Minnesota Marriage Records

Minnesota began formalizing marriage documentation in 1849 with the passage of territorial laws regulating marriages, which required certificates to be filed with county clerks. However, statewide registration of marriage records began fully with the establishment of county-level systems in the 1850s.

Minnesota marriage records are official documents created by the state to document marriages legally. Minnesota has one of the lowest marriage rates in the U.S. At 4.8 marriages per 1,000 residents, Minnesota's Marriage rate is 22% lower than the national average of 6.2 marriages per 1,000 people. There are two main types of marriage records in Minnesota: Marriage licenses and marriage certificates.

• Marriage Licenses: A marriage license is a legal permit issued by a county local registrar that authorizes two individuals to marry. Marriage licenses contain information about the couple intending to get married. Generally, it includes the couple's names, current addresses, parents' information, license number, issue date, and expiry date. In Minnesota, marriage licenses must be obtained before the wedding ceremony.
• Marriage Certificates: Marriage certificates are issued after the ceremony, certifying the legal union of two people. After the wedding, the officiants sign and return the marriage license to the local registrar. The registrar files the document and issues the marriage certificate, forming part of the couple's permanent legal record. A typical marriage certificate includes the names of the spouses, marriage date, marriage location, witness signature, officiant signature, certificate number, and the official seal of the issuing authority. Marriage certificates are ideal for legal purposes and genealogy research.

Marriage certificates in Minnesota may be obtained in two forms: Certified or Informational. The certified marriage certificates are official, sealed documents suitable for legal purposes. Informational marriage records are plain photocopies intended for personal reference. It is not an acceptable proof of marriage.

How To Look Up Marriage Records in Minnesota?

Marriage records in Minnesota are maintained at the County Recorder's office in the county where the license was purchased. To order marriage records, download and complete the county's request form, usually available on their website or at the County Recorder's office during business hours.

Requests for marriage records may be carried out online or in person. Send the completed form and fees to the county's address. Irrespective of the county, all requests for marriage records in Minnesota may include the following information and documentation:

• The couple's full name
• The date of marriage
• A valid ID
• The fees

Minnesota's marriage certificates are also accessible online using the Minnesota Official Marriage System (MOMS). The database allows you to search for marriage records statewide using one or both applicants' names and the marriage date or date range. The tool is also ideal for identifying the custodial county that holds the original marriage license and certificate.

Are Marriage Records Public in Minnesota?

Marriage records, including marriage licenses and certificates, are classified as public records in Minnesota. The records are open to viewing, inspection, and copying by any member of the public from the moment it is created. Unlike some states that impose a confidentiality period before the records become publicly available, Minnesota grants the public immediate access to marriage records.

How Much Do Minnesota Marriage Records Cost?

Minnesota counties uniformly charge a statutory fee of $9.00 for each certified copy of a marriage license or certificate. Additional copies ordered at the same time also carry the same fee across the state, though some counties may add convenience charges. There is a $20.00 fee to process the record request faster.

The standard processing time for mail and online requests for certified marriage records varies by county. Expect to get the document between 1 - 3 weeks from the date the County Recorder's office receives the request. Expedited processing is available in selected counties and is typically processed within a week. Similarly, most counties offer same-day processing for in-person requests.

Is It Possible to Make Your Marriage Records Confidential in Minnesota?

Under Minnesota law, all marriage records, including marriage licenses and certificates, are classified as public data. Minnesota law does not provide a mechanism for couples to obtain a confidential marriage license to hide their marriage record from the public. Once a marriage license is filed with the County Recorder's office, the record becomes publicly accessible.

Similarly, although Minnesota law permits the sealing of some court documents, the law does not extend to vital records like marriage records. Therefore, there is no process for sealing marriage records in Minnesota.

How Do I Verify the Authenticity of Minnesota Marriage Records?

Verifying the authenticity of a marriage record ensures that the document you present, whether for legal, personal, or international purposes, is genuine and officially recognized. Generally, individuals verify the authenticity of their marriage records for traveling or immigration purposes, to trace family history, obtain spousal tax and insurance benefits, claim estate entitlements, terminate a marriage, or change their name.

You may verify the authenticity of your marriage record at the County Recorder's Office, where the document was issued. A certified marriage record carries distinct features that altogether verify if the record is a true official copy of the original filed certificate. Usually, authenticated marriage records bear the name and signature of the officiant, certificate number, the signature of the County Registrar, and an embossed or inked county seal affirming that the copy is issued under the registrar's authority.

Can I Find Minnesota Marriage Records Online for Free?

While most current marriage records are accessible for a fee from the County Recorder's office, there are other non-governmental sources where you can find old or new marriage records free of cost.

FamilySearch.org provides a free name index to nearly half a million Minnesota marriage records from 1849 through 1950. Although viewing the images requires a visit to a Family History Center, the index is fully searchable for free online. Ancestry.com also holds indexes of Minnesota marriages from 1849-1950. Although it is a subscription-based service, you can access digital images and entries of marriage records using the marriage date, county, and spouse names.

PublicRecords.com aggregates vital records indexes nationwide, including Minnesota marriage data. It offers access to free indexes of current and historical marriage records. The platform is ideal for commencing your research for Minnesota marriage records.

What Is Required to Get a Minnesota Marriage License?

To obtain marriage licenses in Minnesota, couples must adhere to specific requirements and provide adequate documentation as outlined by state law and county procedure. Generally, couples are expected to:

• Be present together at the County Recorder's office
• Be at least 18 years old. Persons under 18 may get married with parental consent
• Present a valid government-issued photo identification
• Provide information about previous marriages, such as a divorce decree or death certificate
• Provide the names each party will bear following the marriage
• The stipulated fees

There is a standard fee of $115 across all counties to obtain a marriage license. The fee is reduced to $40 if the couple completes 12 hours of premarital education from an authorized provider.

The state law does not specify a waiting period for marriage licenses. Therefore, the document becomes valid upon issue. However, the license is valid for 6 months. If the marriage is not solemnized before the expiry date, the license becomes invalid.

Can You Amend Marriage Records in Minnesota?

Yes. You can amend your marriage license and certificates in Minnesota if you discover errors in the document. Minnesota treats any mis-entry as a data error. Therefore, you may amend incorrect, misspelled, or omitted data from your marriage record. Therefore, errors in names, date of birth, age, addresses, names after marriage, officiant information, and date and place of marriage may be corrected.

Amending the Minnesota Marriage License

To amend data errors on your marriage license before the wedding, contact the County Recorder's office that issued the document. Obtain the county's marriage record correction form from their website or office. Fill in the fields that require correction and state the correct information. Per state requirements, you may notarize the correction application form. Include supporting documents, such as a birth certificate, divorce decree, or driver's license, that verify the correct information. You may mail or drop off the amendment request. Most counties typically process amendment requests between 1 - 2 weeks.

Amending the Minnesota Marriage Certificate

Under Minnesota Statutes, correcting data errors on marriage certificates may be done at the County Recorder's office after presenting a notarized request signed by both spouses. If the correction involves the date or place of marriage, the notarized request must be signed by the officiant alongside the couple. In addition, all corrections for marriage certificates must include documentation establishing the correct information.

To start the process, obtain the county's marriage certificate correction form, usually downloadable on their website or at the county's office. Both parties must sign the form before the notary public. If one spouse cannot appear, the absent spouse may provide a notarized affidavit. Supporting documentation to be added to the amendment request includes driver's licenses, certified birth certificates, death certificates, or court orders.

There is a $40 amendment review fee. If you want copies of the amended record, you may pay an additional fee of $9 per certified corrected record.