How to Find Minnesota Marriage Records: Difference between revisions

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{{breadcrumb
__NOTOC__
| link1=[[United States Genealogy|United States]]
 
| link2=[[United States Vital Records|U.S. Vital Records]]
[[How to Find United States Marriage Records|How To Find U.S. Marriage Records]] [[Image:Gotoarrow.png|go to]] How To Find Minnesota Marriage Records  
| link3=[[How to Find United States Marriage Records|How to Find U.S. Marriage Records]]
 
| link4=[[Minnesota Vital Records|Minnesota Vital Records]]
This page is under construction
| link5=[[How to Find Minnesota Marriage Records|How to Find Minnesota Marriage Records]]
}}


== Finding Minnesota Marriage Records  ==
== Finding Minnesota Marriage Records  ==


*Marriages are kept by the county clerk for each county and begin at the creation of the county
*18-- Michigan laws required counties to record marriages
*1958 - county clerks began sending copies to the state, but state copies are inaccessible; it is necessary to request copies from local authorities
*1 April 18--, the county clerk began to forward marriage records to the secretary of state
*An additional 19-- law resulted in greater statewide compliance
*Michigan marriage records are not restricted and can be ordered by anyone during any time period
 
{{Tip|More marriage information is usually found on the '''marriage license application''' or the '''marriage register'''. Less information is found on the '''marriage certificate'''. }}
 
<br>


{| width="75%" border="1" align="center" style="margin: 1em auto"
{| width="75%" border="1" align="center" style="margin: 1em auto"
|-
|-
! valign="middle" bgcolor="C0 C0 C0" align="center" scope="col" colspan="2" |  
! valign="middle" bgcolor="C0 C0 C0" align="center" colspan="2" scope="col" |  
== '''Next Step: When did the marriage occur? '''  ==
== '''Next Step: When did the marriage occur? '''  ==


| bgcolor="DC DC DC" style="width: 300px;" |  
| bgcolor="DC DC DC" style="width: 300px;" |  
:<span style="font-size:120%">'''Marriage Records'''</span>
:'''Marriage Records'''  
:<span style="font-size:120%">Choose a time period:</span>
:Choose a time period:  
:*<span style="font-size:120%">'''[[How to Find Minnesota Marriage Records#Marriages_Before_1958|Before 1958]]''' </span>
:*'''[[How to Find Minnesota Marriage Records#Marriages_Before_1820|Before 1820]]'''
:*<span style="font-size:120%">'''[[How to Find Minnesota Marriage Records#Marriages_1958_to_Present|1958 to Present]]''' </span>
:*'''[[How to Find Minnesota Marriage Records#Marriages_1820_to_1867|1805 to 1867]]'''
:*<span style="font-size:120%">'''[[How to Estimate United States Marriage Information|Marriage year unknown]]'''</span>
:*'''[[How to Find Minnesota Marriage Records#Marriages_1868_to_1925|1867 to 1925]]'''  
:*'''[[How to Find Minnesota Marriage Records#Marriages_1926_to_1935|1926 to 1935]]'''
:*'''[[How to Find Minnesota Marriage Records#Marriages_1936_to_Present|1936 to Present]]'''  
:*'''[[How to Estimate United States Marriage Information|Marriage year unknown]]'''


|}
|}
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== '''Marriages Before 1958'''  ==
<br>


*Marriages are kept by the county clerk for each county and begin at the creation of the county
= '''Marriages Before 1820''' <br>  =


If you cannot locate your ancestor in the databases below, try searching for marriage information in [[Substitute Records for United States Marriage Information|other records]].
*Before 1805, no marriages were recorded by the county or state
*1805 to 1820 very few records exist


==== '''STEP ONE: Find Marriage Information in Index'''  ====
<br> If you cannot locate your ancestor in the databases below, try searching for marriage information in [[Marriage Information Substitute Records|other records]].


