Marriage Information

In order to become legally married in North Dakota, the couple must obtain a marriage license within 60 days prior to a marriage ceremony taking place. Marriage licenses issued in North Dakota may only be used for ceremonies taking place within the state. 

To apply for a marriage license the following is required:

• Marriage license fee of $65.00 cash only.
• Both parties must be at least 18 years of age.
• If between the ages of 16 and 18, signed parental consent is required.
• Parents must accompany the applicant and have proof of identity and parental relationship.
• No one under the age of 16 will be issued a marriage license.
• Valid Driver's License or other photo ID. (Names on ID must match any name change or divorce decree documents)
• If either party has been previously married, one of the following must be submitted with the application:
• Certified copy of most recent divorce decree
• Certified copy of most recent spouse's death certificate

To obtain a certified copy of a divorce decree, please contact the County Clerk of Court where the divorce took place. If the divorce occurred in Stark County, a certified copy can be obtained from the Clerk of Court in the County Courthouse 701-227-3184 (Located next to the Recorder's Office).

To obtain a certified death certificate, please contact Vital Records in the state the death occurred. Contact North Dakota Vital Records if the death occurred in North Dakota.

The County Recorder can also perform marriage ceremonies at the Stark County Courthouse

• Ceremony During Office Hours
• Marriage ceremonies are held at 2:00 pm on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays.
• The couple must arrive at 1:30 pm to complete the marriage license application.
• Two witness over the age of 18 must be provided to sign the the license. The Recorder's Office does not provide witnesses.
• The fee for Recorder performed ceremonies is $30.00 in addition to $65.00 license fee. ($95.00 cash only)
• Ceremony After Hours
• To schedule a ceremony after hours, please schedule directly with the recorder.
• After hours ceremonies will typically occur Fridays at 12:00 pm, provided the recorder is available. 
• An appointment must be scheduled to apply for your marriage license during office hours prior to the ceremony.
• The fee for after hours Recorder performed ceremonies is $100.00 in addition to $65.00 license fee. ($165.00 cash only)
• Two witnesses will still need to be provided for the ceremony.

The Recorder's Office always obtains the original of returned marriage licenses that were issued by Stark County. Many individuals need certified copies for various reasons, such as a name change, Driver's License Real ID, and Social Security.

To obtain a certified copy, please contact the Recorder's Office and provide the following information:

• Names of the married couple (maiden or name prior to marriage)
• Date of marriage
• Number of certified copies requested

The fee for certified copies of marriage license is $5.00 for the first copy and $2.00 per additional copy purchased at the same time. Mailing and credit card fees will apply. Payment must be provided before the copies will be delivered.

Please indicate whether the certified copies will be picked up or need to be mailed.

Marriage license applicants may change their surname at the time of marriage to:

• Surname of other spouse
• Former surname of either spouse
• A name combining into a single surname - all or a segment of the pre-marriage surname or former surname of either spouse
• A combination name with or without a hyphen, provided that each part of the combination surname is the pre-marriage surname or former surnames of either spouse

Middle names may also be changed at the time of marriage:

• New middle name must consist of pre-marriage surname or former surname of that individual
• New middle name can be added to current middle name

Any name change using a former name that is not on the applicants ID must be shown on other documentation, such as a name change document or divorce decree.