Todd County Marriage License Records

Todd County marriage licenses are issued through the County Recorder office in Long Prairie. The Recorder has kept marriage records since 1867, and those records are searchable in the MOMS index today. If you are applying for a new license or looking up a past Todd County marriage, this page covers the office location, what you need to bring, fees, and how to search the historical record.

Todd County Recorder Office

The Todd County Recorder is located at 215 First Ave South, Long Prairie, MN 56347. Phone is 320-732-4428. The Recorder's office has handled marriage records in Todd County since 1867, making it one of the longer continuously running county-level record keepers in central Minnesota. Both people planning to marry must come in together to apply. You cannot apply for a license alone on behalf of your partner.

Todd County is a rural county in central Minnesota, and Long Prairie is a small county seat. Wait times at the Recorder's office are generally short compared to what you would see at larger metro-area counties. If you have questions before you go, calling 320-732-4428 to confirm hours and what documents to bring is a smart first step. The Recorder's staff are familiar with the most common questions and can give you a clear checklist over the phone.

The Todd County Recorder handles vital records beyond just marriage licenses, including birth and death record requests. If you need a certified copy of a past Todd County marriage, the Recorder's office in Long Prairie is the right starting point.

Online Marriage License Application

Todd County supports the MOMS online application process. You can start your marriage license application at moms.mn.gov/application before visiting the office. The online form lets you enter your information ahead of time and may speed up the in-person part of the process. Keep in mind that both applicants still need to appear in person at the Long Prairie office to complete the process. The online step just handles the paperwork portion in advance.

The Todd County Vital Statistics page has detailed information about marriage license requirements, the online application option, and what to expect when you visit the office. It is a good page to read before you make the drive to Long Prairie.

The Todd County Recorder's vital statistics page covers the marriage license process including the option to start your application online through MOMS before visiting the Long Prairie office.

The Todd County Vital Statistics page includes current fees, required documents, and information about using the MOMS online application to get a head start before your visit.

Requirements for a Todd County Marriage License

Both applicants must show a valid government-issued photo ID. A driver's license, state ID, or passport all work. If either person was married before, bring a certified copy of the divorce decree or a death certificate for a deceased spouse. This must be a certified document, not a copy. Plain copies are not acceptable.

The standard fee is $115 to $125. Couples who complete a 12-hour premarital education course before applying can qualify for a reduced fee of around $40 to $50. Check with the Todd County Recorder at 320-732-4428 about which programs they accept and what documentation to bring. Under Minn. Stat. § 517.04, both applicants must be at least 18. Those who are 16 or 17 may apply with written parental or guardian consent. No one under 16 may marry in Minnesota, and no blood test is required.

Minnesota has no waiting period. You can use the license the same day you receive it. The license stays valid for six months from the date of issue. Under Minn. Stat. § 517.08, both parties must sign the application in person before the county recorder or a deputy. There is no residency requirement. You do not need to live in Todd County or in Minnesota to apply here.

Note: The Recorder's office staff cannot provide legal advice about who is eligible to marry under Minnesota law. Questions on eligibility are best directed to an attorney.

Search Todd County Marriage Records on MOMS

The Minnesota Official Marriage System, MOMS, holds Todd County marriage records from 1867 to the present. That starting point is one of the earlier dates among Minnesota counties in the MOMS index, which is especially useful for genealogists. The database is free to search, run by the Minnesota Department of Health, and requires no login. You can search by name and filter by county and date range to find specific records.

MOMS provides index data including names and dates. Full document images may not be available for all older records. If you find a record and need a certified copy, contact the Todd County Recorder at 320-732-4428 or order from the Minnesota Department of Health Vital Records office for $9 per copy. The MDH county registrar directory has current contact info for the Todd County office.

For records that go back before MOMS coverage or for genealogy research that needs original documents, the Minnesota Historical Society marriage records guide points to older collections, many of which include central Minnesota counties. MNHS holds microfilm records from a wide range of county offices and can help track down documents that have not yet been digitized.

Certified Copies and After the Ceremony

If you need a certified copy of a Todd County marriage record, the Recorder's office at 215 First Ave South in Long Prairie is the place to request it. You can also order certified copies from the MDH Vital Records office for $9 each. For records that need to be used outside the United States, an apostille from the Minnesota Secretary of State costs $5. You need the certified copy first before applying for the apostille.

Once your ceremony is complete, your officiant must return the signed license to Todd County within five days. Under Minn. Stat. § 517.13, this is the officiant's responsibility, not the couple's. Todd County forwards the record to the Minnesota Department of Health for statewide registration. If your officiant is not sure what they need to do, the MDH marriage reporting page covers officiant obligations clearly. Under Minn. Stat. § 517.03, certain marriages are prohibited under Minnesota law.

Cities in Todd County

Todd County is a rural county in central Minnesota with Long Prairie as the county seat. Other communities in the county include Staples, Eagle Bend, Browerville, and Bertha. None of these communities reach the population threshold for a dedicated city page. All Todd County residents apply for marriage licenses at the Recorder office at 215 First Ave South in Long Prairie.

Nearby Counties

Marriage licenses in Minnesota are county-specific. You can apply in any county you choose, but make sure you go to the right office for the county you select.