Douglas County Marriage Records

Douglas County marriage records go back to 1890, with the MOMS online index reaching even further back to December 1866. The County Recorder in Alexandria handles all marriage license applications and certified copy requests. You can search records for free online through the Minnesota Official Marriage System. This page covers how to get a license and how to find marriage records in Douglas County, Minnesota.

Douglas County Recorder

The Douglas County Recorder's Office is at 305 Eighth Avenue West in Alexandria. This office maintains marriage records from 1890 to the present, along with birth and death records from 1870. A public terminal is available at the Recorder's office for self-service record research. The county also accepts eMarriage applications submitted through MOMS, which lets applicants begin the process online before appearing in person.

The phone number is (320) 762-3877. Hours are Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM. The county website at www.douglascountymn.gov has details on available services and forms. Cash, check, and money order are accepted.

Getting a Marriage License in Douglas County

Both parties must appear at the Recorder's Office in person with valid photo ID. The standard fee is $115. If both have completed 12 hours of approved premarital education, the fee is $40. Bring the signed, notarized educator's statement on official letterhead to qualify. The educator must be a licensed minister or therapist. Under Minnesota Statute 517.08, the application requires full legal names, birth dates, Social Security numbers, parents' maiden names, and prior marriage information.

Douglas County accepts eMarriage applications through the MOMS system. This is a pre-application you submit online before your visit. It can reduce time at the counter. You still need to appear in person to sign and pay. If either party was previously married, bring a divorce decree or death certificate.

The license is good for six months anywhere in Minnesota. No waiting period applies. You can marry the same day you get the license. After the ceremony, the officiant must file the signed certificate with the county Recorder within five days per Minnesota Statute 517.10. A public terminal at the office lets you search records in person as well.

Searching Douglas County Marriage Records

The statewide MOMS.mn.gov database indexes Douglas County records from December 1866 to the present. This is earlier than the county's formal records, which start in 1890. The older indexed records may reflect records that predate the county's current record-keeping format. Search by last name and first name. Add a date range to narrow results. Exact, Soundex, and wildcard modes are all available.

Results show both parties' names, the marriage date, and the county holding the record. Contact the Douglas County Recorder to get a certified copy for $9. The public terminal at the Recorder's office is also available for in-person research visits during business hours.

Marriage records are public data in Minnesota under Chapters 13 and 517 of state law. Anyone may request a certified copy. For records assistance or to search older records, call (320) 762-3877 during business hours.

Cities in Douglas County

Douglas County includes Alexandria and several smaller communities in west-central Minnesota. No cities in Douglas 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 Alexandria.

Nearby Counties

Douglas County is in west-central Minnesota. Check these neighboring counties if you live near a border.