{| width="100%" cellspacing="1" cellpadding="6" border="1"
{| width="75%" border="1" style="margin: 1em auto"
|-
|-
| colspan="4" | '''Marriage Indexes and Digital Images '''
| '''1. Look first in'''
| '''2. Then search'''
|-
|-
| width="15%" align="left" | '''Database Name - Index and Image'''
| [[Minnesota Church Records|Church Records]]<br>
| width="70%" align="left" colspan="2" | '''Link or links to access database'''
[[Minnesota Newspapers|Newspapers]]<br> [[Minnesota Military Records|Military Records]]<br> [[United States Obituaries|Obituaries]]
| width="15%" align="center" | # of records
 
| [[Minnesota Census|Census Records]]
[[Minnesota Cemeteries|Cemetery Records]]<br> [[Minnesota Vital Records|Death Records]]<br> [[United States Bible Records|Bible Records]]
 
|}
 
<br>
 
::
<center>[[How to Find Minnesota Marriage Records#Finding_Minnesota_Marriage_Records|Return to the Top: Choose another marriage year]]</center> <center><br></center>
{| width="99%" border="0" align="center"
|-
|-
| width="30%" | FamilySearch, Marriages, 1860-1949
! valign="middle" bgcolor="#302040" scope="col" |  
| width="70%" align="left" colspan="2" | {{RecordSearch|1803974|On FamilySearch}}; free; INCOMPLETE for all counties and years
| align="center" | 282,469
|-
| width="30%" | Findmypast, United States Marriages, 1860-1932
| width="70%" align="left" colspan="2" | [https://search.findmypast.com/search-world-records/united-states-marriages?state=minnesota On Findmypast] ($); Index, Some images available
| align="center" |  
|}
|}


{| width="100%" cellspacing="1" cellpadding="6" border="1"
<br>
 
== '''Marriages 1820 to 1867'''  ==
 
{| width="100%" cellspacing="1" cellpadding="6" border="0"
|-
|-
| colspan="4" | '''If you do not locate the marriage in the above, try:'''
| align="left" colspan="3" | '''Minnesota Marriage Database - Includes Index and Digital Images'''  
|
|
|-
|-
| width="15%" align="left" | '''Database Name-Index Only '''  
| width="10%" | ''Try:''  
| width="70%" align="left" colspan="2" | '''Link or links to access database'''
|  
| width="15%" align="center" | # of records
|  
|-
|-
| width="30%" | Minnesota Official Marriage System, Marriages, 1850-present
|
| width="70%" align="left" colspan="2" | [https://moms.mn.gov/ On Minnesota Official Marriage System]; free; INCOMPLETE for all counties and years. [https://moms.mn.gov/ Coverage chart].
| width="25%" | {{RecordSearch|1810350|Michigan, County Marriages, 1820-1867}}
| align="center" | Undisclosed
| width="65%" |  
'''Free;''' name index with images online at FamilySearch.  
 
'''Does not''' include the following counties:  
 
<br>
 
|-
|-
| width="30%" | FamilySearch, Marriages, 1849-1950
| align="left" colspan="2" | '''Can't find your ancestor in the online index?'''
| width="70%" align="left" colspan="2" | {{RecordSearch|1680832|On FamilySearch}}; free; INCOMPLETE for all counties and years
| [[Tips for Searching an Online Index|Tips for searching online indexes]]
| align="center" | 459,445
|  
|-
|-
| Ancestry, Marriages, 1849-1950
| align="left" colspan="2" | '''No marriage record for your ancestor?'''
| width="35%" align="center" | [http://search.ancestry.com/search/db.aspx?dbid=2561 Free using Ancestryinstitution at FamilySearch Centers]
|  
| width="35%" align="center" | [http://search.ancestry.com/search/db.aspx?dbid=2561 $, Use your own Ancestry subscription]  
[[Gretna Greens in the United States|Search for Gretna Greens]]-- locations away from the home county where marriage laws were less restrictive.
| align="center" | 778,376
 
