Find Duluth Marriage Records
Duluth marriage records are issued and maintained by St. Louis County, the largest county by area in Minnesota. St. Louis County has two locations in Duluth where residents can apply for a marriage license, search records, and request certified copies. Whether you are getting married soon or need to track down an old marriage record, this page covers the offices, fees, requirements, and online search tools available to Duluth residents.
Duluth Quick Facts
Where to Get a Marriage License in Duluth
Duluth has two St. Louis County offices where you can apply for a marriage license. The main office is in downtown Duluth at the St. Louis County Courthouse. There is also a second location at Miller Hill Mall on the west side of the city. Both offices have the same weekday hours. Call before visiting to confirm current hours since they can change.
Both applicants must appear in person together. Bring valid photo ID. The Duluth City Clerk is located at 330 City Hall, 411 West First Street, phone 218-730-5923. The city does not issue marriage licenses. The clerk handles other city business and will direct you to St. Louis County for marriage license applications.
| Main Office | St. Louis County Courthouse, 100 North Fifth Ave West, Room 101, Duluth, MN 55802 |
|---|---|
| Second Location | Miller Hill Mall, 1600 Miller Trunk Highway, Suite E03, Duluth, MN 55802 |
| Phone | 218-726-2559 |
| Hours | Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM (call 218-726-2000 to confirm) |
| Website | stlouiscountymn.gov |
St. Louis County also offers courthouse wedding ceremonies starting at noon. Contact the county directly to ask about availability, fees, and requirements. These civil ceremonies are a practical option for couples who want a simple legal wedding in Duluth without hiring a venue or officiant.
The City of Duluth official website provides an overview of city services, though marriage licenses are handled entirely through St. Louis County, not the city.
For marriage license applications and certified copy requests, visit one of the two St. Louis County offices in Duluth rather than city hall.
The Duluth City Clerk's office handles city business but directs residents to St. Louis County for all marriage and vital records services.
If you are unsure which county office to visit, the city clerk can point you to the right St. Louis County location based on where you live in the city.
Marriage License Requirements
Both parties must appear together at a St. Louis County office in Duluth with a valid government-issued photo ID. A driver's license, passport, or state ID card is accepted. You must provide your Social Security number at the time of application, though it will not appear on the license itself. Under Minnesota Statute 517.08, both parties must be at least 18 years old.
If you were previously married, you need to bring a certified copy of the divorce decree or a death certificate. St. Louis County will not process your license without proof that the prior marriage legally ended. Bring original documents. Photocopies are typically not accepted.
The marriage license is valid for six months from the date issued and works anywhere in Minnesota. There is no waiting period. After the ceremony, the officiant must return the completed license to St. Louis County within five days under Minnesota Statute 517.10. The county has kept marriage records since 1870.
Duluth Marriage License Fees
The standard marriage license fee in St. Louis County is $115. If both applicants complete an approved 12-hour premarital education course, the fee is $40. Proof of the class must be submitted at the time of application. The fee reduction does not apply after the fact.
Certified copies of marriage records cost $9 per copy. You can request copies when you pick up the license or come back later. St. Louis County also offers online record searches, which can help you verify a marriage date or locate a record before ordering a certified copy.
Note: Call 218-726-2559 to confirm current fees before your visit, as amounts can change over time.
Search Duluth Marriage Records Online
Minnesota's MOMS system at moms.mn.gov lets you search marriage records from St. Louis County and most other Minnesota counties for free. The database covers records from recent decades and returns basic details like party names and the date the license was issued. Use this to confirm a marriage or look up a basic record.
For a certified copy, you must contact St. Louis County directly or visit in person. St. Louis County also has its own online records search tool, so check their website for additional search options. Certified copies are official documents required for legal, financial, or government purposes.
For older Duluth marriage records, the Minnesota Historical Society holds historical records at mnhs.org. St. Louis County records go back to 1870, making it one of the older county archives in the state.
St. Louis County Marriage Records
All marriage licenses and records for Duluth are issued and maintained by St. Louis County. Visit the county page for full details on both Duluth office locations and how to request certified copies.