Search St. Cloud Marriage Records
St. Cloud marriage records are issued and maintained by Stearns County, which handles all marriage licenses for residents of the city. St. Cloud is the largest city in central Minnesota and the county seat of Stearns County, making the county license center very accessible to residents. This page covers where to go, what to bring, what it costs, and how to look up or request certified copies of St. Cloud marriage records.
St. Cloud Quick Facts
Where to Get a Marriage License in St. Cloud
Stearns County has a license center near St. Cloud on County Road 138 that serves the city and surrounding area. Both applicants must appear in person together with valid photo ID. An online pre-application is available through Stearns County's website, which can help speed up your in-person visit. Call ahead to confirm current hours and ask whether an appointment is needed.
The Stearns County License Center also offers drive-thru service for certain transactions, which is a convenience not many counties provide. Call 320-656-6540 to ask what is available through drive-thru before your visit. St. Cloud does not have its own city marriage license office, so this county location is your primary option.
| Office | Stearns County License Center |
|---|---|
| Address | 3301 County Road 138, St. Cloud, MN 56301 |
| Phone | 320-656-6540 |
| Hours | Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM |
| Website | co.stearns.mn.us |
Since St. Cloud is the county seat, Stearns County offices are generally well-staffed and accessible. The drive-thru option sets this location apart from many other Minnesota county offices and can save time for residents who are picking up a completed license or doing a simple transaction.
Stearns County participates in Minnesota's online marriage application and search system at moms.mn.gov, where St. Cloud residents can start their application before visiting in person.
The MOMS system also lets the public search for Stearns County marriage records by name at no cost, which is a good first step if you are trying to look up an existing record.
Marriage License Requirements
Both parties must appear in person with a valid government-issued photo ID. Driver's licenses, passports, and state IDs all qualify. You must provide your Social Security number at the time of application. Under Minnesota Statute 517.08, both applicants must be at least 18 years old.
If you were previously married, you need to bring a certified copy of the final divorce decree or a death certificate. Stearns County will not issue a new license without proof the prior marriage legally ended. Bring certified originals, not photocopies, to avoid having to come back a second time.
The license is valid for six months anywhere in Minnesota. No waiting period applies. The officiant who performs the ceremony must be legally authorized under Minnesota Statute 517.04 and must return the completed license to Stearns County within five days of the wedding per Minnesota Statute 517.10.
St. Cloud Marriage License Fees
Stearns County charges $115 for a standard marriage license. Couples who complete an approved 12-hour premarital education course pay $40 instead. You must present proof of the course when you apply. Certified copies of the marriage record cost $9 per copy. You can request copies when you apply or order them later through the Stearns County Recorder's office at 320-656-6540.
Note: Confirm current fees with Stearns County before your visit. Amounts can change, and it is always good to know the exact total before you arrive.
Search St. Cloud Marriage Records Online
The free Minnesota MOMS system at moms.mn.gov covers Stearns County marriage records and lets you search by name. You can find basic information like the names of the parties and the license date. This public tool is a good starting point for anyone trying to look up a St. Cloud marriage record without making a trip to the county office.
MOMS does not provide certified copies. For official copies that carry legal weight, contact Stearns County at 320-656-6540. Certified copies are needed for name changes, government filings, and other legal purposes.
Older St. Cloud marriage records that predate the MOMS system may be available through the Minnesota Historical Society at mnhs.org. The MNHS holds historical records from Stearns County and can assist with research requests.
Stearns County Marriage Records
All marriage licenses and official records for St. Cloud are maintained by Stearns County. Visit the county page for full details on the license center location, fees, and how to request certified copies.