Access Benton County Marriage Records

Benton County marriage records go back to 1887 and are maintained by the County Recorder in Foley. The office handles marriage license applications, certified copy requests, and record searches. You can also look up Benton County marriage records online for free through the Minnesota Official Marriage System. This page covers everything you need to know about applying for a license or finding an existing marriage record in Benton County, Minnesota.

Benton County Recorder

The Benton County Recorder's Office is inside the Benton County Government Center in Foley. This is where you go to apply for a marriage license or request copies of existing marriage records. The office keeps marriage records from 1887 forward, plus birth records from 1870 and death records from 1871. Staff can search old records and help with genealogy inquiries during business hours.

Important: Benton County does not accept credit or debit cards. You must pay with cash or check. Plan ahead and make sure you have the right payment form before you go. The office is open Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM. Arrive by 4:00 PM at the latest to ensure enough time to complete your application. More information is at bentoncountymn.gov.

The county website at bentoncountymn.gov has the Marriage Certificate Request Form available for download. You can fill it out ahead of time to save steps at the counter.

How to Get a Benton County Marriage License

The marriage license fee in Benton County is $125, which is slightly higher than in many other Minnesota counties. If both applicants have completed a 12-hour premarital education course, the fee drops to $50. To get the lower rate, bring a signed and notarized educator's statement on official letterhead from a licensed minister or therapist. The names on the statement must match exactly what is on the application.

Both parties must go to the Recorder's Office together. Bring a valid photo ID. A driver's license, state ID, or passport all work. Under Minnesota Statute 517.08, the application needs full legal names, birth dates, Social Security numbers, and information about any prior marriages. If you were married before, bring a copy of your divorce decree or death certificate. Faxed applications are not accepted at this office. You must appear in person.

The license is valid for six months. There is no waiting period. You can marry the same day you get the license. The license is valid anywhere in Minnesota, not just in Benton County. Remember that only cash or check is accepted at this office, so bring the right payment.

After the wedding, the officiant must file the completed marriage certificate with the Benton County Recorder within five days. This is required by Minnesota Statute 517.10. Once filed, the record is permanent and certified copies can be issued upon request.

Benton County Marriage Records Search

The easiest way to find Benton County marriage records is through MOMS.mn.gov, the Minnesota Official Marriage System. It is free and covers all 87 Minnesota counties. Benton County records in the system go back to 1887. Enter a last name and first name to search. You can also add a date range. Three search options are available: exact match, Soundex, and wildcard. Try Soundex if you are not sure of the exact spelling of a name.

Search results show both parties' names, the marriage date, and the county that holds the record. Once you identify a record, contact the Benton County Recorder to request a certified copy. Copies are $9 each. You can also ask about records not in the online system by calling 320-968-5037.

Note: Marriage records in Minnesota are public data under Chapters 13 and 517 of state law. Anyone may request access to them, not just the people named in the record.

Certified Copies of Marriage Certificates

Certified copies cost $9 each at the Benton County Recorder's Office. These are the official versions recognized for legal uses like name changes, passports, and insurance updates. You can request them in person or by mail. For mail requests, write to the Recorder at 531 Dewey Street, Foley, MN 56329. Include a check for $9 per copy, the names of both parties, and the approximate marriage date. Under Minnesota Statute 517.101, certified copies must be issued to anyone who requests one and pays the fee.

The county website has a downloadable Marriage Certificate Request Form. Using the form when you send a mail request helps the office process it faster. Remember that only checks are accepted by mail, not cash.

Cities in Benton County

Benton County includes Foley and several other small communities in central Minnesota. No cities in Benton County meet the population threshold for a dedicated city page on this site. All marriage licenses for the county are issued at the Recorder's Office in Foley.

Nearby Counties

Benton County is in central Minnesota. Apply in the county where you live. Links to nearby county pages are below.