Wabasha County Marriage License Records
The Wabasha County Recorder issues marriage licenses and maintains official marriage records for couples who wed in the county. You can search Wabasha County marriage license records going back to 1865 through the Minnesota Official Marriage System, and you can apply for a new license at the Recorder's office in Wabasha with both applicants present and valid photo ID in hand.
Wabasha County Overview
Wabasha County Recorder Office
The Wabasha County Recorder is the local office responsible for marriage licenses and vital records. Jeffery R. Aitken serves as County Recorder, with deputy recorders Jon Trotter and Julie Drake also on staff to help with applications and record requests. The office is at 625 Jefferson Avenue, Wabasha, MN 55981, and you can reach them at 651-565-3623.
Both people who plan to marry must appear at the office in person. There is no way to apply online or by mail for a new license. Bring a valid government-issued photo ID such as a driver's license, state ID, or passport. If either person was previously married, bring proof that the prior marriage ended, either a divorce decree or a death certificate. Staff will review your documents and issue the license the same day.
Note: The MDH county directory at health.state.mn.us lists current contact details for the Wabasha County Recorder if hours or phone numbers change.
Marriage License Requirements
Minnesota state law sets the rules for who can get a license. Both people must be at least 18 years old. Those who are 16 or 17 need written consent from a parent or guardian under Minn. Stat. § 517.04. The state eliminated the waiting period on September 1, 2016, so you can get married the same day you pick up your license. There is no blood test or medical exam required.
Wabasha County does not require applicants to be Minnesota residents. People from other states or other countries can apply here as long as they plan to marry within Minnesota. The license is valid for six months from the date of issue. Under Minn. Stat. § 517.08, the license must be returned to the issuing county recorder after the ceremony so the record is complete.
Fees for a Wabasha County Marriage License
The standard fee runs $115 to $125. Couples who complete at least 12 hours of premarital education from an approved program can get a reduced rate of $40 to $50. You need to bring proof of the course when you apply. Call the Recorder at 651-565-3623 ahead of time to confirm the current exact fee and to ask about accepted payment methods.
Searching Wabasha County Marriage Records
The Minnesota Official Marriage System (MOMS) is the main tool for searching Wabasha County marriage records. The MOMS index for Wabasha County goes back to April 29, 1865, which makes it one of the deeper historical indexes in the state. You can search by name and see basic details like the date and the parties involved. MOMS is free to use and open to the public.
The search results in MOMS show index data only. If you need a certified copy of a marriage record, you have two options. You can request it directly from the Wabasha County Recorder by contacting the office at 625 Jefferson Avenue. Or you can order one from the Minnesota Department of Health. The MDH charges $9 per certified copy. Visit the MDH vital records page at health.state.mn.us/people/vitalrecords/ to get started.
The Wabasha County government website is also a resource for local information about services and office hours. Check there if you need to confirm current hours before making a trip to the courthouse.
Historical Wabasha County Marriage Records
Records in the MOMS system reach back to 1865 for Wabasha County, so researchers and genealogists have a strong base to work from. For records that predate the MOMS index or for more detail than the index provides, the Minnesota Historical Society holds vital records and related documents. Their research guide at libguides.mnhs.org/vital/marriage explains what they hold and how to access it.
If you need a marriage record certified for legal use in another country, you may also need an apostille. The Minnesota Secretary of State handles apostilles for a $5 fee. See sos.mn.gov/notary-apostille/ for details on how to request one.
Officiants and Marriage Ceremonies
Under Minn. Stat. § 517.13, marriages in Minnesota can be performed by a judge, a licensed or ordained minister, or a civil celebrant. The person officiating must be authorized under state law. Couples who want a civil ceremony have the option of having a judge or court official perform it. Contact the Wabasha County courthouse directly to ask about civil ceremony options in the county.
After the ceremony, the officiant signs the marriage license and it is returned to the County Recorder. That step is required. If it does not happen, the marriage is not properly recorded, which can cause problems later when the couple needs to prove the marriage for legal or financial purposes.
Getting a Certified Copy
Certified copies are the official legal version of a marriage record. Banks, courts, employers, immigration offices, and other agencies often ask for them. You can get one from the Wabasha County Recorder or from the Minnesota Department of Health. The MDH copy costs $9 and can be ordered online, by mail, or in person. If you need multiple copies, order them all at once to save time.
The image below is from the Wabasha County government website, where you can find current information about the Recorder's office and other county services.
The county site is the best place to check for any updates to office hours or procedures before you visit.
Cities in Wabasha County
Wabasha County has no cities that meet the population threshold for a dedicated city page. The City of Wabasha is the county seat and the main population center. Residents across the county apply for marriage licenses at the Wabasha County Recorder's office at 625 Jefferson Avenue in Wabasha.