Find Marriage Records in Marshall County

Marshall County marriage licenses are issued by the County Recorder in Warren, Minnesota. The recorder's office also maintains the official record of every marriage that takes place in the county. Whether you need to apply for a new license or search for a past Marshall County marriage record, this page has the information you need, including office contact details, what documents to bring, fees, and how to use the state's online record system.

Marshall County Recorder Office

The Marshall County Recorder office is located at 208 E Colvin Ave, Warren, MN 56762. Phone is 218-745-4951. The recorder's website at marshallcountymn.gov has current information on office services, hours, and how to reach the right department. It's a good idea to call before you visit since hours can change around holidays or due to staffing.

The county also maintains a dedicated marriage license page that walks through the application process in detail. This page is worth reviewing before your trip so you know exactly what to expect. The recorder's vital records page is another useful resource, especially if you're looking for certified copies of past records or need to know what other vital documents the office handles.

The following screenshot is from the Marshall County Recorder's marriage license page, showing official county guidance on the application process.

The county's website provides clear steps for applying and includes information on fees and required documents for both first-time applicants and those who have been previously married.

How to Get a Marriage License in Marshall County

Both applicants must appear in person at the recorder's office. You cannot have one person apply on behalf of the other. Once you pay the fee and complete the application, there is no waiting period. Minnesota eliminated the mandatory delay on September 1, 2016. You can use the license the same day it's issued.

Each person must show a valid, government-issued photo ID. A driver's license, state-issued ID card, or passport each meet this requirement. If either applicant was married before, you need to show how that marriage ended. A certified copy of the divorce decree works if the prior marriage ended in divorce. If a spouse died, bring a certified death certificate. Standard photocopies are not acceptable. The recorder needs certified, original documents.

Both people must be at least 18. Applicants who are 16 or 17 may apply with written parental or guardian consent under Minn. Stat. § 517.04. Applicants under 16 cannot be married in Minnesota. The recorder issues licenses under the authority of Minn. Stat. § 517.08, which outlines eligibility requirements for all applicants.

No residency is required. You can apply in Marshall County even if neither of you lives here. Out-of-state couples who plan to marry in the county can apply at the recorder's office. Minnesota has no blood test requirement for marriage licenses.

Marshall County Marriage License Fee

The standard marriage license fee in Marshall County is in the $115 to $125 range, consistent with the statewide range for Minnesota counties. Call the recorder at 218-745-4951 to confirm the exact fee before your visit. Fees can change when the county board votes on updates.

Couples who complete a qualifying 12-hour premarital education program can pay a reduced fee, typically $40 to $50. Bring your certificate of completion when you apply. The program must meet Minnesota's statutory requirements. The same certificate is good at any county recorder in the state.

The following image is from the Marshall County Recorder's vital records page, which includes additional details on record services and fees.

The vital records section of the county website also covers birth and death certificates, providing a helpful overview of all the services the recorder handles beyond just marriage licenses.

Marriage Record Search for Marshall County

Minnesota's MOMS system, the Minnesota Official Marriage System, is a free public database available at moms.mn.gov. Marshall County records in MOMS go back to 1884. You can search by name to find basic information about a recorded marriage. The system covers 85 of 87 counties statewide and is open to anyone.

MOMS does not issue certified copies. It's an index tool. You can use it to confirm a marriage happened, see the date, and find the county of record. Once you've found the record you need, you can then request a certified copy from MDH or the county.

The MDH county registrar directory lists Marshall County's current contact information alongside all other Minnesota counties. The MDH vital records page provides broader context on the state's vital records system and how certified copies are requested at the state level.

Certified Copies and Apostille Services

To get a certified copy of a Marshall County marriage certificate, contact either the Minnesota Department of Health or the Marshall County Recorder directly. MDH charges $9 per certified copy and handles requests from across the state. The county recorder may be faster for recent records. Call 218-745-4951 to ask about local copy requests.

If you need to use your marriage certificate in another country, an apostille from the Minnesota Secretary of State authenticates the document for international use. The fee for an apostille is $5 per document. You'll need a certified copy of the certificate before you can apply for the apostille.

Historical records from Marshall County, especially those from the late 1800s and early 1900s, may also be available through the Minnesota Historical Society. Their marriage records guide describes what is archived and how to request access. MNHS is particularly useful for genealogy work involving records that predate common digital indexes.

Minnesota marriage law is codified in Chapter 517 of the Minnesota Statutes. The chapter covers prohibited marriages under § 517.03 and how the record is handled after the ceremony under § 517.13. The recorder's duties throughout the process are defined in § 517.07.

Cities in Marshall County

Warren is the county seat and largest city in Marshall County. No communities in Marshall County meet the 100,000-resident threshold for a dedicated city page on this site. Residents of Warren, Alvarado, Stephen, and other towns in Marshall County all go to the recorder's office in Warren to apply for a marriage license.

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.