Find Marriage Records in Carver County

Carver County marriage records go back to 1856 and are maintained by the Property Records Department in Chaska. The department handles marriage license applications, certified copy requests, and record searches for this Twin Cities suburban county. The statewide MOMS database also lets you search online for free. This page covers how to get a license, search existing records, and request copies of marriage certificates in Carver County, Minnesota.

Carver County Property Records Department

In Carver County, vital records including marriage licenses are handled through the Property Records Department rather than a standalone recorder's office. The department is at 600 East 4th Street in Chaska. This is the office you contact for all marriage-related records. Staff handle license applications, certified copy requests, and public record searches.

The phone number is (952) 361-1930. The fax is (952) 361-1919. Hours are Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM. The department's page at www.carvercountymn.gov has details on services and forms. The county is one of the faster-growing in Minnesota and sits in the southwestern Twin Cities metro. Public viewing stations are available at the office for research.

Getting a Marriage License in Carver County

Both applicants must appear in person at the Property Records Department. Bring a valid photo ID. A driver's license, state ID, or passport works fine. The standard fee is $115. With 12 hours of completed premarital education, the fee is $40. You need to bring a signed, notarized educator's statement on official letterhead to get the reduced rate. The educator must be a licensed minister or therapist.

The application asks for full legal names, birth dates, current addresses, Social Security numbers, and parental information. If you were previously married, you need to show the prior marriage ended. Bring a divorce decree or death certificate. Under Minnesota Statute 517.08, these details are all required at the time of application. The county accepts cash, check, money order, and credit cards with a convenience fee.

The license is valid for six months anywhere in Minnesota. There is no waiting period. You can get the license and use it the same day if needed. After the ceremony, the officiant must file the completed marriage certificate with the county within five days under Minnesota Statute 517.10.

You can begin the process online through MOMS.mn.gov. Pre-filling the form at home can save time at the office. Records in Carver County have been maintained since the county was formed in 1856, giving the county a long and detailed set of historical marriage records.

Carver County Marriage Records Search

To search Carver County marriage records online, go to MOMS.mn.gov. This statewide system is free and covers all 87 counties. Carver County records in the database are indexed from 1952 forward, though the county has records going back to 1856. To search, select Carver County or search all counties. Enter the last name and first name. Use the date range filter to narrow results.

Search modes include exact match, Soundex, and wildcard. Use Soundex when you are not sure about the spelling of a name, especially for older records. Wildcard mode allows partial name searches. Results show both parties' names, the marriage date, and which county holds the record. Contact the Carver County Property Records Department to request a certified copy after finding a record.

For records before 1952, the office can do manual searches. Call (952) 361-1930 to ask about historical records. Marriage data in Minnesota is public under Chapters 13 and 517 of state law, so anyone can request access to these records.

Note: Public viewing stations are available at the Property Records office for in-person research. This is a useful option if you are doing extended genealogy research and need to review multiple records.

Certified Copies of Carver County Marriage Certificates

Certified copies cost $9 each. You can get them in person at the Property Records Department or by mail. Birth and death certificate applications and marriage license forms are all available at the same office. For mail requests, send the full names of both parties, the marriage date, your return address, and a check for $9 per copy to the Carver County Property Records Department at 600 East 4th Street, Chaska, MN 55318.

Under Minnesota Statute 517.101, certified copies must be issued to any person who pays the fee. You do not have to be one of the people named on the certificate to request it. Certified copies are the official legal version you need for name changes and government documentation.

Cities in Carver County

Carver County is a growing Twin Cities suburban county. No cities in Carver County meet the population threshold for a dedicated city page on this site. All marriage records for the county are handled at the Property Records Department in Chaska.

Larger communities in the county include Chaska, Chanhassen, Victoria, and Waconia. All marriage licenses are issued through the Carver County Property Records Department regardless of city.

Nearby Counties

Carver County is in the southwestern Twin Cities metro area. These are the counties that border it. Apply for your license in the county where you live.