Find Marriage Records in Mower County

Mower County marriage records are maintained at the County Recorder's office in Austin, Minnesota. The county has kept vital records since 1856, and you can search Mower County marriage records through the Minnesota Official Marriage System or contact the Recorder in Austin for certified copies. This page covers the steps to get a license and how to look up existing marriage records in Mower County.

Mower County Recorder

The Mower County Recorder in Austin is the official keeper of marriage records and vital documents for the county. The Recorder issues marriage licenses, stores all filed marriage certificates, and handles requests for certified copies. The office has maintained comprehensive vital records since the county was established in 1856.

Find the Recorder at co.mower.mn.us with the department page at co.mower.mn.us/departments/recorder/. Mower County is in southeastern Minnesota. The Recorder's office is at 201 1st Street NE in Austin, which is the county seat. Payment is accepted in cash, check, or money order.

Getting a Marriage License in Mower County

Both people must appear in person at the Recorder's office. Mail-in applications are not accepted. Minnesota eliminated its waiting period in 2016, so the license is valid immediately upon issue. It stays valid for six months. If you do not use it by then, it expires and you must apply and pay again.

Both applicants need a valid photo ID. A driver's license or passport works well. Social Security numbers must be provided at the time of application. They will not appear on the license itself. If either person has been married before, you need to bring proof that the prior marriage ended. A certified copy of the divorce decree or a death certificate is required for each previous marriage. Bring originals or certified copies, not photocopies.

Under Minn. Stat. 517.08, these requirements apply in all Minnesota counties. Mower County does not have any additional local rules. The premarital education discount reduces the fee from $115 to $40 for couples who complete a 12-hour approved course before applying. Contact the Recorder to get a list of approved providers in the area.

After the wedding, the officiant signs and returns the license to the Mower County Recorder within five days. Two witnesses who are at least 16 years old must also sign. Once filed, the Recorder records it permanently as part of Mower County's vital records archive.

Searching Mower County Marriage Records

The Minnesota Official Marriage System (MOMS) is your first stop for online searches. Mower County records are indexed in MOMS. You can search by name and get basic information about a marriage record, such as party names and the date. MOMS does not give you access to the actual document.

To get a certified copy of a Mower County marriage certificate, contact the Recorder in Austin. You can go in person or send a written request by mail to 201 1st Street NE, Austin, MN 55912. Include both parties' full names and the approximate year of the marriage. Copies are $9.00 each. Be ready to explain your relationship to the record. Minnesota limits access to certified copies to people with a legitimate interest.

For genealogy research on older records, the Minnesota Historical Society at libguides.mnhs.org/vital/marriage has collections that cover Mower County going back to 1856. Their indexes and microfilm are useful when MOMS coverage does not go back far enough.

MOMS Marriage Record Search

The Minnesota Official Marriage System is a public search tool that covers all 87 Minnesota counties, including Mower. Below is the MOMS homepage screenshot showing the search interface used to look up marriage records across the state.

After locating a record in MOMS, reach out to the Mower County Recorder in Austin to get a certified copy for legal or personal use.

Minnesota Marriage Laws

Minnesota marriage is governed by Chapter 517 of the Minnesota Statutes. Both parties must be at least 18 years old. No blood test is required. There is no waiting period. No residency requirement applies. Couples from out of state can get a license in Mower County if the ceremony will be in Minnesota.

Under Minn. Stat. 517.01, an authorized officiant must perform the ceremony. That means a judge, court administrator, or licensed or ordained clergy member. The officiant files the completed license with the county Recorder within five days per Minn. Stat. 517.10. That filing creates the official legal marriage record.

Mower County keeps all marriage records permanently. Certified copies from the Recorder are legally valid for courts, government agencies, and official name change processes.

Nearby Counties

Mower County borders these southeastern Minnesota counties. Each county Recorder handles marriage records for its own area.