Rock County Marriage Records
Rock County marriage records are kept by the County Recorder in Luverne. Located in the far southwestern corner of Minnesota along the Iowa and South Dakota borders, Rock County has maintained marriage records since 1857. If you need to apply for a marriage license, search for a past record, or request a certified copy of a marriage certificate, the Rock County Recorder's Office in Luverne is where you start. You can also use the Minnesota Official Marriage System to search indexed records online.
Rock County Overview
Rock County Recorder
The Rock County Recorder's Office in Luverne handles marriage license applications and vital records for the county. Staff process new applications, record completed licenses after ceremonies, and issue certified copies on request. Rock County is one of the smaller counties in Minnesota and the recorder's office provides direct, personalized service. Marriage records go back to approximately 1857 when the county was established.
Rock County sits right at the corner where Minnesota meets Iowa and South Dakota. If you applied for a license or had a ceremony near one of those state lines, make sure you know which state's records apply to your marriage. Minnesota marriage records would only apply if the ceremony took place in Minnesota. The Rock County Recorder's Office in Luverne handles Minnesota marriages from the county.
| Office | Rock County Recorder |
|---|---|
| Address | 204 East Brown Street Luverne, MN 56156 |
| Phone | (507) 283-5010 |
| Hours | Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM |
| Website | rockcountymn.gov |
Applying for a Rock County Marriage License
Both applicants must appear together at the Rock County Recorder's Office in Luverne. This is a state requirement under Minnesota Statute 517.08. Each person brings a valid photo ID and their Social Security number. The standard fee is $115. If both applicants have completed at least 12 hours of premarital education from an approved provider, the fee is $40.
Minnesota has no waiting period. You can get married the day you pick up the license or at any point within the following six months. The license is good anywhere in Minnesota, not just in Rock County. The ceremony can be held in any city or county within the state. If you hold the ceremony in Iowa or South Dakota while holding a Minnesota license, the Minnesota license is not valid for that out-of-state ceremony.
After the ceremony, the officiant and two witnesses sign the license. Both witnesses must be at least 16 years old. The officiant returns the signed license to the Rock County Recorder within five days of the ceremony per Statute 517.10. Once filed, certified copies can be ordered for $9 each. Payment is accepted in cash, check, or money order.
Documents You Need at the Recorder's Office
Gathering your documents before your visit avoids delays. Here is what each applicant needs to bring to the Rock County Recorder's Office in Luverne.
- Valid government-issued photo ID for each applicant
- Social Security number for each applicant
- Full legal names of both parents, including mother's maiden name
- If previously married: certified divorce decree or death certificate for prior spouse
- Payment in cash, check, or money order
Both applicants must be at least 18 under Minnesota Statute 517.01. Social Security numbers are for state vital records reporting only and do not appear on the license or certificate. Bring original documents, not copies. The recorder's office will review them and return them to you during your visit. If you are unsure about any document requirements, call the office at (507) 283-5010 before going.
Finding Rock County Marriage Records
The Minnesota Official Marriage System provides a free online index of marriage records from all 87 Minnesota counties, including Rock. You can search by name to find the year and county of a marriage. MOMS gives you index information to help you confirm which county holds the record before you contact the recorder. It does not provide certified copies.
Rock County records go back to 1857. The recorder's office maintains older paper records and more recent digital records. If a MOMS search does not return the result you expected, the recorder can search paper indexes manually. Requests can be made in person at the Luverne office or by mail. Include both parties' full names, the approximate year of marriage, and your contact information when writing. Certified copies cost $9 each.
The Minnesota Department of Health vital records page has information on accessing vital records statewide. For Rock County marriage records specifically, the recorder's office in Luverne is your primary source. Iowa and South Dakota marriage records, if applicable, would need to be requested from those states directly.
Minnesota Marriage Record Search
The Minnesota Official Marriage System indexes marriage records from Rock County and all other Minnesota counties in a single searchable statewide database.
Search MOMS by name to look up Rock County marriage records. For certified copies, contact the Rock County Recorder's Office in Luverne directly.
Nearby Counties
Rock County is in the far southwestern corner of Minnesota. These neighboring counties also maintain marriage records through local recorder offices.