How to Find Minnesota Marriage Records
How To Find U.S. Marriage Records 
How To Find Minnesota Marriage Records
This page is under construction
In 1858, Minnesota was created from Minnesota territory.
Finding Minnesota Marriage Records
- At the origin of a county the recording of marriages began
- Minnesota marriage records are not restricted and can be ordered by anyone during any time period
 |
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? |
| |
|---|---|---|
Learn more about U.S. Marriage Records
Marriages Before 1858
- Before 1858, marriages may have been recorded by the Clerk of the Court or County Registrar in the county
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 |
Census Records |
Marriages 1858 to 1958
| Minnesota Marriage Database - Includes Index and Digital Images | ||||
| Try 1st: 1849 - 1950 Minnesota,Marriages (Index Only) | at FamilySearch | |||
| Try: 2nd 1860 - 1949 Minnesota County Marriages (Index only) | at FamilySearch |
| ||
| 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. |
|||
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.
Marriages 1958 to Present
Marriage licenses may be found in the county records where the marriage occurred.
| Try: 1st 1860 - 1949 Minnesota County Marriages (Index only) | at FamilySearch | |||
| Try: 2nd 1958 - 2001 Minnesota Index (Index and Images; incomplete) | at FamilySearch | |||
| Try:3rd 1958 - 2001 Minnesota, (Index only) | at FamilySearch |
STEP ONE: Find Marriage Information
- Copies may be ordered from the County Registrar.
- Copies may be ordered from the Minnesota Department of Health.
| To Order Marriage Certificates | ||||
| Minnesota Department of Health and Minnesota Center of Health Statistics. at FamilySearch | ||||
| From County where Marriage occurred | From MN Dept. of Health | |||
| 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 | |
|
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.
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)
Related Wiki Articles
- Minnesota
- Minnesota Online Genealogical Records
- Minnesota Vital Records
- Learn more about U.S. marriage records
- How to find U.S. birth records
- How to find U.S. marriage records
- How to find U.S. death records
- United States Record Selection Table
- United States, How to Use Marriage Records
- United States Marriage Records
- United States Vital Records
- U.S. Vital Records Overview
- Locating United States Vital Records