What Are Minnesota Marriage Records?

Minnesota marriage records provide a comprehensive account of marital unions within the state. These records, dating back to the mid-1800s, are primarily maintained by county offices throughout Minnesota. The two most prevalent components of marriage records are the marriage license and the marriage certificate.

In Minnesota, couples intending to marry must obtain a marriage license, a legal document granting permission to marry, as required by Minnesota Statute Sec. 517.08. After the marriage ceremony, a marriage certificate is generated to serve as official documentation that the marriage has taken place. Both records typically include the following:

• Full names of both spouses
• Ages of both spouses at marriage
• Marriage date and location
• The officiant's name and signature

Marriage records are vital for various purposes. Individuals may need them to verify their marital status, facilitate legal name changes after marriage, or obtain spousal benefits such as health insurance or social security. Government agencies utilize these records for demographic studies, statistical analysis, and legal proceedings like divorce cases or inheritance claims.

Are Marriage Certificates Public Records?

In Minnesota, marriage certificates are considered public records under the Minnesota Government Data Practices Act (MGDPA), Minn. Stat. Sec. 13. This means that anyone can access and obtain copies of these records.

To obtain a copy of a marriage certificate, one must contact the local registrar in the county where the marriage license was recorded. Note that while marriage certificates are public, certain sensitive information may be redacted to protect individual privacy. This may include:

• Social Security numbers
• Contact details (addresses, phone numbers)
• Financial information
• Any other personal identifiers

How To Look Up Marriage Records in Minnesota?

Minnesota county registrars maintain marriage records in the county where the couple received their marriage license. The state does not have a central repository for these records. To obtain a copy of a marriage record, interested parties must contact the registrar's office in the appropriate county.

To locate a specific marriage record, the requester needs to provide the following information:

• Full legal names of both parties (including maiden names, if applicable)
• Date of marriage (or an approximate date range)
• The location where the marriage occurred
• Valid government-issued photo ID

If the requester is not the record owner, they must also provide their own details, including their current address and relationship to the individuals on the record.

Most counties provide a downloadable application form that can be submitted in person or by mail. Some counties also allow online record requests. Regardless of the retrieval method, a non-refundable fee is required, and accepted payment methods, such as cash, check, or money order, vary by county.

How To Search Marriage Certificates?

Minnesota offers two types of marriage records: certified copies and non-certified copies. A certified copy functions as an official document and is frequently needed for legal matters like name changes or applications for benefits.

On the other hand, a non-certified copy contains the same information but holds no legal weight and is typically sought for personal use or genealogical research.

Marriage certificates are created and filed after the marriage has taken place. They are recorded in the county where the marriage license was originally obtained.

To acquire a certified copy of a marriage certificate in Minnesota, individuals have several options based on the county of issuance:

Online

In Minnesota, interested individuals can utilize the MN Official Marriage System (MOMS) website to order marriage certificates online. The MOMS system allows requesters to search for their marriage record by providing the following information:

• Last Name
• First Name
• Middle Name
• Date Range (From and To)

Once the record is located, requesters can order it directly through the website.

Alternatively, they can visit the county's official website where the marriage license was issued. Many counties now offer online ordering through approved vendors. For example, Nicollet County partners with VitalChek to expedite online orders.

In-Person

The county recorder or vital records office in the county of marriage license issuance can provide a copy of the marriage certificate. To obtain a copy, provide the full names of both spouses, the date of marriage, and the county. The office may require a valid government-issued photo ID for certified copies.

By Mail

To request a marriage certificate, the appropriate application form must be downloaded from the county's website. The completed form should include the full names of both parties, the date of marriage, and any other requested information.

A check or money order for the stipulated fee must be included, along with a photocopy of a valid ID. The application packet should be mailed to the specific county recorder or vital records office.

By Phone

Contact the specific county vital records office to ask about phone ordering options. The office staff will guide the applicant through the process.

Individuals should check the specific county's website or contact its office for precise information on fees, processes, and application forms.

How To Search Marriage Licenses?

Marriage licenses in Minnesota are handled at the county level, with each county's court administrator responsible for maintaining records of licenses issued within their jurisdiction.

While the specific search process varies between counties, marriage licenses are generally accessible via in-person or mail-in requests. Some counties, such as Goodhue County Recorder, provide the convenience of requesting marriage records, including licenses, online.

To obtain a copy of a Minnesota marriage license, individuals need to provide certain information, which includes:

• Full legal names of both parties at the time of marriage application
• Approximate date of the marriage
• County where the license was obtained

Additionally, some counties may require a valid government-issued photo ID for in-person requests.

For detailed information on necessary documentation and procedures, applicants must contact the local vital records office in the county where their marriage license was recorded. If the county of issuance is unknown, individuals can utilize the MOMS search function to identify the correct county.

