Marriage records in Ward County, North Dakota, are available through several channels. WardCourt.us allows quick access to public information on marriage records in the county. Additionally, original documents are kept at the Ward County Recorder's Office, and certified copies can be obtained through the North Dakota Vital Records Division. Requests are also accepted in person at the courthouse or by mail.
Ward Marriage Records Search
In North Dakota, marriage licenses are issued and registered by the Recorder's Office of the county where the couple applied. The Ward County Recorder maintains marriage licenses, returned marriage certificates, and historical records related to marriages conducted within the county. The collection includes both recent documents and archival records from previous decades.
To search for court cases related to family law, you can use the ND Court Records portal, selecting Ward County in the Northwest Judicial District. This resource displays civil cases, including divorces and name changes, but the marriage licenses themselves are stored separately at the Recorder's Office.
You can contact the Clerk of District Court using the details below — they will help clarify where to direct your request.
Certified Marriage Record Copies and Fees in Ward
The fees for copies of marriage records in North Dakota are set at the state and county levels. Below are the typical fees charged by the Ward County Recorder. It is advisable to confirm the exact amount by calling the office, as fees may change.
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Certified copy of marriage certificate | $5 |
| Additional certified copy (in the same order) | $2 |
| Search fee | $5 |
Source: Ward County Recorder's Office rates according to N.D.C.C. § 11-18. Uncertified (informational) copies are usually cheaper — check directly with the office. The processing time for in-person requests is typically the same day. Mail requests take 5 to 10 business days.
Order Marriage Certificates Online or In Person in Ward
You can order a copy of a marriage certificate from Ward County in several ways.
Online
The state of North Dakota offers a centralized portal for ordering vital records. Visit the Vital Records page on the Health and Human Services website and select the "County Marriage Records" section. Note: some marriage records are only available through the county office, not the state portal. If the online system does not contain the required record, contact the Ward County Recorder directly.
In Person
Visit the Ward County Courthouse during business hours. You will need:
- A valid photo ID;
- The names of the spouses and the approximate date of marriage;
- Payment of the fee (cash, check, or money order — confirm acceptable forms of payment in advance).
A certified copy is usually issued on the day of the request.
By Mail
Send a written request to the address:
What to include in the letter:
- Full names of both individuals who were married.
- Approximate date and place of marriage registration.
- Purpose of the request.
- A copy of the applicant's ID.
- A check or money order for the appropriate amount, made payable to Ward County Recorder.
- A self-addressed stamped envelope.
Processing of mail requests usually takes one to two weeks. If the record pertains to a marriage registered in another North Dakota county, the request should be directed to the Recorder's Office of that specific county. General information about accessing public records can be found on the State Attorney General's website.
For additional verification of available data, use WardCourt.us — the resource helps navigate public records in Ward County, including marriage records.