon County Recorder in Marshall issues marriage licenses and keeps official marriage records for the county. If you need to apply for a license or search past records, the recorder's office handles both. This page explains how to get a Lyon County marriage license, what documents you need, what to expect with fees, and where to look up marriage records going back to 1873.

Lyon County Recorder Office

The Lyon County Recorder is the office that handles marriage license applications in this county. You can reach them at 607 W Main St, Marshall, MN 56258. The phone number is 507-537-6722. Visit the Lyon County Recorder page for current hours and additional contact details before you go.

You can also view the county's dedicated marriage license information page for step-by-step instructions directly from the office. That page covers what to bring, how long the process takes, and when you can pick up your license after applying. It's worth a look before your visit so nothing catches you off guard.

The recorder also files and maintains the official record of every marriage that takes place in Lyon County. Once your ceremony is complete and the officiant returns the license, the recorder enters it into the permanent record. This is separate from the state vital records system, though both ultimately index the data.

How to Apply for a Marriage License in Lyon County

Both people getting married must appear in person at the recorder's office. You cannot send one person on behalf of the other. There is no waiting period in Minnesota. The waiting period was eliminated on September 1, 2016, so once you apply and pay the fee, you can use the license right away if needed.

Each applicant must bring a valid government-issued photo ID. A driver's license, state ID, or passport all work. The ID must show your full legal name and date of birth. If either applicant was previously married, you must bring documentation of how that marriage ended. A certified copy of the divorce decree or a certified death certificate is required. Bring originals or certified copies, not photocopies.

Under Minn. Stat. § 517.08, the county is required to issue a license to any eligible couple who applies and meets the legal requirements. Both applicants must be at least 18 years old. If an applicant is 16 or 17, written consent from a parent or guardian is required under Minn. Stat. § 517.04. Marriages under age 16 are not permitted in Minnesota.

There is no residency requirement. You do not need to live in Lyon County to apply here. Many couples apply in the county where they plan to marry or where one of them lives, but neither is required by law.

Lyon County Marriage License Fees

The standard fee for a marriage license in Minnesota counties runs between $115 and $125. Lyon County falls within this range. Check with the recorder for the exact amount at the time you apply, as fees can be updated by local action.

There is a reduced fee available. Couples who complete a qualified 12-hour premarital education program can receive a reduced license fee of $40 to $50. The program must be completed before you apply, and you need to bring a certificate showing completion. The education requirement is defined under state statute and the same certificate works at any county recorder in Minnesota.

Note: Payment methods vary by county office. Call 507-537-6722 ahead of your visit to confirm what forms of payment the Lyon County Recorder accepts.

Searching Lyon County Marriage Records Online

Minnesota operates a statewide online index called MOMS, which stands for Minnesota Official Marriage System. You can search it at moms.mn.gov. Lyon County's records in MOMS go back to 1873, making it one of the older county indexes in the state.

The MOMS database lets you search by name and see basic marriage record information. It covers 85 of Minnesota's 87 counties. The search is free and open to the public. You can use it to confirm a marriage took place, find the approximate date, and identify which county holds the record. MOMS does not provide certified copies, but it's a fast way to locate a record before requesting one formally.

The Minnesota Department of Health explains the full scope of the vital records system on the MDH vital records page. That page also covers other record types like birth and death certificates. Lyon County is also listed in the MDH county registrar directory, which shows contact details for every county in the state.

Getting Certified Copies of Lyon County Marriage Records

If you need a certified copy of a marriage certificate, you can request one from the Minnesota Department of Health. The fee is $9 per copy. MDH processes requests for records going back many years and is the primary source for certified copies at the state level.

You can also request copies directly from the Lyon County Recorder's office, especially for recent records. Contact the office at 507-537-6722 to ask about the process and turnaround time. The recorder holds the local record and can sometimes process requests faster than going through the state.

If you need your marriage certificate authenticated for use in another country, you can request an apostille through the Minnesota Secretary of State's office. The apostille fee is $5 per document. This is separate from the certified copy fee, so you'll need both the certificate and the apostille if you're using it internationally.

Historical Lyon County Marriage Records

For older records that may not be in the MOMS system, the Minnesota Historical Society (MNHS) maintains a substantial collection of historical vital records. Their marriage records research guide explains what's available, what years are covered, and how to request access.

MNHS holds microfilmed and digitized records from many counties dating back to statehood. Lyon County was organized in 1872, and records from shortly after that period may be accessible through MNHS for genealogy and family history research. The MNHS research guide also points to third-party genealogy databases that have digitized portions of the Minnesota marriage index.

Marriage statutes in Minnesota are governed by Chapter 517 of the Minnesota Statutes. This chapter covers everything from who may marry to how licenses are issued and how records must be kept. Key sections include Minn. Stat. § 517.03, which defines prohibited marriages, and Minn. Stat. § 517.13, which governs how the marriage record is certified and returned after the ceremony.

Cities in Lyon County

Marshall is the county seat and largest city in Lyon County. No cities in Lyon County meet the 100,000-person population threshold for a dedicated city page on this site. Residents of Marshall, Tracy, Balaton, and other communities in Lyon County all apply for marriage licenses through the Lyon County Recorder at the courthouse in Marshall.

Nearby Counties

The county recorder or license center where you apply holds your marriage record. Apply in the county where either applicant lives or where you plan to marry.