[[Substitute Records for United States Marriage Information|Other records with marriage information]]  
 
|  
|}
|}
'''Marriage Records on Microfilm''' <br> Some county marriage records may be available on microfilm at your local [http://familysearch.org/locations/centerlocator?c= Family Search Center]. If you know the approximate date and county where the marriage took place, use the[http://familysearch.org/catalog-search Family History Library Catalog (FHLC)] to see what is available.
::*Search the [http://familysearch.org/catalog-search FHLC] by county.
::*Select the topic Vital Records. Look for records authored by the county clerk.
::*For a small fee, [https://familysearch.org/films/ order the microfilm] to view at a local Family Search Center.
<center>[[How to Find Minnesota Marriage Records#Finding_Minnesota_Marriage_Records|Return to the Top: Choose another marriage year]]</center> <center><br></center>
{| width="99%" border="0" align="center"
|-
! valign="middle" bgcolor="#302040" scope="col" |
|}
== '''Marriages 1868 to 1925'''  ==


{| width="100%" cellspacing="1" cellpadding="6" border="0"
{| width="100%" cellspacing="1" cellpadding="6" border="0"
|-
|-
| '''''Can't access Ancestry?'''''  
| align="left" colspan="3" | '''Minnesota Marriage Database - Includes Index and Digital Images'''  
| Visit your [https://www.familysearch.org/centers/locations/ local FamilySearch center] or your local public library.
|  
|
|-
|-
| width="30%" | '''No marriage record for your ancestor?'''  
| width="10%" | ''Try 1st:''  
|
|  
|  
[[Gretna Greens in the United States|Search for Gretna Greens]]-- locations away from the home county where marriage laws were less restrictive. <br> [[Substitute Records for United States Marriage Information|Search other records]] with marriage information.  
|-
|
| width="25%" | {{RecordSearch|1452395|Michigan Marriages, 1868-1925}}
| width="65%" |
'''Free;''' most counties 1868-1925: Free name index with images online at FamilySearch.  


|}
Records include such information as names of bride and groom, date of license, ages, race, residences, birthplaces, occupations and names of the fathers of the bride and groom.


==== '''STEP TWO: Obtain the Record''' ====
|-
| ''Try 2nd:''
|
|
|-
|
| {{RecordSearch|-------|Minnesota, County Marriages, 18-- -19--}}
|
'''Free;''' name index with images online at FamilySearch.


If you did not find your ancestor in the databases above, follow the instructions below:  
<br> '''Does not''' include the following counties:  


'''PART A: You don't know the exact date or place of marriage'''
<br>


:*If you know the county of marriage, you can request a search for a fee from the [http://www.MOMS.mn.gov county clerk].
|-
:*If you don't know the date or county of marriage, you can also try searching for marriage information in [[Substitute Records for United States Marriage Information|other records.]]
| align="left" colspan="2" | '''Can't find your ancestor in the online index?'''
| [[Tips for Searching an Online Index|Tips for searching online indexes]]  
|
|-
| align="left" colspan="2" | '''No marriage record for your ancestor?'''
|
[[Gretna Greens in the United States|Search for Gretna Greens]]-- locations away from the home county where marriage laws were less restrictive.


'''PART B: You know the exact date and place of marriage from your records'''
[[Substitute Records for United States Marriage Information|Other records with marriage information]]


:*Order a copy of a marriage record for a fee from the [http://www.MOMS.mn.gov county clerk].
|
 
|}
''OR''
 
:*View a copy of a marriage record on microfilm at a Family Search Center:


Some images of county marriage records may be available on microfilm at your local [https://www.familysearch.org/centers/locations/?c= Family Search Center]. If you know the approximate date and county where the marriage took place, use the [https://www.familysearch.org/search/catalog FamilySearch Catalog] to see what is available.  
'''Marriage Records on Microfilm''' <br> Some county marriage records may be available on microfilm at your local [http://familysearch.org/locations/centerlocator?c= Family Search Center]. If you know the approximate date and county where the marriage took place, use the&nbsp;[http://familysearch.org/catalog-search Family History Library Catalog (FHLC)] to see what is available.  


