Minneapolis Marriage Records

Marriage records for Minneapolis residents are handled through Hennepin County, which issues all marriage licenses and maintains official records for the city. Whether you need to get a marriage license, search for a marriage record, or order a certified copy, this page covers the offices, fees, and steps you need. Minneapolis is the largest city in Minnesota, and Hennepin County has multiple service centers within the city to make the process easier for residents.

Where to Get a Marriage License in Minneapolis

Minneapolis does not issue marriage licenses. All marriage licenses for Minneapolis residents come from Hennepin County. The good news is that Hennepin County runs three service centers inside the city, so you don't have to travel far. You must complete an online pre-application at hennepin.us before your in-person visit. Both parties must show up together and bring valid photo ID.

The main office is at the Hennepin County Government Center downtown. Two other Minneapolis locations serve residents on the south and north sides of the city. All three have the same hours and the same staff who can process your license on the spot.

Hennepin County also processes licenses faster than most Minnesota counties. Standard processing takes about three weeks. If you need it sooner, expedited service is available for an extra $20 and takes about one week. Call the office at 612-348-8240 to confirm current wait times before you apply.

Note: The Minneapolis City Clerk is located at City Hall, Room 107, 350 South 5th Street, phone 612-673-2080. The city clerk does not issue marriage licenses and will direct you to Hennepin County for all license-related needs.

The City of Minneapolis official website has general city services and can direct you to the right county office for marriage-related questions.

While the city site covers many services, marriage licenses and vital records are handled entirely through Hennepin County, not the city itself.

Marriage License Requirements

To get a marriage license in Minneapolis, both people must appear together at a Hennepin County service center. Each person needs a valid government-issued photo ID such as a driver's license, state ID, or passport. You must also provide your Social Security number at the time of application, though it does not appear on the license itself.

Under Minnesota Statute 517.08, both applicants must be at least 18 years old. If you were previously married, you need proof that the prior marriage ended, either a certified copy of the divorce decree or a death certificate. The county will review these documents when you apply.

The license is valid for six months from the date it is issued and can be used anywhere in the state of Minnesota. There is no waiting period after you receive it. Under Minnesota Statute 517.01, the person who performs the ceremony must be legally authorized to do so in Minnesota, and the completed license must be returned to the issuing county within five days after the ceremony.

Hennepin County provides the original license plus two souvenir copies at no extra cost. This is a feature not all Minnesota counties offer, so Minneapolis couples benefit from that added value.

Marriage License Fees in Minneapolis

The standard marriage license fee in Hennepin County is $115. If both applicants complete an approved 12-hour premarital education course, the fee drops to $40. This reduced fee applies only when the couple submits proof of the class at the time of application. The class must come from an approved provider.

Certified copies of the marriage record cost $9 each. You can order copies at the time you pick up the license or request them later. Expedited processing, if you need the license in about one week, costs an extra $20 on top of the standard fee.

Note: Fees are subject to change. Always confirm current amounts with Hennepin County at 612-348-8240 before your visit.

Search Minneapolis Marriage Records Online

Minnesota offers a statewide online search tool called the Marriage and Outdoor Marriage System, known as MOMS. You can use it to look up marriage records from most Minnesota counties. The search is free and open to the public at moms.mn.gov. Hennepin County records going back many years are available through this system.

MOMS shows basic information such as the names of the parties, the county where the license was issued, and the date. To get a certified copy of the record, you must contact Hennepin County directly. Certified copies are official documents and require a fee and a written request.

For older records not in MOMS, the Minnesota Historical Society holds historical marriage records. Their collections cover records going back to the 1800s. You can contact them through mnhs.org or visit their research center in St. Paul.

Civil Marriage Ceremonies in Minneapolis

If you want a civil ceremony, Minneapolis couples can arrange one through the Minnesota court system. Ramsey County offers judicial weddings through mncourts.gov, and Hennepin County has similar services. Contact the court directly to ask about availability and scheduling. Two witnesses are generally required for any civil ceremony.

Many couples also choose to have a friend or family member officiated the ceremony after getting ordained. Minnesota law allows this under Minnesota Statute 517.04, which lists who can legally perform a marriage in the state. Make sure whoever officiates is authorized before the wedding day.

Nearby Cities

Minneapolis is surrounded by many cities in the Twin Cities metro. Several of these have their own pages with local marriage records information.

• St. Paul
• Bloomington
• Brooklyn Park
• Maple Grove
• Edina
• Minnetonka

Hennepin County Marriage Records

All marriage licenses and records for Minneapolis are maintained by Hennepin County. Visit the county page for full details on offices, fees, and how to request records.

View Hennepin County Marriage Records