Nobles County Marriage License Lookup

The Nobles County Recorder in Worthington issues marriage licenses and maintains official marriage records for the county. Nobles County marriage records are available in the state's MOMS system back to 1872. If you need to apply for a new marriage license in Nobles County or search older records, the recorder's office is the right place to contact. Both people getting married must appear in person to apply.

Nobles County Recorder Office

The Nobles County Recorder is at 315 10th St, Worthington, MN 56187. Call 507-295-5266 to confirm office hours before you make the trip. Both people who plan to marry must appear together at the office. One applicant cannot complete the process for both.

Bring a valid government-issued photo ID for each applicant. A driver's license, state ID, or passport all work. If either person was previously married, bring a certified copy of the final divorce decree or a death certificate for the former spouse. The recorder reviews your documents, takes payment, and issues the license the same day. Once issued, the license is valid for six months throughout Minnesota. There is no waiting period in the state, so you can marry the day you receive the license if you choose.

The Nobles County Marriage License page lists the current application requirements and any updates to the local process. Review it before you visit.

Vital Records Services

The Nobles County Vital Records page covers the types of services the recorder's office provides, including how to request certified copies of marriage certificates. If you already have a Nobles County marriage on record and need official documentation, this is the page that explains your options and what you'll need to provide when making the request.

After your ceremony takes place, the officiant must return the signed license to the Nobles County Recorder within five days. The recorder files the document and sends the data to the Minnesota Department of Health. MDH processes the record and adds it to the MOMS database within a few weeks. Once it appears in MOMS, the record is searchable and certified copies can be ordered from MDH or the county.

Fees and Reduced License Rate

The standard Nobles County marriage license costs between $115 and $125. That fee is paid when you apply. A reduced fee of $40 to $50 is available if both applicants complete at least 12 hours of premarital education through a qualified provider. You must bring written proof of the course at the time of application. The reduced rate cannot be applied after the license has been issued, so make sure you have the documentation ready when you go.

There is no residency requirement for a Minnesota marriage license. You don't have to live in Nobles County or anywhere in Minnesota to apply here. The license is valid statewide. Call 507-295-5266 ahead of time to find out what payment methods the office accepts.

Search Nobles County Marriage Records Online

The Minnesota Official Marriage System (MOMS) is the main tool for searching Nobles County marriage records. The index runs back to 1872 and is free to use. MOMS is run by the Minnesota Department of Health and covers 85 of the state's 87 counties. You can search by name or date range to find records connected to Nobles County and get basic details about when and where a marriage was filed.

MOMS shows index-level information only. It does not display full document images. If you need a certified copy of a Nobles County marriage certificate, order it from the Minnesota Department of Health Vital Records for $9 per copy. Orders can be placed online or by mail. You can also request a copy in person at the Nobles County Recorder's office.

Note: Certified copies are required for many legal and administrative purposes, including name changes after marriage, insurance beneficiary updates, and passport applications.

The MDH marriage reporting page explains how county offices like Nobles County submit marriage data to the state after each ceremony is performed.

Understanding this reporting process helps explain why it can take a few weeks after the ceremony before a Nobles County marriage record shows up in MOMS.

Minnesota Marriage Statutes

Minnesota law applies to every marriage license issued in the state, including those from Nobles County. Under Minn. Stat. § 517.08, applicants must be at least 18 years old. Those who are 16 or 17 can apply with written parental or guardian consent under Minn. Stat. § 517.04. No blood test is required. Minnesota eliminated the waiting period on September 1, 2016.

The full text of Minnesota's marriage laws is available at Chapter 517 of the Minnesota Statutes. This covers the rules for license applications, who may perform ceremonies, how licenses must be returned after the ceremony, and how records are sent to the state.

Historical Records and Genealogy Research

Nobles County MOMS records extend back to 1872, giving researchers access to more than 150 years of marriage history in southwestern Minnesota. For records that fall before the MOMS index or for more detail on older documents, the Minnesota Historical Society marriage records guide is a strong resource. MNHS holds original county documents and can help locate materials from the late 1800s.

If you need a Nobles County marriage certificate authenticated for use in another country, apostille services are available from the Minnesota Secretary of State at $5 per document. The process is at sos.mn.gov. The MDH county directory lists current contact details for every county recorder in Minnesota if you need to confirm information before visiting the Worthington office.

The MDH vital records office is the main source for certified copies of Nobles County marriage certificates and handles requests from researchers and residents across the state.

Cities in Nobles County

Nobles County includes Worthington, Adrian, Rushmore, Wilmont, and other small communities. None of these cities meet the population threshold for a dedicated city page on this site. All residents throughout Nobles County apply for a marriage license at the recorder's office at 315 10th St in Worthington.

Nearby Counties

Minnesota allows you to apply for a marriage license at any county recorder in the state. If one of these nearby counties is more convenient for you, those offices can issue the same valid Minnesota license.