::*Search the [https://www.familysearch.org/search/catalog FamilySearch Catalog] by county.  
::*Search the [http://familysearch.org/catalog-search FHLC] by county.  
::*Select the topic Vital Records. Look for records authored by the county clerk.  
::*Select the topic Vital Records. Look for records authored by the county clerk.  
::*For a small fee, [https://familysearch.org/films/ order the microfilm] to view at a local FamilySearch Center.
::*For a small fee, [https://familysearch.org/films/ order the microfilm] to view at a local Family Search Center.
<center>[[How to Find Minnesota Marriage Records#Finding_Minnesota_Marriage_Records|Return to the Top: Choose another marriage year]]</center> <center><br></center>  
<center>[[How to Find Minnesota Marriage Records#Finding_Minnesota_Marriage_Records|Return to the Top: Choose another marriage year]]</center> <center><br></center>  
{| width="99%" border="0" align="center"
{| width="99%" border="0" align="center"
Line 119: Line 177:
|}
|}


== '''Marriages 1958 to Present'''  ==
== '''Marriages 1926 to 1935'''<br> ==
*1958 - county clerks began sending copies to the state, but state copies are inaccessible; it is necessary to request copies from local authorities


==== '''STEP ONE: Find Marriage Information in Index'''  ====
{| width="100%" cellspacing="1" cellpadding="6" border="0"
 
{| width="100%" cellspacing="1" cellpadding="6" border="1"
|-
|-
| colspan="4" | '''Marriage Indexes'''
| align="left" colspan="3" | '''Michigan Marriage Database - Includes Index and Digital Images'''  
|
|
|-
|-
| width="15%" align="left" | '''Database Name-Index Only '''  
| width="10%" | ''Try 1st:''  
| width="70%" align="left" colspan="2" | '''Link or links to access database'''
|  
| width="15%" align="center" | # of records
|  
|-
|-
| width="30%" | Minnesota Official Marriage System, Marriages, 1850-present
|
| width="70%" align="left" colspan="2" | [http://www.MOMS.mn.gov/ On Minnesota Official Marriage System]; free; INCOMPLETE for all counties and years.
| width="25%" | {{RecordSearch|-------|Minnesota, County Marriages, 19---19--}}
| align="center" | Undisclosed
| width="65%" |  
'''Free;''' most counties 19---19--: Free name index with images online at FamilySearch.  
 
'''Does not''' include the following counties:
 
|-
|-
| width="30%" | FamilySearch, Marriages, 1958-2001
| width="10%" | ''Try 2nd:''
| width="70%" align="left" colspan="2" | {{RecordSearch|1949335|On FamilySearch}}; free; INCOMPLETE for all counties and years
|  
| align="center" | 2,414,040
|  
|-
|-
| width="30%" | Findmypast, United States Marriages, 1860-1932
|  
| width="70%" align="left" colspan="2" | [https://search.findmypast.com/search-world-records/united-states-marriages?state=minnesota On Findmypast] ($); Index, some images available
| County Clerk
| align="center" |
| If you do not find your ancestor in the marriage index you may order a marriage record. Contact the county clerk where you think the marriage took place. It is usually less expensive to order a marriage record from the county clerk, so begin your search with the county clerk.
|-
|-
| Ancestry, Marriages, 1958-2001
| width="10%" | ''Try 3rd:''
| width="35%" align="center" | [http://search.ancestry.com/search/db.aspx?dbid=8721 Free using Ancestryinstitution at FamilySearch Centers]
|
| width="35%" align="center" | [http://search.ancestry.com/search/db.aspx?dbid=8721 $, Use your own Ancestry subscription]
|
| align="center" | 2,712,428
|-
|}
|
| Minnesota Department of Health
| If you do not find your ancestor in the marriage index you may order a marriage record.Contact the [http://www.michigan.gov/mdch/0,1607,7-132-4645---,00.html Michigan Department of Public Health]. If you are unsure about the marriage year, the Michigan Department of Public Health charges $12 more for each year searched. It is usually less expensive to order a marriage record from the county clerk, so begin your search with the county clerk.
<br>


{| width="100%" cellspacing="1" cellpadding="6" border="0"
|-
|-
| '''''Can't access Ancestry?'''''  
| align="left" colspan="2" | '''Can't find your ancestor in the online index?'''  
| Visit your [https://www.familysearch.org/centers/locations/ local FamilySearch center] or your local public library.
| [[Tips for Searching an Online Index|Tips for searching online indexes]]
|-
|-
| width="30%" | '''No marriage record for your ancestor?'''  
| align="left" colspan="2" | '''No marriage record for your ancestor?'''  
|  
|  
[[Gretna Greens in the United States|Search for Gretna Greens]]-- locations away from the home county where marriage laws were less restrictive. <br> [[Substitute Records for United States Marriage Information|Search other records]] with marriage information.
[[Gretna Greens in the United States|Search for Gretna Greens]]-- locations away from the home county where marriage laws were less restrictive.  
 
