Find Marriage Records in Redwood County

Redwood County marriage records are filed with the County Recorder in Redwood Falls. The county has kept marriage records since around 1862 when it was established. If you need to apply for a marriage license, look up a past record, or get a certified copy of a marriage certificate, the Redwood County Recorder's Office is where to start. The statewide Minnesota Official Marriage System provides a free online index for searching marriage records before contacting the county directly.

Redwood County Recorder

The Redwood County Recorder's Office in Redwood Falls processes marriage license applications, records completed licenses after ceremonies, and provides certified copies of marriage certificates. The office has comprehensive vital records from the county's formation in 1862 to the present. Redwood County is in southwestern Minnesota, and the recorder's office serves as the local registrar for the state's vital records reporting system.

Both people getting married must appear at the recorder's office in person at the same time. The office is open Monday through Friday during regular business hours. Payment is accepted in cash, check, or money order. If you have questions about documents or special circumstances before your visit, call the office at (507) 637-4013.

Applying for a Marriage License in Redwood County

To apply for a marriage license, both people must go to the Redwood County Recorder's Office together. This is required by Minnesota Statute 517.08, which applies statewide. Each applicant brings a valid photo ID and provides their Social Security number. The standard fee is $115. Couples who complete at least 12 hours of premarital education from a state-approved provider qualify for the $40 reduced fee.

There is no waiting period in Minnesota. Since August 1, 2016, couples can get married immediately after picking up the license. The license is valid for six months anywhere in the state. If you want to hold the ceremony in a different county or even a different city within Minnesota, that is fine. The license is not restricted to use in Redwood County.

When you receive the license, it is not yet a marriage record. The license becomes a certificate after the ceremony takes place, the officiant and witnesses sign it, and it is returned to the county recorder. Under Statute 517.10, the signed license must come back to the recorder within five days of the ceremony. Once filed, certified copies can be ordered for $9 each.

Documents Required at the Recorder's Office

Bring the right documents to avoid delays or a second trip. Here is what each applicant needs when visiting the Redwood County Recorder's Office.

• Valid, government-issued photo ID for each applicant
• Social Security number for each applicant
• Both parents' full legal names, including mother's maiden name
• If previously married: certified divorce decree or death certificate for prior spouse
• License fee in cash, check, or money order

Under Minnesota Statute 517.01, both parties must be at least 18 years old to apply without additional steps. Two witnesses who are at least 16 must be present at the ceremony and sign the license. The officiant also signs and is responsible for returning the completed license to the county recorder within five days.

Note: Social Security numbers are collected for state reporting purposes and do not appear on the license or the official certificate. If you do not have a Social Security number, call the recorder's office to ask what alternative documentation is accepted.

How to Search Redwood County Marriage Records

The Minnesota Official Marriage System is a free online tool that indexes marriage records from all 87 counties, including Redwood. You can search by name to find a record and confirm the year and county of issue. MOMS is a useful first step when you are not sure exactly which county holds a record or when a marriage took place. It shows index information only, not the full certificate.

Redwood County records go back to 1862. The recorder's office has both older paper records and more recent digital records. If a search on MOMS does not return results, the recorder's staff can check paper archives manually. Requests can be submitted in person or by mail. For mail requests, include both parties' names, the approximate year of marriage, and your contact information. Certified copies cost $9 each.

For statewide guidance on vital records, the Minnesota Department of Health provides information on record access, county registrar contacts, and how the statewide system works. For Redwood County records specifically, the recorder's office in Redwood Falls is the primary source.

Minnesota Vital Records Information

The Minnesota Department of Health coordinates statewide vital records including marriage records from Redwood County and all other Minnesota counties.

Use MOMS to search for Redwood County marriage records online. For certified copies, contact the Redwood County Recorder's Office directly in Redwood Falls.

Nearby Counties

Redwood County is in southwestern Minnesota. These neighboring counties have their own recorder offices for marriage records.