Marshall County Marriage Records

Marshall County marriage records are maintained at the County Recorder's office in Warren, Minnesota. The county has kept vital records since 1879, and you can search those records through the statewide Minnesota Official Marriage System or by contacting the Recorder directly. This page covers how to get a marriage license and how to find or request copies of existing marriage records in Marshall County.

Marshall County Recorder Office

The Marshall County Recorder in Warren is the official source for marriage licenses and marriage certificates in the county. Both people who plan to marry must come in person together. The Recorder takes your application, collects the fee, and issues the license the same day. The office also handles requests for certified copies of past marriages on file.

You can learn more at co.marshall.mn.us. The Recorder's department page at co.marshall.mn.us/departments/recorder/ has up-to-date contact details and service information. Marshall County is located in the Red River Valley in northwest Minnesota, bordering North Dakota. Warren is the county seat and where all vital records are kept.

Marshall County Recorder Resources

The Marshall County website gives access to county services including the Recorder's office, where marriage licenses are issued and records are stored. The image below shows the county's official online portal.

Visit the Marshall County Recorder page for current fees, required documents, and guidance on getting a marriage license or certified certificate copy.

Applying for a Marriage License

Both people must appear at the Recorder's office in Warren together. There is no waiting period in Minnesota, so the license is active right away. It stays valid for six months from the issue date. If you do not use it within that time, you must start over and pay again.

Each applicant needs a valid photo ID. A driver's license or passport works. Social Security numbers are required at the time of application but will not be printed on the license. If either person was previously married, bring proof that the marriage ended. A certified copy of a divorce decree or a death certificate is required for each prior marriage. Have these documents ready before you go to the office.

Under Minn. Stat. 517.08, the same requirements apply statewide. Marshall County adds no local requirements. If both of you complete a 12-hour premarital education course from an approved provider, the fee drops from $115 to $40. Contact the Recorder for a list of approved programs.

After the ceremony, the officiant signs and files the license with the Marshall County Recorder within five days. Two witnesses who are at least 16 years old must sign the license as well. Once filed, the Recorder records the marriage permanently in the county's vital records system.

Searching Marshall County Marriage Records

The Minnesota Official Marriage System (MOMS) covers Marshall County and allows the public to search by name. The system is an index, so it shows you basic record information like party names and date. To get a certified copy, you need to contact the Recorder in Warren.

You can request copies in person at the Recorder's office or by mail. Include the full names of both parties and the approximate year of the marriage. Copies cost $9.00 each. Be ready to explain your interest in the record, as Minnesota limits access to certified copies to those with a legitimate need.

For genealogy research on older Marshall County records, the Minnesota Historical Society at libguides.mnhs.org/vital/marriage has indexes and microfilm collections. Records from 1879 onward are in the county's files, and some earlier documents may be in territorial or state archives.

Minnesota Marriage Laws

Minnesota marriage law is in Chapter 517 of the Minnesota Statutes. Both parties must be at least 18. There is no blood test, no waiting period, and no residency requirement. You can get a license in Marshall County regardless of where you live, as long as the ceremony takes place in Minnesota.

Under Minn. Stat. 517.01, the marriage must be performed by an authorized officiant. Judges, court administrators, and ordained clergy are all valid. The officiant is responsible for signing and filing the license with the county within five days per Minn. Stat. 517.10. That filing creates the official legal record.

Marshall County keeps all marriage records permanently. Certified copies issued by the Recorder carry full legal weight for courts, government agencies, and other official purposes.

Nearby Counties

Marshall County shares borders with these Minnesota counties. Marriage licenses are issued at the county Recorder where the couple applies.