Find Marriage Records in Lake County
Lake County marriage records are on file at the County Recorder's office in Two Harbors, Minnesota. The Recorder has kept marriage licenses and vital records since the county was organized in 1856. You can search for Lake County marriage records online through the statewide MOMS database or contact the Recorder directly to get certified copies. This page covers everything you need to know to find and access those records.
Lake County Overview
Lake County Recorder Office
The Lake County Recorder in Two Harbors is the official keeper of marriage records for the county. The office processes license applications and stores certified copies of all marriage certificates filed in the county. Both parties planning to marry must come in together and apply in person. The Recorder issues the license on the spot, and it is valid for six months from that date.
You can find more information about the Recorder's services at co.lake.mn.us. The department page at co.lake.mn.us/departments/recorder/ has details about what to bring and how to request copies. Lake County is located on the North Shore of Lake Superior, so the Two Harbors office is the only location in the county for these services.
| Office | Lake County Recorder |
|---|---|
| Address | 601 3rd Avenue, Two Harbors, MN 55616 |
| Phone | (218) 834-8325 |
| Hours | Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM |
| Website | co.lake.mn.us/departments/recorder/ |
| License Fee | $115.00 standard / $40.00 with premarital education |
| Copy Fee | $9.00 per certified copy |
Lake County Recorder Resources
The Lake County official website provides access to Recorder services, including information about marriage license applications and certified record requests. The screenshot below shows the county's online portal.
Visit the Recorder's department page for current fee schedules, contact information, and guidance on requesting Lake County marriage certificates.
Lake County Marriage License Requirements
Both people must appear at the Recorder's office in person to apply for a marriage license. There is no waiting period in Minnesota, meaning the license takes effect the day it is issued. It remains valid for six months and can be used anywhere in the state.
Each applicant needs a valid government-issued photo ID. A passport or driver's license works well. You also need your Social Security number, though it will not be printed on the license. If either person has been married before, you must bring documentation showing the marriage ended. A divorce decree or a death certificate is what the Recorder needs. Bring originals or certified copies, not photocopies.
Minnesota law at Minn. Stat. 517.08 sets the requirements that all counties follow. Lake County has no additional local requirements beyond the state rules. The Recorder's staff can answer questions about what documents you need based on your situation.
After you marry, the officiant files the completed license with the Lake County Recorder within five days. The Recorder then records it and stores it permanently. This creates the official Lake County marriage record that can be certified for legal use.
Searching Lake County Marriage Records
The Minnesota Official Marriage System at moms.mn.gov is the best place to start an online search for Lake County marriage records. MOMS indexes records from counties across the state, including Lake. You can search by name to find a record and confirm it exists before requesting a copy.
MOMS shows you basic record details but does not give you access to the actual document. To get a certified copy of a Lake County marriage certificate, contact the Recorder by phone or mail, or go in person. The fee is $9.00 per copy. You will need to show you have a legitimate reason to access the record, which is required under Minnesota law.
The Minnesota Historical Society at libguides.mnhs.org/vital/marriage holds older marriage records useful for genealogy. Lake County records go back to 1856, and some early records may be found through the Historical Society rather than MOMS.
Note: When requesting copies by mail, include the full names of both parties, the approximate date, and a brief statement of your relationship to the record.
Marriage Law in Minnesota
Minnesota marriage statutes are found in Chapter 517 of Minnesota Statutes. The law covers who can marry, how to get a license, and who can perform the ceremony. Both parties must be 18 or older. There is no residency requirement to get a license in Minnesota, but the ceremony must take place in the state for the license to be valid here.
Under Minn. Stat. 517.01, marriages must be solemnized by someone authorized by law. That includes judges, court administrators, ordained clergy, and others listed in the statute. Two witnesses at least 16 years old must be present and sign the license. After the ceremony, the officiant files the license with the county within five days under Minn. Stat. 517.10.
Lake County follows all state rules. The Recorder records each marriage and keeps it in the county's permanent vital records system. These records are public but access to certified copies is restricted to people with a direct interest in the record.
Nearby Counties
Lake County borders these counties. Each handles its own marriage records through the county Recorder's office.