Rochester Marriage Records

Marriage records in Rochester are managed by Olmsted County, which issues all marriage licenses and keeps official records for the city and surrounding area. Rochester is the largest city in southeastern Minnesota, and Olmsted County has a well-staffed vital records office at the Government Center downtown. This page explains how to apply for a license, what to bring, what you'll pay, and how to find and request certified copies of Rochester marriage records.

Where to Get a Marriage License in Rochester

Rochester residents apply for marriage licenses at the Olmsted County Government Center. The vital records office is on the first floor, and both applicants must appear together in person. You need to complete an online application through the MOMS system at moms.mn.gov first, then come in within 90 days to sign and pay. Online check-in may be available when you arrive.

Olmsted County accepts credit cards with a 2.15% processing fee, as well as cash and personal checks. The Rochester City Clerk is located at City Hall, Room 135, 201 4th Street SE, phone 507-328-2900. The city does not issue marriage licenses, so the city clerk will direct you to Olmsted County for all license requests.

Civil ceremonies are available at the Government Center for $200. You need to schedule an appointment by calling 507-722-7264. Two witnesses are required for the ceremony. This is a good option if you want a simple, courthouse-style wedding right in Rochester.

Olmsted County participates in Minnesota's online marriage application portal at moms.mn.gov, which lets couples start their application before their in-person visit.

After completing the online form, you have 90 days to come in to the Olmsted County Government Center to finalize the application, sign, and pay the fee.

Marriage License Requirements

Both parties must appear together at the Olmsted County office with a valid government-issued photo ID. A driver's license, passport, or state ID card all work. You must provide your Social Security number at the time of application, but it does not appear on the license. Under Minnesota Statute 517.08, both people must be at least 18 years old.

If you were married before, you must bring a certified copy of the final divorce decree or a death certificate proving the prior marriage ended. The office will not process your application without this documentation. Bring original documents or certified copies, not photocopies.

The license is valid for six months from the date it is issued. It can be used anywhere in Minnesota. There is no waiting period after the license is issued. Once the ceremony takes place, the officiant must return the completed license to Olmsted County within five days under Minnesota Statute 517.10.

Rochester Marriage License Fees

The standard marriage license fee in Olmsted County is $125. This is slightly higher than some other Minnesota counties. Couples who complete an approved 12-hour premarital education course pay $50 instead. You must present proof of the course when you apply. The county accepts credit cards, cash, and personal checks.

Credit card payments carry a 2.15% processing fee, so paying by check or cash saves a small amount. Certified copies of the marriage record are $9 per copy. Rush processing is available for an extra $20, and express processing costs an additional $27.20. You can also order certified copies through VitalChek for mail-in or online requests.

Note: Confirm current fees with Olmsted County at 507-328-7660 before your visit, as amounts can change.

Search Rochester Marriage Records

You can search Rochester marriage records online through the Minnesota MOMS system at moms.mn.gov. This free public tool covers Olmsted County records and returns basic information like party names, license date, and issuing county. It is useful for verifying a marriage took place but does not provide certified copies.

For a certified copy, contact the Olmsted County Vital Records office directly at 507-328-7660 or visit in person. VitalChek is also available for ordering certified copies online or by phone. Certified copies carry legal weight and are accepted by government agencies, banks, and courts.

Historical records not in the MOMS system may be available through the Minnesota Historical Society at mnhs.org. Olmsted County has records going back many decades, and older records may require a direct request to the county recorder or the MNHS research center.

Olmsted County Marriage Records

All marriage licenses and records for Rochester are issued and maintained by Olmsted County. Visit the county page for full details on the Government Center location, fees, and certified copy requests.

View Olmsted County Marriage Records