Winona County Marriage License Lookup
The Winona County Recorder maintains marriage records going back to 1854 and issues marriage licenses for couples in the county. Winona County has some of the oldest indexed records in Minnesota's MOMS system. If you need to apply for a new license or search for a past Winona County marriage record, the Recorder's office at 202 West Third Street in Winona is the main resource.
Winona County Overview
Winona County Recorder
Bob Bambenek is the Winona County Recorder. The office is at 202 West Third Street, Winona, MN 55987. You can call 507-457-6350 to reach them. This is the office that handles all marriage license applications, records, and vital statistics for Winona County.
Both people who plan to marry must come in together. Each applicant must bring a valid photo ID. A driver's license, state ID, or passport all work. If either applicant was married before, bring a certified copy of the divorce decree or a death certificate. Staff review the documents and issue the license the same day. There is no waiting period in Minnesota since the state removed it on September 1, 2016.
There is no residency requirement. Couples from outside Minnesota can apply and get a license here. No blood test is needed either.
Winona County Marriage License Records
The image below is from the Winona County Marriage License and Records page, which is the primary online resource for local marriage license information.
This page covers the application process, what documents to bring, and how to request copies of existing records. It is worth reviewing before your visit to the office.
The Minnesota Official Marriage System (MOMS) indexes Winona County marriage records from 1854 to the present. That is one of the longest indexes in the state. The search is free and open to anyone. Enter a name to see basic record details. If you need more than index data, a certified copy is the next step.
Certified copies can be requested from the Winona County Recorder at 202 West Third Street. They can also be ordered through the Minnesota Department of Health for $9 per copy. Visit health.state.mn.us/people/vitalrecords/ to start the MDH request process. The MDH county directory at health.state.mn.us/people/vitalrecords/registrars.html lists the direct contact for Winona County.
Officiant Requirements in Winona County
The image below is from the Winona County page on requirements to perform marriages, which explains who is authorized to officiate at a wedding in the county.
Reviewing this page helps couples and officiants understand what is required before the ceremony so there are no issues with the license after the fact.
Minnesota law under Minn. Stat. § 517.13 allows marriages to be performed by a judge, a licensed or ordained minister, or an authorized civil celebrant. The officiant must be qualified under state law. After the ceremony, the signed license must be returned to the Winona County Recorder. This is required by Minn. Stat. § 517.08 and is how the marriage becomes part of the official record.
Requirements and Fees
Both applicants must be 18 or older. If one is 16 or 17, written parental or guardian consent is required under Minn. Stat. § 517.04. The license is valid for six months. If the marriage does not take place within that window, a new license is needed.
The standard fee is $115 to $125. Couples who complete at least 12 hours of approved premarital education and bring proof of it can apply for the reduced fee of $40 to $50. Call 507-457-6350 before your visit to confirm the current fee and what forms of payment the office accepts.
Historical Winona County Marriage Records
The MOMS index for Winona County starts in 1854, making it one of the earliest in the system. For researchers looking into older marriages or needing more detail than the index provides, the Minnesota Historical Society holds additional vital records. Their guide is at libguides.mnhs.org/vital/marriage.
If you need a Winona County marriage record certified for use abroad, you will need an apostille from the Minnesota Secretary of State. The fee is $5. Visit sos.mn.gov/notary-apostille/ for the process. You will need a certified copy first, which comes from the County Recorder or the MDH.
Cities in Winona County
Winona County has no cities that meet the population threshold for a dedicated city page. The city of Winona is the county seat and the main population center. All residents across the county apply for marriage licenses at the Winona County Recorder at 202 West Third Street in Winona.