Marriage records in Burleigh County, North Dakota, can be accessed through several channels. BurleighCourt.us can help you find publicly available marriage record information for Burleigh County. You can also request records directly from the Burleigh County Recorder's office, which serves as the local custodian of recorded documents. Records are available in person at the county offices in Bismarck, by mail, or through the North Dakota Vital Records office for state-level requests.
Burleigh County Marriage Records Search
In North Dakota, marriage licenses are issued by the county recorder in the county where the couple applies. The Burleigh County Recorder maintains marriage records for licenses issued within the county. These records include marriage license applications, issued licenses, and returned marriage certificates filed after the ceremony. Many of these documents are open to the public and have been digitized for viewing at the office or through the North Dakota Recorders Information Network.
For historical marriage records predating 1925, the State Archives at the State Historical Society of North Dakota may hold county court marriage records dating back to territorial days. The state began centrally registering marriages in 1925, and the North Dakota Department of Health and Human Services maintains those statewide records.
Certified Marriage Record Copies and Fees in Burleigh County
Fees for marriage record copies depend on whether you request them from the county or from the state vital records office. The table below reflects standard fees based on North Dakota state fee schedules and county recorder policies.
| Service | Fee |
|---|---|
| Certified copy (state vital records office) | $7.00 |
| Additional certified copy (same order, state) | $4.00 |
| County recorder certified copy | Contact office for current fee |
| Search fee (state vital records) | Included in copy fee |
Fees at the county level may vary slightly. Contact the Burleigh County Recorder directly at (701) 222-6690 to confirm the current certified copy fee and accepted payment methods. The state vital records office accepts online payments through its ordering portal.
Order Marriage Certificates Online or In Person in Burleigh County
There are three main ways to obtain a marriage certificate from Burleigh County or the state of North Dakota:
Online
The North Dakota Department of Health and Human Services – Vital Records division offers an online ordering system for certified copies of marriage records registered at the state level (1925–present). You will need to provide the full names of both spouses, the approximate date of marriage, and valid identification.
In Person
Visit the Burleigh County Recorder's office in Bismarck during regular business hours. Walk-in requests are typically accepted. Bring a valid photo ID.
By Mail
To request a marriage record copy by mail, send the following to the Burleigh County Recorder or the state vital records office:
- A written request including full names of both spouses, date of marriage, and your relationship to the individuals on the record
- A copy of your valid photo ID
- The applicable fee (check or money order payable to the Burleigh County Recorder or ND Department of Health and Human Services)
- A self-addressed stamped envelope
Mail requests to the state office should be directed to:
Processing times vary. State-level mail requests generally take several weeks. In-person requests at the county recorder's office are often processed the same day. For questions about record availability or older marriage records, contact the Burleigh County Recorder or check with the State Archives for records prior to 1925.