Dodge County Marriage Records

Dodge County marriage records go back to 1865 and are held by the Land Records Department in Mantorville. The department handles marriage license applications, certified copy requests, and public record searches for all of Dodge County. You can search records for free online through the Minnesota Official Marriage System. This page covers the process for getting a license or finding a marriage record in Dodge County, Minnesota.

Dodge County Land Records Department

Dodge County handles marriage records through its Land Records Department. The office is at 721 Main Street North in Mantorville, the county seat. This is a smaller county in southeastern Minnesota. The department keeps marriage records from 1865 and birth and death records from 1870. A public viewing station is available for those who want to look up records in person without going through staff.

The phone number is (507) 635-6250. Email inquiries can be sent to dodge.recorder@co.dodge.mn.us. Hours are Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM. Certificate request forms are available in PDF format from the county website at www.co.dodge.mn.us. Email inquiries are accepted for questions about specific records.

Getting a Marriage License in Dodge County

Both parties must appear at the Land Records Department in person. Bring a valid photo ID. The standard fee is $115. With 12 hours of approved premarital education, the fee drops to $40. Bring 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 prior marriage information.

If either party was previously married, bring a divorce decree or death certificate. The license is valid for six months anywhere in Minnesota. No waiting period applies. You can use the license the same day you get it. The department also accepts email inquiries, so you can contact dodge.recorder@co.dodge.mn.us ahead of time if you have questions.

You can start the application through MOMS.mn.gov before your visit. After the ceremony, the officiant must file the signed certificate with the Dodge County Land Records Department within five days per Minnesota Statute 517.10. Birth and death records from 1870 are also held at this office.

Searching Dodge County Marriage Records

The online starting point for Dodge County marriage records is MOMS.mn.gov. The database is free and covers all 87 Minnesota counties. Dodge County records in the system are indexed from May 29, 1965, to the present. For records before 1965, you need to contact the Land Records Department directly. Marriage records from 1865 are held at the county office.

To search MOMS, enter a last name and first name. A date range helps narrow results. Three search modes are available. Use exact match for precise searches, Soundex for phonetic matches, and wildcard for partial names. Results show both parties' names, the marriage date, and the county holding the record. Contact the department to get a certified copy for $9 after finding the record you need.

For records not in MOMS, email dodge.recorder@co.dodge.mn.us or call (507) 635-6250. Marriage records are public data in Minnesota under Chapters 13 and 517 of state law. Anyone may request copies. Mail requests are accepted with payment by check.

Cities in Dodge County

Dodge County includes Mantorville and several small communities in southeastern Minnesota. No cities in Dodge County meet the population threshold for a dedicated city page on this site. All marriage records are handled through the Land Records Department in Mantorville.

Nearby Counties

Dodge County is in southeastern Minnesota. Apply in the county where you reside.