St. Paul Marriage Records

St. Paul marriage records are managed by Ramsey County, which issues all marriage licenses and maintains official vital records for the city. As Minnesota's capital city, St. Paul has a well-organized vital records office with specific procedures for applying and getting copies. This page covers where to go, what to bring, what it costs, and how to search records online so you can handle your marriage license or records request with as few trips as possible.

Where to Get a Marriage License in St. Paul

St. Paul residents get their marriage license through the Ramsey County Vital Records Office. This office is located in the Plato Building in St. Paul, just south of downtown. Both applicants must appear together in person, and appointments are required. Walk-ins are not accepted. Call ahead or check the county website to book your appointment before you go.

Ramsey County has maintained marriage records going back to 1850. The Minnesota Historical Society holds earlier records dating to 1849. Whether you need a new license or a copy of an old record, the Vital Records Office is the right place to contact.

Ramsey County is one of two counties in Minnesota that provides the original license plus two souvenir copies at no extra charge when you apply. This gives you extra certified documents without any added cost. The St. Paul City Clerk is located at 310 City Hall, 15 Kellogg Boulevard West, phone 651-266-8688. The city clerk does not issue marriage licenses and will refer you to Ramsey County.

Ramsey County also offers courthouse wedding ceremonies for couples who want a civil marriage performed by a judge or court official in St. Paul.

Courthouse ceremonies are a popular option in St. Paul for couples who want a simple, legal wedding without a full ceremony venue. Contact the court for scheduling and requirements.

Marriage License Requirements in St. Paul

Both applicants must appear together at the Ramsey County Vital Records Office with valid photo ID. A government-issued ID such as a driver's license, state ID card, or passport works. You must also provide your Social Security number when you apply. The number is required by law but does not appear on the license itself.

Under Minnesota Statute 517.08, both parties must be at least 18 years old. If you were previously married, bring proof that the prior marriage legally ended. A certified copy of the divorce decree or a death certificate is required. The office will not issue a new license without this documentation.

The license is good for six months from the date issued and can be used anywhere in Minnesota. There is no waiting period. The person who performs the ceremony must be authorized under Minnesota Statute 517.04. After the ceremony, the officiant must return the completed license to the county within five days.

Marriage License Fees in St. Paul

Ramsey County charges $115 for a standard marriage license. Couples who complete an approved 12-hour premarital education course can get the license for $40 instead. You must bring proof of the class at the time you apply. The reduced fee only applies when documentation is presented in person at the time of the application appointment.

Certified copies of the marriage record are $9 per copy. Ramsey County provides the original plus two souvenir copies when you pick up your license. Additional certified copies beyond those can be ordered through the Vital Records Office. For divorce record information, you can call the separate divorce records line at 651-266-2842.

Note: Always confirm current fees with Ramsey County at 651-266-1333 or by emailing AskVitalRecords@co.ramsey.mn.us before your appointment.

Search St. Paul Marriage Records Online

Minnesota's online marriage record search tool is called MOMS, and it covers records from Ramsey County and most other Minnesota counties. You can search for free at moms.mn.gov. The database includes records from the year 2000 forward, with partial coverage of earlier years depending on the county.

MOMS lets you search by name and returns basic information including party names, the county where the license was issued, and the date. If you need a certified copy of the record, you must contact Ramsey County directly. The MOMS system is a search tool only, not a way to order certified documents.

For older St. Paul marriage records that predate the MOMS system, the Minnesota Historical Society holds records going back to 1849. You can reach them through mnhs.org. Genealogists and researchers often use the MNHS collections for historical marriage research in Ramsey County.

Courthouse Weddings in St. Paul

Ramsey County offers courthouse wedding ceremonies for couples who want a civil marriage. These are performed by a court official and are a simple, legal option. Visit mncourts.gov/Find-Courts/Ramsey/Marriages.aspx for details on scheduling and what to expect. Two witnesses are typically required.

You must have your marriage license before the ceremony. The courthouse ceremony does not replace the license. Get the license from Ramsey County first, then schedule your ceremony. Many couples handle both on the same day or within the same week.

Nearby Cities

St. Paul sits at the center of the Twin Cities metro. Several nearby cities have their own marriage records pages.

• Minneapolis
• Bloomington
• Eagan
• Burnsville
• Woodbury

Ramsey County Marriage Records

All marriage licenses and official records for St. Paul are maintained by Ramsey County. Visit the county page for full details on the vital records office and how to get certified copies.

View Ramsey County Marriage Records