Cook County Marriage Records
Cook County marriage records go back to 1897 and are maintained by the County Recorder in Grand Marais. Located at the northeastern tip of Minnesota on the North Shore of Lake Superior, Cook County is one of the more remote counties in the state. The Recorder handles all marriage license applications and certified copy requests. You can also search records online for free through the Minnesota Official Marriage System. This page covers how to get a license and find marriage records in Cook County.
Cook County Overview
Cook County Recorder
The Cook County Recorder's Office is at 411 West 2nd Street in Grand Marais. This office handles marriage licenses, certified copy requests, and all county vital records going back to 1897. Before the county was organized in 1897, this area was attached to Lake and St. Louis counties. So records before 1897 for what is now Cook County may be found in those neighboring county archives.
The phone number is (218) 387-3661. The fax is (218) 387-3043. Hours are Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM. Email contact is available for questions. The county website is at cookcountymn.gov. Cash, check, or money order are accepted.
| Office | Cook County Recorder |
|---|---|
| Address | 411 West 2nd Street Grand Marais, MN 55604 |
| Phone | (218) 387-3661 |
| Fax | (218) 387-3043 |
| Hours | Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM |
| Website | cookcountymn.gov |
Getting a Marriage License in Cook County
Both parties must appear at the Recorder's Office in person. Bring valid photo identification. A driver's license, state ID, or passport will work. The standard fee is $115. With 12 hours of approved premarital education, the fee drops to $40. You need a signed and notarized educator's statement on official letterhead from a licensed minister or therapist to qualify for the lower rate. Under Minnesota Statute 517.08, the application must include full legal names, birth dates, Social Security numbers, parents' maiden names, and prior marriage details.
If either party was married before, bring a divorce decree or death certificate. The license is valid for six months anywhere in Minnesota. No waiting period applies. You can marry the same day you get the license. Because Grand Marais is a more remote location, it is worth calling ahead at (218) 387-3661 to confirm hours and any forms you need to bring. After the ceremony, the officiant must file the signed certificate with the Cook County Recorder within five days per Minnesota Statute 517.10.
Searching Cook County Marriage Records
Use MOMS.mn.gov to search Cook County marriage records online. The database is free and covers all 87 Minnesota counties. Cook County records in the system are indexed from May 20, 1901. Records from 1897 to 1901 are held at the county office but may not be in the online system. To search, enter a last name and first name. Add a date range to narrow results. Three search modes are available: exact match, Soundex, and wildcard.
Results show both parties' names, the marriage date, and the county that holds the record. Contact the Cook County Recorder to get a certified copy for $9. For records before 1901 or for records not in the online database, call (218) 387-3661. Email inquiries are also available for research questions.
Note: If you are researching Cook County marriages before the county was organized in 1897, you may need to check records in Lake County or St. Louis County, which previously covered this area. The MOMS system covers Cook County from 1901 forward.
Certified Copies of Cook County Marriage Certificates
Certified copies cost $9 each. They are the legal version needed for name changes, insurance, and government ID updates. Request them in person at the Recorder's Office or by mail. For mail requests, write to Cook County Recorder at 411 West 2nd Street, Grand Marais, MN 55604. Include the full names of both parties, the marriage date, your mailing address, and a check for $9 per copy.
Under Minnesota Statute 517.101, the Recorder must issue certified copies to any person who pays the fee. Marriage records in Minnesota are public data under Chapters 13 and 517 of state law. You do not have to be a party to the marriage to request a copy.
Cities in Cook County
Cook County includes Grand Marais and a few small communities along the North Shore of Lake Superior. No cities in Cook County meet the population threshold for a dedicated city page on this site. All marriage records are handled through the Recorder's Office in Grand Marais.
Nearby Counties
Cook County is at the northeastern tip of Minnesota. It borders only Lake and St. Louis counties.