Access Cottonwood County Marriage Records

Cottonwood County marriage records date back to 1871 and are kept by the County Recorder in Windom. The office handles license applications and certified copy requests, and appointments are the preferred method of service. You can also search Cottonwood County marriage records online for free through the Minnesota Official Marriage System. This page covers the process for getting a license or finding a marriage record in Cottonwood County, Minnesota.

Cottonwood County Recorder

The Cottonwood County Recorder is at 900 Third Avenue in Windom, in southwestern Minnesota. The office operates by appointment, though walk-ins are accepted when staff availability allows. Hours are Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM. Marriage records go back to 1871. Birth records from May 6, 1871 and death records from May 22, 1871 are also held at this office.

The phone number is (507) 831-1458. You can book an appointment online or by calling the office. Visit www.co.cottonwood.mn.us for details on making an appointment and the forms you need. The county's main site is at www.co.cottonwood.mn.us.

Getting a Marriage License in Cottonwood County

Both parties must appear at the Recorder's Office together. Book an appointment first. Walk-ins are accepted when staff is available, but an appointment makes the process faster and more reliable. Bring a valid photo ID. A driver's license, state ID, or passport will work. The standard fee is $115. With 12 hours of approved premarital education, the fee is $40. Bring a signed and notarized educator's statement on official letterhead from a licensed minister or therapist.

Under Minnesota Statute 517.08, the application requires full legal names, birth dates, Social Security numbers, and information about prior marriages. If either party 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 start the process online through MOMS.mn.gov. After the ceremony, the officiant must file the signed marriage certificate with the county within five days per Minnesota Statute 517.10. Call ahead to confirm your appointment and any specific forms you need to bring.

Searching Cottonwood County Marriage Records

Use MOMS.mn.gov to search Cottonwood County marriage records online. The free statewide database covers all 87 Minnesota counties. Records for Cottonwood County in the system go back to 1871. To search, select Cottonwood County or search all counties. Enter a last name and first name. A date range helps narrow results. Three search modes are available: exact match, Soundex, and wildcard.

Results show both parties' names, the marriage date, and the county holding the record. Contact the Cottonwood County Recorder to get a certified copy for $9. Marriage records are public data in Minnesota under Chapters 13 and 517 of state law. Anyone can request access.

For records not in the MOMS database, call (507) 831-1458 during business hours. Staff can search older paper indexes. Mail requests are also accepted for certified copies.

Cities in Cottonwood County

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

Nearby Counties

Cottonwood County is in southwestern Minnesota. Check nearby counties if you live near a border.