Chippewa County Marriage Records

Chippewa County marriage records go back to approximately 1869 and are kept by the County Recorder in Montevideo. The office handles marriage license applications, certified copy requests, and public record searches. You can also look up Chippewa County marriage records online for free through the Minnesota Official Marriage System. This page covers what you need for applying for a license or finding a marriage record in Chippewa County, Minnesota.

Chippewa County Recorder

The Chippewa County Recorder's Office is in Montevideo at Suite 4 on North 11th Street. The office keeps marriage records from approximately 1869 to the present. Genealogy records going back to the 1870s are also available for public research. A document drop box at the courthouse entrance is available for those who want to submit requests without going inside.

The phone number is (320) 269-9431. Hours are Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM. More information is at co.chippewa.mn.us. The county website is at co.chippewa.mn.us. Cash, check, money order, and credit or debit cards with fees are accepted.

Marriage Licenses in Chippewa County

Both people must appear in person at the Recorder's Office. Bring a valid driver's license, state ID, or passport. The fee is $115 for a standard license. With a completed 12-hour premarital education course, the fee is $40. Bring the notarized educator's statement on official letterhead to qualify. Both names on the statement must match the application under Minnesota Statute 517.08.

The application needs full legal names, birth dates, Social Security numbers, parents' full maiden names, and information about prior marriages if any. If you were previously married, bring your divorce decree or death certificate. The license is valid for six months anywhere in Minnesota. No waiting period applies. You can start the application through MOMS.mn.gov before visiting.

After the ceremony, the officiant must file the signed marriage certificate with the Chippewa County Recorder within five days. This is required by Minnesota Statute 517.10. Once the certificate is filed, certified copies can be issued to anyone who pays the fee.

Searching Chippewa County Marriage Records

The online search tool for Chippewa County marriage records is MOMS.mn.gov. It is free. Records in the system for Chippewa County are indexed from 1871 forward, though the county has records going back to approximately 1869. To search, select Chippewa County from the dropdown or search all counties. Enter a last name and first name. Add a date range if you know it.

Three search modes are available. Exact match is fastest when you know the correct spelling. Soundex helps with name variations and phonetic matches. Wildcard allows partial name searches using an asterisk. Results show both parties' names, the marriage date, and which county holds the record. Contact the Recorder to order a certified copy after finding the record you need.

For records not in the MOMS database or for genealogy searches of older records, call (320) 269-9431. Marriage records are public data in Minnesota under Chapters 13 and 517 of state law. Any person may request access. Copies cost $9 each.

Cities in Chippewa County

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

Nearby Counties

Chippewa County is in western Minnesota. Check these neighboring counties if you live near a county border.