Yellow Medicine County Marriage License Search
Yellow Medicine County marriage licenses are issued by the County Recorder in Granite Falls, and the county's records in the Minnesota Official Marriage System go back to 1872. You can search those records at no cost through MOMS, and you can apply for a new marriage license in person at the Recorder's office at 415 9th Avenue. Both applicants must appear together and bring valid photo identification.
Yellow Medicine County Overview
Yellow Medicine County Recorder
Kay Zempel serves as Yellow Medicine County Recorder. The office is at 415 9th Avenue, Granite Falls, MN 56241. The phone number is 320-564-2529. This is where all marriage licenses and vital records for Yellow Medicine County are handled.
Both people who plan to marry must show up at the office together. Each person needs a valid photo ID from a government agency, like a driver's license, state ID, or passport. If either person was married before and the marriage ended in divorce, bring a certified copy of the divorce decree. If the prior spouse passed away, bring the death certificate. Staff process the application and issue the license the same visit. No waiting period applies since the state removed it on September 1, 2016.
There is no requirement to live in Minnesota or in Yellow Medicine County to apply here. Couples from other states are welcome. No blood test or medical exam is needed.
Yellow Medicine County Government and Recorder Resources
The image below is from the Yellow Medicine County government website, which covers the Recorder's office and other county services.
The county site is the right place to check for current office hours, contact details, and any updates to the application process before you make the trip to Granite Falls.
Requirements for a Marriage License
State law sets the rules that apply in every county. Both applicants must be at least 18. Those who are 16 or 17 need written consent from a parent or guardian before the County Recorder can issue a license. Minn. Stat. § 517.04 spells out this requirement. Couples of any age who are 18 or older can apply without parental involvement.
The license is valid for six months from the date it is issued. Under Minn. Stat. § 517.08, after the ceremony the officiant must sign the license and return it to the Yellow Medicine County Recorder. That step finalizes the record. If it does not happen, the marriage is not properly documented, which can create problems for insurance, estate, or immigration purposes later.
Fees
The standard fee is $115 to $125. Couples who complete at least 12 hours of premarital education from an approved program and bring proof of it at the time of application can get a reduced fee of $40 to $50. Call 320-564-2529 ahead of time to confirm the current exact fee and ask what payment methods are accepted at the office.
Searching Yellow Medicine County Marriage Records
The Minnesota Official Marriage System (MOMS) holds Yellow Medicine County marriage records from 1872 to the present. The index goes back over 150 years. The search is free and open to the public. Enter a name to get basic details about a recorded marriage. MOMS shows index information only and does not give you a certified copy.
Certified copies can be requested from the Yellow Medicine County Recorder at 415 9th Avenue in Granite Falls. Certified copies are also available through the Minnesota Department of Health for $9 per copy. The MDH vital records page is at health.state.mn.us/people/vitalrecords/. Their county directory at health.state.mn.us/people/vitalrecords/registrars.html has the direct contact for Yellow Medicine County, including the phone number 320-564-2529.
Banks, courts, and government agencies typically ask for certified copies when you need to prove a marriage for legal or financial reasons. Plan to order one from the Recorder or the MDH when you need an official document rather than just record details.
Officiants and Performing the Ceremony
Under Minn. Stat. § 517.13, a marriage in Minnesota must be performed by a judge, an ordained or licensed minister, or a civil celebrant who meets state requirements. The person performing the ceremony needs to be properly authorized. If you have questions about whether a specific officiant qualifies, contact the Yellow Medicine County Recorder or review the statute directly.
After the ceremony, the signed and completed license goes back to the Recorder's office. That return must happen. If the officiant delays or fails to return it, the couple should follow up with the office to make sure the record is complete.
Historical Records and Apostilles
Yellow Medicine County's MOMS records start in 1872, which gives genealogists a deep base to work from. For records that fall outside the MOMS index or for more detail than the index shows, the Minnesota Historical Society holds vital records from across the state. Their research guide at libguides.mnhs.org/vital/marriage explains what they hold and how to access it.
For marriages that need to be recognized in another country, an apostille from the Minnesota Secretary of State may be required. The fee is $5. See sos.mn.gov/notary-apostille/ for instructions. You will need a certified copy of the marriage record before you can get the apostille.
Cities in Yellow Medicine County
Yellow Medicine County has no cities that meet the population threshold for a dedicated city records page. Granite Falls is the county seat and the main population center. All residents across the county apply for marriage licenses at the Yellow Medicine County Recorder at 415 9th Avenue in Granite Falls.