Search Chisago County Marriage Records

Chisago County marriage records go all the way back to 1852 and are maintained by the County Recorder in Center City. Part of the Twin Cities metropolitan area, Chisago County handles license applications, certified copy requests, and marriage officiant registrations through the Recorder's Office. You can search records online through the statewide MOMS system. This page covers the process for marriage records in Chisago County, Minnesota.

Chisago County Recorder

The Chisago County Recorder's Office is at 313 North Main Street in Center City. The office handles marriage licenses, certified copy requests, and marriage officiant registrations. Records go back to 1852, making Chisago one of the counties with the oldest marriage records in the state. Cash, check, money order, and credit and debit cards are all accepted for payment.

The phone number is (651) 213-8580. Hours are Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM. More information is at www.chisagocountymn.gov/298/Marriage. The county's main site is at www.chisagocountymn.gov. Online payments are available for some historical marriage record requests.

Getting a Marriage License in Chisago County

Chisago County requires both parties to complete an online application first. You get a confirmation number through the online system, then schedule an appointment with the Recorder's Office. Both people must appear in person at the appointment with their IDs. An online pre-application is available on the county website. Bring the confirmation number when you go in.

The fee is $125 for a standard license in Chisago County, which is higher than many other Minnesota counties. With 12 hours of approved premarital education, the fee drops to $50. You need a signed, notarized educator's statement on official letterhead to qualify. The educator must be a licensed minister or therapist. Under Minnesota Statute 517.08, all applications must include full legal names, birth dates, Social Security numbers, and details about any prior marriages.

Chisago County also registers marriage officiants through the same office. If you need to register as a civil marriage officiant, contact the Recorder's Office at (651) 213-8580. The county also charges $25 to replace a lost or destroyed marriage license before the ceremony takes place.

The license is valid for six months anywhere in Minnesota. No waiting period applies. After the ceremony, the officiant must file the signed marriage certificate with the Recorder within five days. This is required under Minnesota Statute 517.10. Online payments are available for some historic record requests through the county website.

Chisago County Marriage Records Lookup

The statewide MOMS.mn.gov database is the easiest place to search Chisago County marriage records. It is free and covers all 87 counties. Chisago County records in the system go back to 1852. Search by last name and first name. A date range helps narrow the results. Exact match, Soundex, and wildcard search modes are all available.

Results from MOMS show both parties' names, the marriage date, and the county holding the record. Contact the Chisago County Recorder to get a certified copy. The office also has a dedicated marriage page with forms, fees, and process details.

Marriage records in Minnesota are public data under Chapters 13 and 517 of state law. Anyone may request access. Certified copies cost $9 each. Records from 1852 to the present are held at the Chisago County Recorder's Office.

Cities in Chisago County

Chisago County includes Center City and several other communities in east-central Minnesota. No cities in Chisago County meet the population threshold for a dedicated city page on this site. All marriage records are handled through the Recorder's Office in Center City.

Nearby Counties

Chisago County is in the northern Twin Cities metro area. It borders several other counties. Apply in the county where you reside.