Finding Minnesota Marriage Records

At the origin of a county the recording of marriages began
1 April 18--, the county clerk
Minnesota marriage records are not restricted and can be ordered by anyone during any time period

Next Step: When did the marriage occur?		Marriage Records Choose a time period: Before 1858 1858 to 1958 1958 to Present Marriage year unknown

Learn more about U.S. Marriage Records

Marriages Before 1858

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 1858 to 1958

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 1958 to Present

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

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

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

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

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)

How to Find Minnesota Marriage Records

Finding Minnesota Marriage Records

Next Step: When did the marriage occur?

Marriages Before 1858

Marriages 1858 to 1958

Marriages 1958 to Present

References

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