Credential of License or Ordination

County Boards adopts Emergency Declaration in Response to COVID-19 3/17/20.  Effective, May 27th the Public Counters will be open by Appointment ONLY.

This service will continue to be provided with no contact as follows:

Certificate of Filing form is available for download on our website. Apply by mail, drop box or fax your request to our office at 763-684-4558. The form will need to be signed and NOTARIZED. Mail check or pay on our website with credit card referencing ordained person.

Please call or email our office with questions at 763-682-7355 or mary.cogley@co.wright.mn.us

Filing Credentials of License or Ordination


For an ordained person (both Minnesota residents and non-residents) to be authorized to perform marriage ceremonies in Minnesota, the person must be at least 21 years old and must file their "credentials of license or ordination" with a Minnesota county (MN Statute 517.05).   Once this is done marriages may be performed anywhere in the State of Minnesota.  


In Person by Appointment Only


Bring the following items      

  • Complete a Certificate of Filing form
  • Provide a copy of your credential of license or ordination
  • Proof of Identification
  • Pay the $20.00 filing fee (check or pay online)

By Mail

  • Submit a completed and notarized Certificate of Filing form
  • A copy of your credential license or ordination.  If your credential has information on both sides, such as a wallet card, please provide a copy of each side.
  • Filing Fee $20.00 (check or pay online)
  • Include Postage/Handling Charge:  $1.00 OR Priority Mail $7.15
  • Priority Processing:  $10.00 (optional)
  • Mail to:  Wright County Recorder
                  Attn:  Credentials
                  10 - 2nd Street NW, RM#210V
                  Buffalo, MN  55313

Questions?  Please contact our office at 763-682-7355.
 

Information for Marriage Officiant

A marriage license that was issued by Wright County is given to the applicants at the time they complete the application process.  They will receive two pieces of paper that include the marriage license and the marriage certificate.  They will also receive and envelope that can be used to send the completed certificate back to our office.  The marriage license shall be kept by the officiant as proof of your authority to solemnize the marriage.  The marriage certificate needs to be completed by the officiant.  Failure to complete the marriage certificate properly will result in a delay of the issuance of the certified marriage.  

If you have any questions about performing a marriage within the borders of Minnesota please contact our office at 763-682-7355.
   
    

Recorder's Office fees now available for payment by credit card via Web:

A new multi-use website has been placed into production by the Recorder’s Office.   This website allows for credit/debit card payment (fee=2.35% of total, $1.75 minimum)  or electronic check payment ($1.75 flat fee) for escrow payments and fees for requests for credentials, marriage records, birth certificates,  death certificates and any other fees.  Please contact the Recorder's Office for reference number before making payments online for credentials.

The link to the website can be found on the Online Payments page of the public website.