Birth, Death, & Marriage Records

Marriage certificates are completed by the person performing the marriage ceremony. The signed certificate is forwarded to the County within five days of the ceremony by the person officiating.  One free marriage certificate is mailed to the newly married couple.

For additional copies of certificates, the fee is $9.00.  Complete the Request for Marriage Certificate Form and enclose a check or money order made payable to: Beltrami County Auditor-Treasurer. 

When requesting a marriage certificate, include:

• Full names of the applicants
• Date of marriage
• A daytime phone number or email address
• A check for the marriage certificate(s)
• Your return address

Mail requests to:
Beltrami County License Center
701 Minnesota Ave NW Ste 100
Bemidji, MN 56601-3177

Request in person at:
Beltrami Administration Building
License Center, 1st Floor

Marriage records are kept on a county level and must be obtained from the county in which the application for license was submitted.  This may not be the county in which the wedding took place.

Minnesota Official Marriage System (MOMS) - This index was created to assist customers in finding a marriage certificate on file within the State of Minnesota. The index identifies which county is the official custodian of the record. Questions and concerns about specific records should be directed to the custodial county.

To have a marriage ceremony with the Beltrami County License Center, you must make an appointment. To make a reservation, contact the office at 218-333-4148 or e-mail: beltrami.licensecenter@co.beltrami.mn.us

Marriage ceremonies are performed by appointment only. Ceremonies are not scheduled if the License Center is closed. Ceremonies are scheduled on a first come first served basis Monday - Friday 8:30 - 11:00 a.m. & 1:30 - 4:00 p.m.

An officiant from the License Center will perform the civil ceremony that lasts approximately five to fifteen minutes. The cost of the ceremony is $50.00, no refunds.

On the day of the ceremony:

• You must bring a Minnesota marriage license. Must be applied for at the License Center prior to the ceremony. If applying the same day, allow an additional 30 minutes before your scheduled ceremony for the application process.
• Both parties must bring their valid, government issued photo ID to the ceremony.
• You must bring two witnesses, age 16 or older, that have a valid ID. The witnesses will sign the marriage certificate.
• Only six guests total will be allowed. This includes the witnesses.
• All parties including guests may not be under the influence of drugs or alcohol. The License Center Staff reserves the right to cancel the ceremony if parties appear to be under the influence.
• You should arrive at the License Center at least 15 minutes prior to your scheduled ceremony time.
• You must be present at your scheduled time, or the ceremony may be canceled.
• A certified copy of the marriage certificate will be provided after the completion of the ceremony. This certified copy is included with the cost of the marriage license. Additional copies may be purchased for a fee of $9.00 each.

Payment for the ceremony and additional certificates can be made by cash, check or credit card. Credit cards payments have a convenience fee of 2.15%.

Minnesota Statute Chapter 517 covers civil marriages. Officiant's credentials must be on file with a Minnesota County before performing the ceremony. Once the credentials are registered, marriages may be performed anywhere in the State. There is no expiration date on this registration. 

To register your Certificate of Ordination or License of Ministry in Beltrami County, you will need the following forms:

• Certificate of Ordination or License of Ministry
• The completed Certificate of Filing Form
• 35.00 Ordination Filing Fee