[[Substitute Records for United States Marriage Information|Other records with marriage information]]


|}
|}


==== '''STEP TWO: Obtain the Record''' ====
'''Marriage Records on Microfilm''' <br> Some county marriage records may be available on microfilm at your local [http://familysearch.org/locations/centerlocator?c= Family Search Center]. If you know the approximate date and county where the marriage took place, use the[http://familysearch.org/catalog-search Family History Library Catalog (FHLC)] to see what is available.


'''PART A: You don't know the exact date or place of marriage'''
::*Search the [http://familysearch.org/catalog-search FHLC] by county.
::*Select the topic Vital Records. Look for records authored by the county clerk.
::*For a small fee, [https://familysearch.org/films/ order the microfilm] to view at a local Family Search Center.
<center>[[How to Find Minnesota Marriage Records#Finding_Minnesota_Marriage_Records|Return to the Top: Choose another marriage year]]</center> <center><br></center>
{| width="99%" border="0" align="center"
|-
! valign="middle" bgcolor="#302040" scope="col" |
|}


:*If you know the county of marriage, you can request a search for a fee from the [http://www.MOMS.mn.gov/ county clerk].
== '''Marriages 1936 to Present'''  ==
:*If you don't know the date or county of marriage, you can also try searching for marriage information in [[Substitute Records for United States Marriage Information|other records.]]


'''PART B: You know the exact date and place of marriage from your records'''
Marriage licenses may be found in the county records where the marriage occurred.


:*A copy of a marriage record may be ordered for a fee from the [http://www.MOMS.mn.gov/ county clerk].
'''STEP ONE: Find Marriage Information'''
<center>[[How to Find Minnesota Marriage Records#Finding_Minnesota_Marriage_Records|Return to the Top: Choose another marriage year]]</center> <center><br></center>
 
{| width="99%" border="0" align="center"
:*Copies may be ordered from the county clerk.
 
:*Copies may be ordered from the Minnesota Department of Public Health.
 
{| width="100%" cellspacing="1" cellpadding="6" border="1"
|-
| align="center" colspan="4" | '''To Order Marriage Certificates'''
|-
| width="50%" align="center" colspan="2" | From County where Marriage occurred
| width="50%" align="center" colspan="2" | From MN Dept. of Health State office
|-
| width="25%" align="center" | '''Pros'''
| width="25%" align="center" | '''Cons'''
| width="25%" align="center" | '''Pros'''
| width="25%" align="center" | '''Cons'''
|-
|-
! valign="middle" bgcolor="#302040" scope="col" |  
| May be less expensive and faster than ordering from the state
| County websites can be more difficult to use
| Offers a search of the state index for an additional fee
| May be more expensive than ordering from the county
|}
|}
{{Tip|'''''When ordering Minnesota marriage records:'''''}}
Ask for the marriage license or the marriage register, not the marriage certificate. The license or register usually contains more information.<br> <br>
<center>[[How to Find Minnesota Marriage Records#Finding_Minnesota_Marriage_Records|Return to the Top: Choose another marriage year]]</center>
<center></center> <center><br></center>
==== References  ====
''Guide to Public Vital Statistics Records in Minnesota''. Prepared by the Minnesota Historical Records Survey Project. Division of Community Service Programs Work Projects Administration. C 1941 St. Paul, MN The Minnesota Historical Records Survey Project. {{FHL|30302|item|disp=FHL  film 1036716; book:977.6 V23h; fiche 6051362}}
'''American Indian Vital Records'''
1845-1953 Consolidated Chippewa Records. Bureau of Indian Affairs {{FHL|223230|item|disp=FHL film 1294364 (first of 13)}}