How To Search Marriage Records Online?

In addition to MOMS and county online services, the Minnesota Historical Society (MNHS) and its State Archives offer alternative resources for historical marriage records, which include finding aids and links for further research. The Minnesota Genealogical Society, an affiliate of FamilySearch, also provides free access to records from 1849 to 1950.

Furthermore, third-party services like RecordsFinder offer access to marriage records in Minnesota. This can be helpful for individuals researching and verifying marriage details.

Copies of marriage records obtained from sources other than the official county registrar are considered unofficial and uncertified. Individuals requiring certified copies for legal purposes must contact the specific county office and adhere to their requirements and fees.

When Can You Access Confidential Marriage Records?

Minnesota law does not recognize a specific "confidential marriage" designation. Under the MGDPA (Minnesota Government Data Practices Act), all marriage records in the state are generally considered public. This means that details like the couple's names, the date of marriage, and the location are typically accessible to the public.

However, the MGDPA also prioritizes individual privacy by classifying certain information in marriage records as private or confidential. Records from 1997 onward may include confidential details that require redaction before public release. Accessing marriage records with private or confidential information may require a valid reason or a court order.

For specific inquiries or concerns regarding private or confidential marriage records, it is recommended to contact the corresponding custodial county.

How Do You Apply for a Marriage License?

In Minnesota, the process for obtaining a marriage license is governed by Minnesota Statute 517.08. The application requires specific information, including:

• Full legal names
• Sex of each party
• Current addresses (county and state of residence)
• The ages of both individuals
  • The minimum age for marriage in Minnesota is now 18
• Details of any previous marriages
• Information on any familial relationship between the parties
• Intended address after the marriage
• Full names the parties will use after marriage, along with their Social Security numbers, if applicable
• A notice regarding name changes for individuals with felony convictions

Couples can begin the application process online through the MOMS and then finalize it in person at a county office. Some counties, such as Washington County, allow applicants to apply online through their website.

The application process generally involves:

• After submitting the online application, both parties must appear in person at a county office to finalize the process.
• Both parties must sign the application and present their identification documents.

• A driver's license, state-issued ID card, or passport.

• Pay the marriage license fee of $115.

• Couples who have completed at least 12 hours of premarital education can obtain a license for $40.

Minnesota does not mandate a waiting period. Once the license is issued, the couple is free to marry at any time within the six-month validity period.

Note that Minnesota has no blood test or residency requirements for marriage licenses. Also, proxy marriages are not allowed.

How Do I Correct a Mistake on My Marriage Certificate?

Individuals can address inaccuracies or errors on a marriage certificate in Minnesota. Common errors found on these certificates may include:

• Incorrect or misspelled names of the spouses
• Incorrect birth dates
• Inaccurate place of birth details
• Errors in the date or location of the marriage

To correct information on a Minnesota marriage certificate, the original record must be amended. Here's how:

• Obtain the Application: The county office that processed the marriage license provides an "Application for Correction of Marriage Record". These forms may be available online, as they are with the Hennepin County Vital Records Office.
• Complete the Application: Fill out the application accurately and completely. Both spouses must sign the application in front of a notary public.
• Gather Supporting Documents: Provide evidence of the error, such as the original marriage certificate and supporting documents with the correct information.
• Submit the Application and Fee: Submit the completed application, supporting documents, and the required fee to the appropriate county office. Fees vary by county.
• Review and Approval: The county office will review the application. For significant changes, they may require a court order to authorize the amendment.
• Corrected Marriage Certificate: Once approved, the county office will update the marriage record and mail a corrected paper copy to the requester.

Are Marriage Records Under the Minnesota Address Confidentiality Program (ACP) Accessible?

The Minnesota Address Confidentiality Program (ACP), or Safe at Home, protects people who fear for their safety if their address becomes public knowledge. This includes victims of domestic violence, sexual assault, and stalking. The program provides participants with a designated address to use in place of their actual address and a mail forwarding service.

While the ACP shields participants' addresses in certain situations, marriage records remain public under Minnesota state law. Participants wishing to keep specific marriage details private must petition the court. This involves filing a motion with the district court in their county, along with a sworn affidavit and evidence proving they are at risk.

Minnesota Marriage Statistics and Trends

The U.S. has experienced a decline in marriage rates, with only 53% of adults currently married compared to 58% in 1995. This trend varies across racial and educational lines. Asian adults have the highest marriage rate at 63%, followed by white adults at 57%. Additionally, individuals with a bachelor's degree or higher are more likely to be married (66%).

Minnesota presents a unique case with marriage statistics and trends that deviate from these national patterns. Here are some of the Minnesota marriage statistics and trends:

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