Murray County Marriage Records
Murray County marriage records are on file at the County Recorder's office in Slayton, Minnesota. The county has maintained vital records since 1857, and you can search for Murray County marriage records through the Minnesota Official Marriage System or contact the Recorder directly for certified copies. This page explains the process for getting a license and finding records in Murray County.
Murray County Overview
Murray County Recorder
The Murray County Recorder in Slayton is the official office for marriage licenses and vital records in the county. Both applicants must appear in person to get a license. The Recorder also handles certified copy requests for past marriage records on file. Records in Murray County go back to around 1857, giving researchers access to a deep collection of historical marriage data from this southwest Minnesota county.
Find the Recorder online at murraycountymn.gov. The Recorder's page at murraycountymn.gov/departments/recorder/ has current fees and contact details. Murray County accepts cash, check, or money order for all transactions at the Recorder's office in Slayton.
| Office | Murray County Recorder |
|---|---|
| Address | 2500 28th Street, Slayton, MN 56172 |
| Phone | (507) 836-6148 |
| Hours | Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM |
| Website | murraycountymn.gov/departments/recorder/ |
| License Fee | $115.00 standard / $40.00 with premarital education |
| Copy Fee | $9.00 per certified copy |
Applying for a Marriage License in Murray County
Both parties must show up at the Recorder's office in Slayton together. No proxy applications or mail-in licenses are accepted. Minnesota has no waiting period, so the license is effective the day it is issued. It stays valid for six months from the date on the license. After that it expires and you must start over.
Each applicant needs a valid government-issued photo ID. A driver's license, state ID, or passport all work. Social Security numbers are required when you apply, but they do not appear on the license. If either person was married before, bring proof that the marriage is over. A certified copy of the divorce decree or a death certificate is needed for each prior marriage. Have all documents ready before you go to the office.
Under Minn. Stat. 517.08, these rules apply in all 87 Minnesota counties. Murray County adds no local requirements. If you and your partner complete a 12-hour premarital education course from a state-approved provider, the license fee drops from $115 to $40. The Recorder can tell you which programs qualify.
After the ceremony, the officiant signs and files the completed license with the Murray County Recorder within five days. Two witnesses who are at least 16 must sign as well. Once the Recorder receives and records the license, it becomes a permanent part of the county's vital records system.
Searching Murray County Marriage Records
The Minnesota Official Marriage System (MOMS) is the online index for marriage records statewide, including Murray County. Search by name to find a record. The system returns basic information when a match is found. MOMS does not provide access to the actual certificate document.
To get a certified copy, contact the Murray County Recorder in Slayton. Go in person or send a written request to 2500 28th Street, Slayton, MN 56172. Include the full names of both parties and the approximate year of the marriage. The fee is $9.00 per certified copy. Minnesota requires those requesting certified copies to have a legitimate interest in the record, so be prepared to explain your reason.
For genealogy work on older marriages, the Minnesota Historical Society at libguides.mnhs.org/vital/marriage has indexes and collections going back to the 1800s. Murray County records date to 1857, and the Historical Society's resources can help with records that predate MOMS coverage.
Note: Murray County maintains comprehensive vital records from county formation in 1857. Contact the Recorder for help locating older records not yet available online.
Minnesota Marriage Records Search
The Minnesota Official Marriage System allows anyone to search marriage records from all Minnesota counties including Murray. Below is a screenshot of the MOMS portal where you can start your search by name.
After confirming a record exists in MOMS, reach out to the Murray County Recorder in Slayton to get a certified copy for legal or personal use.
Minnesota Marriage Laws
Minnesota's marriage law is found in Chapter 517 of the Minnesota Statutes. Both parties must be 18 or older. No blood test is needed. There is no waiting period and no residency requirement. Couples from out of state can apply in Murray County as long as they plan to marry in Minnesota.
Under Minn. Stat. 517.01, the marriage must be performed by someone legally authorized. Judges, court administrators, and licensed or ordained clergy are the most common officiants. After the ceremony, the officiant files the signed license with the county Recorder within five days per Minn. Stat. 517.10. This creates the official legal record of the marriage.
Murray County keeps all marriage records permanently. Certified copies from the Recorder are legally accepted by courts, government agencies, and institutions that require proof of marriage.
Nearby Counties
Murray County borders these Minnesota counties. Check the neighboring county Recorder if you are searching for a marriage that may have occurred just over the county line.