Wright County Marriage License Database
The Wright County Recorder in Buffalo issues marriage licenses and maintains vital records for the county. Marriage license records in MOMS for Wright County go back to 1950, and older records from 1858 to 1950 are held by the Wright County Historical Society. Whether you need to apply for a new license or look up a past Wright County marriage record, this page covers the offices, fees, and search tools you need.
Wright County Overview
Wright County Recorder Office
Larry Unger serves as Wright County Recorder. The office is at 3650 Braddock Ave NE, Suite 1500V, Buffalo, MN 55313. The main phone number is 763-682-7357. This is the primary office for marriage license applications and vital record requests in Wright County.
Both applicants must be present in person. Each person needs a government-issued photo ID. If either person was married before, bring documentation of how that marriage ended. A certified copy of a divorce decree or death certificate will work. The license is issued on the day you apply. There is no waiting period in Minnesota, so you can get married the same day if you choose. No residency requirement exists, and no blood test is needed.
The image below is from the Wright County Recorder's Property Resources page, which is where the Recorder's office is listed online.
This page on the county site is the right starting point for finding the Recorder's contact information and verifying current hours before your visit.
Officiant Requirements in Wright County
Minnesota law requires that a marriage be performed by a qualified officiant. The image below is from the Wright County page on credential of license or ordination, which explains what officiants need to show before performing a ceremony in the county.
Officiants should review this page before the ceremony to make sure their credentials meet the county's requirements. Couples can share this resource with their officiant as a quick reference.
Under Minn. Stat. § 517.13, marriages in Minnesota may be performed by a judge, an ordained or licensed minister, or a civil celebrant who qualifies under state law. After the ceremony, the officiant signs the license and must return it to the Wright County Recorder. This return is required by Minn. Stat. § 517.08 and completes the official record.
Requirements and Fees
Both applicants must be at least 18. If either person is 16 or 17, written consent from a parent or guardian is required under Minn. Stat. § 517.04. The license is valid for six months from the date it is issued. If the ceremony does not happen within that window, a new license is needed.
The standard fee runs $115 to $125. Couples who complete at least 12 hours of premarital education from an approved program can qualify for a reduced fee of $40 to $50 if they bring proof when they apply. Call 763-682-7357 to confirm the exact current fee and accepted payment types before your visit.
Searching Wright County Marriage Records
The Minnesota Official Marriage System (MOMS) holds Wright County marriage records from 1950 to the current date. The search is free and public. You enter a name and get basic information about any matching recorded marriage. This covers most research needs for recent records.
For records from before 1950, the Wright County Historical Society maintains marriage records going back to 1858. That is a separate collection from MOMS and requires contacting the Historical Society directly. Their holdings cover nearly a century of marriages that predate the MOMS index. The county website at co.wright.mn.us can point you toward local resources for historical record access.
Certified copies are available from the Wright County Recorder at 3650 Braddock Ave NE in Buffalo. They can also be ordered through the Minnesota Department of Health for $9 each. The MDH 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 the direct contact for Wright County.
Apostilles and Historical Records
If you need a Wright County marriage record certified for use abroad, an apostille may be required. The Minnesota Secretary of State handles apostilles for $5. Visit sos.mn.gov/notary-apostille/ to learn the steps. You will need a certified copy of the record first.
For genealogical research, the Minnesota Historical Society is an additional resource beyond the Wright County Historical Society's collection. Their guide at libguides.mnhs.org/vital/marriage describes what is available statewide and how to access it.
Cities in Wright County
Wright County has no cities that meet the population threshold for a dedicated city records page. Buffalo is the county seat and where the Recorder's office is located. All Wright County residents apply for marriage licenses at 3650 Braddock Ave NE, Suite 1500V in Buffalo.