Todd County Marriage Records

Todd County marriage records are on file with the County Recorder in Long Prairie, the county seat in central Minnesota. The Recorder's office handles marriage license applications and keeps certified copies of marriage certificates for the county. Both applicants must appear in person when applying for a license. The office is open weekdays and can assist with marriage records requests whether you are getting married or looking up a past record.

Todd County Recorder Office

The Todd County Recorder is at 215 First Ave S, Suite 203, Long Prairie, MN 56347. The phone is 320-732-4428. Office hours are Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM. The Recorder handles marriage licenses and keeps marriage records for the county. Both applicants must appear in person to get a license, and certified copies can be ordered by coming in or by contacting the office.

When you apply, bring a valid photo ID and your Social Security number. If you were married before, you need to show the divorce decree or death certificate ending that marriage. The Recorder collects your full legal names, dates of birth, addresses, Social Security numbers, and prior marriage details. All this becomes part of the permanent record for Todd County.

The county website is at co.todd.mn.us. The Recorder's page is at co.todd.mn.us/departments/recorder/. That page has contact information and a general overview of the services the Recorder handles for Todd County residents. Online information is available through the county site and through the statewide MOMS system.

Todd County marriage records can be searched online through moms.mn.gov, the Minnesota Official Marriage System that covers all 87 Minnesota counties.

MOMS indexes Todd County marriage records by name and year, though certified copies must be obtained from the Todd County Recorder's office in Long Prairie.

Applying for a Marriage License in Todd County

Both applicants visit the Recorder's office in Long Prairie together. The application takes about 20 to 30 minutes when you have your documents with you. Under Minnesota Statutes Section 517.08, no waiting period applies. The license is valid the moment the Recorder issues it. It works for ceremonies anywhere in Minnesota and is good for six months from the issue date.

The standard license fee is $115. If you and your partner completed a 12-hour premarital education course before applying, the fee drops to $40. Bring documentation of course completion to the office. Certified copies of the marriage certificate cost $9 each and can be ordered at the time you get the license or at any time after the ceremony is filed with the county.

Todd County's Recorder also handles marriage records for the county going back to when county records were first established. If you need records from many years ago, call the office first to ask about availability and how to request them. The staff can usually search by name and approximate date.

Note: If you plan to marry in Todd County but live elsewhere in Minnesota, you can still get the license here. The license is valid statewide for six months from the date it is issued.

Finding Todd County Marriage Records

MOMS at moms.mn.gov is the best online starting point. The statewide index covers Todd County and shows marriage records by name and year. If you find a match, contact the Todd County Recorder to get a certified copy. The online system shows the county of record but does not provide copies directly.

To request copies in person, go to 215 First Ave S in Long Prairie during business hours. Bring a valid ID and the relevant details. For mail requests, call 320-732-4428 first to confirm the mailing address and any forms required. Include the names of both parties, the year of marriage, and a check or money order for $9 per copy. For genealogical research on older records, the Minnesota Historical Society at mnhs.org has supplemental indexes and microfilm for many central Minnesota counties including Todd County.

Minnesota Marriage Law in Todd County

Minnesota marriage law under Chapter 517 applies to Todd County the same as every other county in the state. The Recorder acts as the local registrar under Section 517.01 and is responsible for issuing licenses and recording completed certificates.

Both parties must be 18 or older. Applicants who are 16 or 17 need written parental consent. No blood test is required in Minnesota. The waiting period was removed as of August 2016. Two witnesses at least 16 years old must attend the ceremony and sign the license. After the ceremony, the officiant has five days to return the completed license to the county under Section 517.10. The Recorder records it and it becomes a permanent public document.

Social Security numbers are collected on the application but do not appear on the license itself. The license is valid statewide for six months. If the window lapses before the ceremony, you must apply again and pay a new fee. Todd County stores all filed marriage records and they are accessible to anyone who makes a proper request.

Nearby Counties

Todd County is in central Minnesota and borders these counties. Each county recorder handles local marriage records independently.