Lincoln County Marriage Records

Lincoln County marriage records are kept at the County Recorder's office in Ivanhoe, Minnesota. The county has maintained vital records since it was established in 1872. You can search for Lincoln County marriage records using the statewide MOMS database or contact the Recorder directly to request certified copies of marriage certificates. Read on to learn how the process works.

Lincoln County Recorder

The Lincoln County Recorder in Ivanhoe is the official keeper of marriage records for the county. It is a small county office, so calling ahead before you visit is a good idea. The Recorder handles license applications, vital record storage, and requests for certified copies. Marriage records in Lincoln County go back to around 1872.

You can find the Recorder at co.lincoln.mn.us. The county website lists contact details and any department-specific information. Online services are limited here, so most requests need to be handled in person or by mail. The Recorder's staff can walk you through what forms to fill out and what you need to bring.

Note: Lincoln County is one of Minnesota's smaller counties. Phone ahead to confirm office availability, especially around state or federal holidays.

Applying for a Marriage License

Both people must appear in person together at the Recorder's office in Ivanhoe. You cannot apply by mail or send someone in your place. Under Minnesota law, there is no waiting period. The license is valid from the moment it is issued and stays active for six months. Use it anywhere in Minnesota during that period.

Bring a valid photo ID. A state-issued driver's license or a passport both work. You will be asked for your Social Security number as part of the application, but it will not show up on the license. If either person has been married before, bring documentation of how that marriage ended. A divorce decree or a death certificate is what you need. The Recorder checks these before issuing the license.

Under Minn. Stat. 517.08, these rules apply across all 87 Minnesota counties. Lincoln County follows the same process. The premarital education discount brings the fee from $115 down to $40 if both applicants complete a state-approved 12-hour course before applying. Ask the Recorder about approved providers.

After the ceremony, the officiant signs and returns the license to the Lincoln County Recorder within five days. Two witnesses at least 16 years old must sign as well. That filing creates the permanent marriage record for Lincoln County.

Searching Lincoln County Marriage Records

Use the Minnesota Official Marriage System (MOMS) to search online. MOMS indexes Lincoln County marriage records and lets you look by name. The system returns basic information when a match is found. You do not get the actual document through MOMS, just confirmation that a record exists.

To get a certified copy of a Lincoln County marriage certificate, contact the Recorder. You can go in person to the Ivanhoe office or mail a written request. Include the names of both parties and the approximate year of the marriage. The fee is $9.00 per copy. You may need to explain your relationship to the record and your reason for requesting it.

The Minnesota Historical Society at libguides.mnhs.org/vital/marriage has genealogical resources that may cover Lincoln County records going back to 1872. For very old records not yet in MOMS, this is worth checking.

Minnesota Historical Society Marriage Resources

The Minnesota Historical Society maintains a marriage records guide with links to online indexes, microfilm collections, and digitized original records. Their resources cover Lincoln County and many other Minnesota counties going back to the mid-1800s.

If your MOMS search does not return results for an older Lincoln County marriage, the Historical Society's collection is a good next step for genealogy research.

Minnesota Marriage Laws

Marriage in Minnesota is governed by Chapter 517 of the Minnesota Statutes. Both parties must be at least 18. There is no waiting period and no blood test requirement. There is also no residency requirement. Out-of-state residents can get a license in Lincoln County if they plan to marry in Minnesota.

Under Minn. Stat. 517.01, the ceremony must be performed by someone who is legally authorized. That includes judges, court administrators, and licensed or ordained clergy. The officiant must file the completed and signed license with the county Recorder within five days under Minn. Stat. 517.10. This creates the official marriage record.

Lincoln County stores all marriage records permanently. Certified copies carry full legal weight for name changes, insurance claims, Social Security applications, and other official purposes.

Nearby Counties

These counties share borders with Lincoln County. Marriage licenses are issued by the county where the couple applies, regardless of where they live.