Clearwater County Marriage Records

Clearwater County marriage records date from 1903, when the county was formed from Beltrami County. The County Recorder in Bagley handles all marriage license applications, certified copy requests, and record searches for the county. You can also search records online for free through the statewide MOMS system. This page covers the key steps for marriage records in Clearwater County, Minnesota.

Clearwater County Recorder

The Clearwater County Recorder's Office is in Bagley on Main Avenue North. Clearwater County was organized in 1902 from Beltrami County, and its records date from 1903. This is one of the smaller counties in northern Minnesota. Services are primarily in-person. Online services are limited, so most requests are handled at the office or by mail.

The phone number is (218) 694-6129. Hours are Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM. The county website at www.co.clearwater.mn.us has contact information for the Recorder and other county offices. Vital records request forms are available at the office.

Getting a Marriage License in Clearwater County

Both parties must appear in person at the Recorder's Office. A valid government-issued photo ID is required for each person. The standard fee is $115. If both of you completed at least 12 hours of approved premarital education, the fee drops to $40. You need a signed, notarized educator's statement on official letterhead from a licensed minister or therapist to get the lower rate. Under Minnesota Statute 517.08, the application requires full legal names, birth dates, Social Security numbers, and details about any prior marriages.

If either person was previously married, bring a divorce decree or death certificate. The license is valid for six months anywhere in Minnesota. There is no waiting period. You can marry the same day you get the license. After the ceremony, the officiant must file the signed marriage certificate with the Clearwater County Recorder within five days, per Minnesota Statute 517.10.

Because Clearwater County has limited online services, it is a good idea to call ahead at (218) 694-6129 to confirm the process and any forms you need. You can also start the application online through MOMS.mn.gov, which provides a pre-application form before your in-person visit. The county was split from Beltrami County, so pre-1903 records from this area may be found in Beltrami County records.

Searching Clearwater County Marriage Records

Use MOMS.mn.gov to search Clearwater County marriage records online. The database is free and covers all 87 Minnesota counties. Records for Clearwater County in the system go back to 1903. Enter a last name and first name to search. Adding a date range helps narrow results. Exact match, Soundex, and wildcard modes are all available.

Results show both parties' names, the marriage date, and the county holding the record. Contact the Clearwater County Recorder to request a certified copy. Copies cost $9 each and can be obtained in person or by mail. For records before 1903, you may need to search Beltrami County records, since Clearwater was part of that county before 1902.

Marriage records in Minnesota are public data under Chapters 13 and 517 of state law. Anyone may request access. You do not need to be a party to the marriage to request a copy. For questions or older records searches, call (218) 694-6129 during business hours.

Cities in Clearwater County

Clearwater County includes Bagley and several small communities in north-central Minnesota. No cities in Clearwater County meet the population threshold for a dedicated city page on this site. All marriage licenses and records are handled through the Recorder's Office in Bagley.

Nearby Counties

Clearwater County borders several north-central Minnesota counties. Apply in the county where you live.