== Wiki Articles  ==
== Wiki Articles  ==


:*[https://familysearch.org/learn/wiki/en/Minnesota Minnesota]
:*[https://familysearch.org/learn/wiki/en/Minnesota_Online_Genealogy_Records Minnesota Online Records]
:*[https://familysearch.org/learn/wiki/en/Minnesota_Vital_Records Minnesota Vital Records]
:*[[How to Find United States Marriage Records#Tips_about_Searching_United_States_Marriage_Records|Learn more about U.S. marriage records]]  
:*[[How to Find United States Marriage Records#Tips_about_Searching_United_States_Marriage_Records|Learn more about U.S. marriage records]]  
:*[[How to Find United States Birth Records|How to find U.S. birth records]]  
:*[[How to Find United States Birth Records|How to find U.S. birth records]]  
:*[[How to Find United States Marriage Records|How to find U.S. marriage records]]  
:*[[How to Find United States Marriage Records|How to find U.S. marriage records]]  
:*[[How to Find United States Death Records|How to find U.S. death records]]  
:*[[How to Find United States Death Records|How to find U.S. death records]]  
:*[[United States Record Finder|United States Record Finder ]]  
:*[[United States Record Selection Table|United States Record Selection Table ]]  
:*[[United States, How to Use Marriage Records|United States, How to Use Marriage Records]]  
:*[[United States, How to Use Marriage Records|United States, How to Use Marriage Records]]  
:*[[United States Marriage Records|United States Marriage Records]]  
:*[[United States Marriage Records|United States Marriage Records]]  
:*[[United States Vital Records|United States Vital Records]]  
:*[[United States Vital Records|United States Vital Records]]  
:*[[U.S. Vital Records Overview|U.S. Vital Records Overview]]  
:*[[U.S. Vital Records Overview|U.S. Vital Records Overview]]  
:*[[Locating United States Vital Records|Locating United States Vital Records]]__NOTOC__
:*[[Locating United States Vital Records|Locating United States Vital Records]]  
:*[[Minnesota Marriage Records (FamilySearch Historical Records)/Known Issues|Minnesota Marriage Records (FamilySearch Historical Records)/Known Issues]]


{{Minnesota|Minnesota}}[[Category:Minnesota_Vital_Records]] [[Category:How-To Articles]]
[[Category:Minnesota]]
*{{RecordSearch|1680832|Minnesota, Marriages, 1849-1950}} Index only.
*[http://search.ancestry.com/search/db.aspx?dbid=2561 Minnesota, Marriages Index, 1849-1950] Index only ($)
*{{RecordSearch|1803974|Minnesota, County Marriages, 1860-1949}} Index and Images; Incomplete.

Revision as of 11:50, 12 June 2013


How To Find U.S. Marriage Records go to How To Find Minnesota Marriage Records

This page is under construction

Finding Minnesota Marriage Records[edit | edit source]

  • 18-- Michigan laws required counties to record marriages
  • 1 April 18--, the county clerk began to forward marriage records to the secretary of state
  • An additional 19-- law resulted in greater statewide compliance
  • Michigan marriage records are not restricted and can be ordered by anyone during any time period
Tip: More marriage information is usually found on the marriage license application or the marriage register. Less information is found on the marriage certificate.


Next Step: When did the marriage occur? [edit | edit source]
Marriage Records
Choose a time period:


Learn more about U.S. Marriage Records


Marriages Before 1820
[edit | edit source]

  • Before 1805, no marriages were recorded by the county or state
  • 1805 to 1820 very few records exist


If you cannot locate your ancestor in the databases below, try searching for marriage information in other records.

1. Look first in 2. Then search
Church Records

Newspapers
Military Records
Obituaries

Census Records

Cemetery Records
Death Records
Bible Records


Return to the Top: Choose another marriage year


Marriages 1820 to 1867[edit | edit source]

Minnesota Marriage Database - Includes Index and Digital Images
Try:
Michigan, County Marriages, 1820-1867

Free; name index with images online at FamilySearch.

Does not include the following counties:


Can't find your ancestor in the online index? Tips for searching online indexes
No marriage record for your ancestor?

Search for Gretna Greens-- locations away from the home county where marriage laws were less restrictive.

