Carlton County Marriage Records

Carlton County marriage records go back to 1871 and are kept by the County Recorder in the city of Carlton. If you need to apply for a marriage license or get a certified copy of a marriage certificate, the Recorder's Office handles both. You can also search Carlton County marriage records through the free Minnesota Official Marriage System online. This page covers what you need to know about marriage records in Carlton County, Minnesota.

Carlton County Recorder Office

The Carlton County Recorder is located at 301 Walnut Avenue in the city of Carlton, about 20 miles southwest of Duluth. The office handles marriage licenses, certified copies, and access to all county marriage records from 1871 to the present. Birth records from March 12, 1873 and death records from October 7, 1872 are also kept here. Marriage license applications and certificate request forms are available at the office.

The phone number is (218) 384-4281. Hours are Monday through Friday from 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM. The county website at www.carltoncountymn.gov has more information on the Recorder's services. Cash, check, and money order are accepted for payment.

Applying for a Marriage License in Carlton County

Both parties must appear in person at the Recorder's Office. Bring a valid driver's license, state ID, or passport. The standard fee is $115. If you both completed at least 12 hours of approved premarital education, the fee is $40. To get the lower rate, bring a signed and notarized educator's statement on official letterhead from a licensed minister or therapist.

Carlton County requires parents' full maiden names as part of the application. This is an additional detail that some counties do not ask for, so be ready to provide it. Under Minnesota Statute 517.08, the application also needs full legal names, birth dates, Social Security numbers, and prior marriage details. If you were previously married, bring your divorce decree or death certificate.

The license is valid for six months anywhere in Minnesota. There is no waiting period. You can use the license the same day it is issued. No blood test is required. You can also start the application process online through MOMS.mn.gov to save time at the office. You still need to appear in person to complete the process and pay.

After the ceremony, the officiant must file the signed marriage certificate with the Carlton County Recorder within five days. This requirement is set by Minnesota Statute 517.10. Once filed, the record becomes permanent and certified copies can be requested at any time.

Search Carlton County Marriage Records

Carlton County marriage records are searchable online through MOMS.mn.gov. This free statewide system covers all 87 Minnesota counties. Carlton County records in the database go back to 1871. To search, enter a last name and first name. You can narrow results by adding a date range. The system has three modes: exact match, Soundex, and wildcard.

Soundex is useful when you are not sure how a name was spelled in old records. Wildcard lets you search partial names using an asterisk. Results list both parties' names, the marriage date, and the county that holds the record. Contact the Carlton County Recorder to get a certified copy. The search through MOMS is always free.

For records not found online or for very old documents, call the Recorder's Office at (218) 384-4281. Staff can search older paper indexes. Marriage records in Minnesota are public data under Chapters 13 and 517 of state law.

Certified Copies of Carlton County Marriage Certificates

Certified copies cost $9 each. They are the legal version of the certificate that you need for name changes, government ID updates, and similar tasks. To request one in person, go to the Recorder's Office during business hours. Bring cash, check, or money order for payment. You can also request by mail. Write to Carlton County Recorder at 301 Walnut Avenue, Carlton, MN 55718. Include the full names of both parties, the approximate marriage date, your return address, and a check for $9 per copy.

Under Minnesota Statute 517.101, the registrar must issue certified copies to anyone who pays the fee. You do not have to be a party to the marriage to request one. Records from 1871 to the present are held at the Carlton County Recorder's Office.

Cities in Carlton County

Carlton County includes the city of Carlton and several other small communities in northeastern Minnesota. No cities in Carlton County meet the population threshold for a dedicated city page on this site. All marriage records are handled through the Recorder's Office in Carlton.

The city of Cloquet is the largest community in Carlton County, but it does not have a separate page here. All residents file marriage licenses through the Carlton County Recorder.

Nearby Counties

Carlton County is in northeastern Minnesota near Duluth. Check nearby county pages if you are unsure which county covers your address.