Find Marriage License Records in Wadena County
Wadena County marriage licenses are issued by the County Recorder and have been recorded here since 1873. If you need to apply for a new license or search past Wadena County marriage records, the Recorder's office in Wadena is the starting point. The Minnesota Official Marriage System also lets you look up records online at no cost, and the county has an online application option to help you prepare before your visit.
Wadena County Overview
Wadena County Recorder
The Wadena County Recorder is the office that handles all marriage licenses and vital records for the county. Judy Aagard is the County Recorder. The office is located at 415 Jefferson Street South, Wadena, MN 56482. You can reach the office at 218-631-7622.
Both people who plan to get married must appear in person at the office. Staff process marriage license applications until 3:30 PM, so plan your visit accordingly. Bring a valid photo ID for each applicant. If one or both of you have been married before, bring documentation showing the prior marriage ended. A divorce decree or a death certificate will work. The license is ready the same day.
The Wadena County Vital Statistics page has current details about office hours and what to bring. Check it before your visit to make sure nothing has changed.
Online Application for Wadena County
The screenshot below is from the MOMS online application portal, which Wadena County accepts. Filling it out in advance can make your in-office visit faster because the basic information is already entered.
Even after completing the online form, both applicants must still appear in person at the Wadena County Recorder's office to sign the application and present their IDs. The online step does not replace the in-person visit, but it can save time at the counter.
Requirements and Fees
Minnesota law applies statewide. Both applicants must be 18 or older. If one person is 16 or 17, written parental or guardian consent is required under Minn. Stat. § 517.04. There is no waiting period after the license is issued. The state removed the waiting period on September 1, 2016, so couples can marry the same day they get the license if they choose. No blood test is needed, and you do not have to be a Minnesota resident.
The standard fee is $115 to $125. Couples who show proof of at least 12 hours of premarital education from an approved provider qualify for a reduced fee of $40 to $50. Under Minn. Stat. § 517.08, the completed license must be returned to the Recorder after the ceremony. Call 218-631-7622 to confirm the exact current fee and acceptable payment types before you come in.
Note: The office stops taking marriage license applications at 3:30 PM, so arrive well before closing time.
Wadena County Marriage License Records Search
The image below shows the Wadena County Recorder page, which is the local resource for marriage license and vital records information in the county.
For quick online searching, use the recorder office details above to understand what the county maintains, then head to MOMS to look up records from 1873 forward.
The Minnesota Official Marriage System indexes Wadena County marriage records from 1873 to the current date. The search is free and open to the public. You can look up a name and get basic record details. If you need more than index data, you will need to request a certified copy.
For a certified copy, contact the Wadena County Recorder directly at 415 Jefferson Street South, or order from the Minnesota Department of Health. The MDH issues certified copies for $9 each. Their vital records page is at health.state.mn.us/people/vitalrecords/. The MDH county directory at health.state.mn.us/people/vitalrecords/registrars.html has direct contact info for Wadena County.
Vital Statistics in Wadena County
The screenshot below is from the Wadena County Vital Statistics page, which covers marriage licenses along with other vital record services the county provides.
This page is a good resource if you want to review local policies and any updates to the application process before heading in.
Historical Records and Officiant Rules
Wadena County marriage records in MOMS go back to 1873. Genealogists looking for older or more detailed records can turn to the Minnesota Historical Society. Their research guide at libguides.mnhs.org/vital/marriage explains what vital records they hold and how to access them.
Minnesota law under Minn. Stat. § 517.13 says marriages may be performed by a judge, ordained or licensed minister, or civil celebrant. The officiant must sign the license after the ceremony, and it must be returned to the County Recorder. If you need the record certified for use abroad, the Minnesota Secretary of State issues apostilles for $5 at sos.mn.gov/notary-apostille/.
Cities in Wadena County
Wadena County has no cities that qualify for a dedicated city records page based on population. The City of Wadena is the county seat and the main service center. All marriage license applications for the county are handled at the Recorder's office at 415 Jefferson Street South in Wadena.