Find Marriage Records in Nobles County

Nobles County marriage records are maintained by the County Recorder in Worthington. Records date back to the county's formation in 1857. You can search the statewide Minnesota Official Marriage System to find indexed records online, or contact the recorder's office directly for certified copies of marriage certificates. This page explains the process for applying for a license, finding past records, and getting copies in Nobles County.

Nobles County Recorder

The Nobles County Recorder in Worthington is the official custodian of marriage licenses and vital records for the county. The office processes new license applications, records returned licenses after ceremonies, and provides certified copies of marriage certificates on request. Records are available from approximately 1857 to the present day.

Both applicants must appear in person at the recorder's office to apply for a marriage license. You cannot apply by mail or online for a new license. The office is open standard business hours Monday through Friday. It is a good idea to call ahead if you have questions about documents or payment methods before you make the trip to Worthington.

Nobles County Marriage License Process

Getting a marriage license in Nobles County takes one visit to the recorder's office. Both parties appear together, present their IDs, give their Social Security numbers, and pay the fee. The standard fee is $115. If both applicants complete at least 12 hours of premarital education from an approved provider, the fee is reduced to $40. That discount applies statewide under Minnesota Statute 517.08.

Minnesota has no waiting period for marriage. The law eliminating the waiting period took effect on August 1, 2016. Your license is valid for six months from the date of issue. You can use it anywhere in Minnesota. If you do not get married within that window, you need to apply again and pay the fee a second time.

The Social Security number you provide is kept in state records for reporting purposes. It will not appear on the marriage license itself. If one or both applicants do not have a Social Security number, contact the recorder's office to find out what alternative documentation is accepted.

Documents Required for a License

Before you go to the Nobles County Recorder's Office, gather your documents. Coming prepared avoids delays. The basic items are the same for most people, with a few extras required if you have been married before.

• Valid photo ID issued by a government agency (driver's license, passport, or state ID)
• Social Security number for each applicant
• Parents' full legal names, including mother's maiden name
• If previously married: certified copy of the divorce decree or death certificate for prior spouse
• License fee payment (cash, check, or money order accepted)

Under Minnesota Statute 517.01, both parties must be at least 18 years old to marry without parental consent. The statue also defines eligibility requirements and restrictions on who may marry. If there is any question about eligibility, the recorder's office can provide guidance on what steps are needed.

After the ceremony, the officiant signs the license and it must be returned to the recorder's office. Minnesota law under Statute 517.10 requires the signed license to be sent back within five days of the ceremony. Two witnesses who are at least 16 years old must also sign.

Search Nobles County Marriage Records

The fastest way to search for a marriage record in Nobles County is through MOMS, the Minnesota Official Marriage System. This free statewide database covers all 87 counties and indexes records by name. You can search for a couple's names and see which county issued the license and what year the marriage took place. The database is a good first step when you are not sure exactly where to look.

MOMS does not provide certified copies. For certified copies of Nobles County marriage certificates, you contact the recorder's office in Worthington directly. Each certified copy costs $9. You may need to show that you have a direct connection to the record, such as being one of the parties, a family member, or someone with a documented legal need. Bring or include your contact information, the full names of both parties, and the approximate year of marriage when making a request.

Records from the county's early years may not all be indexed in MOMS. For older historical records, contact the recorder's office directly. Staff can search manually using name indexes and ledgers that predate the electronic system.

Minnesota Marriage Record Search

The Minnesota Official Marriage System is the primary online tool for searching marriage records across all Minnesota counties, including Nobles County.

MOMS provides a name-based index you can search for free. Certified copies must be ordered through the Nobles County Recorder's Office in Worthington.

After Your Ceremony

Once your ceremony is done, the officiant completes the license and signs it. The signed license goes back to the recorder's office in Worthington to be officially recorded. Once that happens, the marriage certificate becomes a public record. You can then order certified copies for use with government agencies and other institutions.

Most people need a certified copy for name changes. The Social Security Administration, the state DMV, and passport agencies all require a certified copy as proof of marriage. Financial institutions and employers may also ask for it. Plan to order at least two or three copies if you have multiple agencies to deal with. Each copy is $9 from the Nobles County Recorder.

The Minnesota Department of Health also has some statewide marriage record data, though most requests for certified copies go through the county recorder where the license was issued. MDH can be a resource if you are trying to locate a record and are not sure which county to contact first.

Nearby Counties

Nobles County sits in southwestern Minnesota near the Iowa border. These neighboring counties also maintain marriage records through their local recorders.