Find Marriage License Records in Murray County

Murray County processes marriage license applications through its Auditor-Treasurer office in Slayton, Minnesota. This is a common setup for smaller Minnesota counties where the auditor handles vital records functions. Marriage records from Murray County go back to 1872 in the state's online MOMS system. If you need to apply for a license or look up an older record, this page has what you need to get started.

Murray County Auditor-Treasurer Office

The Murray County Auditor-Treasurer is the office that issues marriage licenses in the county. You can find them at 2500 28th St, Slayton, MN 56172. Call ahead at 507-836-6148 to check hours before making the trip. Both applicants must show up together when applying. One person cannot apply on behalf of the other.

Each applicant needs a valid photo ID issued by a government agency. A driver's license or passport works well for this. If either person was previously married, the office will ask to see a certified copy of the final divorce decree or a death certificate for the former spouse. Make sure to have these documents ready when you go. The auditor's office reviews your paperwork, collects the fee, and issues the license before you leave.

The Auditor-Treasurer handles vital records for Murray County, which includes marriage licenses, so this is the correct office to contact for any questions about the application process.

Murray County Vital Records

Murray County posts information about vital records services, including marriage licenses, through the Murray County Vital Records page. That page covers the types of records the office maintains, how to request certified copies, and what to expect when you visit. Review it before coming to the office to avoid delays on the day of your application.

The vital records page is maintained by the county and reflects the current requirements and process for marriage license applications at the Slayton office.

Once your marriage license is issued, it is valid for six months throughout Minnesota. There is no waiting period in the state, so you can hold your ceremony as soon as you pick up the license. After the ceremony, the officiant has five days to return the completed license to the Murray County Auditor-Treasurer.

License Fees and Reduced Rate

The standard fee for a Murray County marriage license falls between $115 and $125. You pay this when you apply. A reduced fee of $40 to $50 is available when both applicants complete a minimum of 12 hours of premarital education from a qualified provider before they apply. Bring written proof of the course the day you come in. The county will not apply the reduced rate after the fact, so you need to have the documentation with you at the time of application.

You do not need to live in Murray County to apply here. Minnesota has no residency requirement for marriage licenses. The license works across the entire state. If you have questions about payment options, call 507-836-6148 to confirm what forms of payment the office accepts before you go.

Search Murray County Marriage Records

Murray County marriage records are searchable through the Minnesota Official Marriage System (MOMS). The MOMS index for Murray County goes back to 1872, covering more than 150 years of marriage records. The system is free and run by the Minnesota Department of Health. It covers 85 of Minnesota's 87 counties. Search by name or date to find whether a marriage was recorded in Murray County and to get the basic license details.

MOMS is an index, not a document viewer. If you need a certified copy of a Murray County marriage certificate, the Minnesota Department of Health Vital Records office can provide one for $9. You can order by mail or online. You can also ask the Murray County Auditor-Treasurer to provide a certified copy in person if you are visiting the office.

Note: A certified copy of a marriage certificate is required for name changes, insurance updates, passport applications, and other legal processes that need proof of marriage.

Minnesota Marriage License Requirements

State law controls who can apply for a marriage license and what the process requires. Under Minn. Stat. § 517.08, both applicants must be 18 or older. Applicants who are 16 or 17 may apply with written consent from a parent or guardian as described in Minn. Stat. § 517.04. No blood test is required. Minnesota ended its waiting period on September 1, 2016, so there is no delay between applying and receiving your license.

After the wedding, the person who performed the ceremony must return the signed marriage license to the Murray County Auditor-Treasurer within five days. The office files it and sends the data to MDH, which processes it and adds the record to MOMS within a few weeks. Once in MOMS, the record is available for public search and certified copies can be ordered through MDH or the county. You can read the full text of Minnesota marriage law at Chapter 517 of the Minnesota Statutes.

Historical Records and Genealogy

Murray County marriage records in MOMS go back to 1872, which gives researchers a solid base for genealogy work in southwestern Minnesota. For records that predate the MOMS index or for more context on older documents, the Minnesota Historical Society marriage records guide is a good resource. MNHS holds early county records and can help connect researchers with original materials from the 1800s.

If you need a Murray County marriage certificate authenticated for use abroad, the Minnesota Secretary of State provides apostille services at $5 per document. Visit sos.mn.gov for the full process. The MDH county directory has current contact details for every county vital records office in Minnesota, including Murray County, if you need to confirm phone numbers or address information before visiting.

Cities in Murray County

Murray County includes Slayton, Fulda, Currie, and other smaller communities. None of these cities meet the population threshold for a dedicated city page on this site. All residents throughout Murray County apply for a marriage license at the Auditor-Treasurer office at 2500 28th St in Slayton.

Nearby Counties

You can apply for a Minnesota marriage license at any county office in the state. If another county is closer or more convenient, these are the offices nearest to Murray County.