Other records with marriage information

Marriage Records on Microfilm
Some county marriage records may be available on microfilm at your local Family Search Center. If you know the approximate date and county where the marriage took place, use theFamily History Library Catalog (FHLC) to see what is available.

  • Search the FHLC by county.
  • Select the topic Vital Records. Look for records authored by the county clerk.
  • For a small fee, order the microfilm to view at a local Family Search Center.
Return to the Top: Choose another marriage year

Marriages 1868 to 1925[edit | edit source]

Minnesota Marriage Database - Includes Index and Digital Images
Try 1st:
Michigan Marriages, 1868-1925

Free; most counties 1868-1925: Free name index with images online at FamilySearch.

Records include such information as names of bride and groom, date of license, ages, race, residences, birthplaces, occupations and names of the fathers of the bride and groom.

Try 2nd:
Minnesota, County Marriages, 18-- -19--

Free; name index with images online at FamilySearch.


Does not include the following counties:


Can't find your ancestor in the online index? Tips for searching online indexes
No marriage record for your ancestor?

Search for Gretna Greens-- locations away from the home county where marriage laws were less restrictive.

Other records with marriage information

Marriage Records on Microfilm
Some county marriage records may be available on microfilm at your local Family Search Center. If you know the approximate date and county where the marriage took place, use the Family History Library Catalog (FHLC) to see what is available.

  • Search the FHLC by county.
  • Select the topic Vital Records. Look for records authored by the county clerk.
  • For a small fee, order the microfilm to view at a local Family Search Center.
Return to the Top: Choose another marriage year

Marriages 1926 to 1935
[edit | edit source]

Michigan Marriage Database - Includes Index and Digital Images
Try 1st:
Minnesota, County Marriages, 19---19--

Free; most counties 19---19--: Free name index with images online at FamilySearch.

Does not include the following counties:

Try 2nd:
County Clerk If you do not find your ancestor in the marriage index you may order a marriage record. Contact the county clerk where you think the marriage took place. It is usually less expensive to order a marriage record from the county clerk, so begin your search with the county clerk.
Try 3rd:
Minnesota Department of Health If you do not find your ancestor in the marriage index you may order a marriage record.Contact the Michigan Department of Public Health. If you are unsure about the marriage year, the Michigan Department of Public Health charges $12 more for each year searched. It is usually less expensive to order a marriage record from the county clerk, so begin your search with the county clerk.


Can't find your ancestor in the online index? Tips for searching online indexes
No marriage record for your ancestor?

Search for Gretna Greens-- locations away from the home county where marriage laws were less restrictive.

Other records with marriage information

Marriage Records on Microfilm
Some county marriage records may be available on microfilm at your local Family Search Center. If you know the approximate date and county where the marriage took place, use theFamily History Library Catalog (FHLC) to see what is available.

  • Search the FHLC by county.
  • Select the topic Vital Records. Look for records authored by the county clerk.
  • For a small fee, order the microfilm to view at a local Family Search Center.
Return to the Top: Choose another marriage year

Marriages 1936 to Present[edit | edit source]

Marriage licenses may be found in the county records where the marriage occurred.

STEP ONE: Find Marriage Information

  • Copies may be ordered from the county clerk.
  • Copies may be ordered from the Minnesota Department of Public Health.
To Order Marriage Certificates
From County where Marriage occurred From MN Dept. of Health State office
Pros Cons Pros Cons
May be less expensive and faster than ordering from the state County websites can be more difficult to use Offers a search of the state index for an additional fee May be more expensive than ordering from the county
Tip: When ordering Minnesota marriage records:

Ask for the marriage license or the marriage register, not the marriage certificate. The license or register usually contains more information.

Return to the Top: Choose another marriage year

References[edit | edit source]

Guide to Public Vital Statistics Records in Minnesota. Prepared by the Minnesota Historical Records Survey Project. Division of Community Service Programs Work Projects Administration. C 1941 St. Paul, MN The Minnesota Historical Records Survey Project. FHL film 1036716; book:977.6 V23h; fiche 6051362

American Indian Vital Records

1845-1953 Consolidated Chippewa Records. Bureau of Indian Affairs FHL film 1294364 (first of 13)


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