Ramsey County Marriage Records

Ramsey County marriage records are handled by the Vital Records Office in Saint Paul, the state capital. The county is one of the oldest in Minnesota and has marriage records going back to 1849. Whether you are applying for a new license, searching for a historical record, or requesting a certified copy of a marriage certificate, the Ramsey County Vital Records Office is the primary contact. The statewide Minnesota Official Marriage System also provides an online index for searching records before contacting the county.

Ramsey County Vital Records Office

The Ramsey County Vital Records Office is located in the Plato Building in Saint Paul. This office handles marriage license applications, records completed licenses after ceremonies, and provides certified copies. Ramsey County requires appointments for all visits to the vital records office. There are no walk-ins. Call 651-266-1333 to schedule your appointment before going.

Ramsey County has marriage records going back to 1849, making it one of the oldest marriage record collections in Minnesota. Records from 1850 through the present are maintained. The county issues the original marriage certificate plus two souvenir copies as part of the standard process, which is more than most counties provide. For divorce-related records, a separate line handles those requests at 651-266-2842.

Ramsey County Vital Records Online

The Ramsey County website has information on vital records services, appointment scheduling, and how to access marriage records in Saint Paul.

Review the Ramsey County website before scheduling your appointment to understand what documents to bring and how the process works for marriage licenses and certified copies.

Getting a Marriage License in Ramsey County

Ramsey County requires an appointment to apply for a marriage license. Call 651-266-1333 to schedule. When you arrive, both applicants must be present together. This is required under Minnesota Statute 517.08. Both parties present valid photo IDs and provide their Social Security numbers. The standard fee is $115. Applicants who have completed at least 12 hours of premarital education from a state-approved provider pay the reduced fee of $40.

Ramsey County also offers civil ceremony services through the Ramsey County District Court. If you want to get married at the courthouse in addition to getting your license there, contact the court about scheduling. This is a separate process from the license application itself.

After the ceremony, the officiant and two witnesses sign the completed license. It must be returned to the Vital Records Office within five days under Statute 517.10. Once recorded, you can order certified copies for $9 each. Ramsey County provides the original certificate plus two souvenir copies as part of the standard process.

Cash, check, money order, and credit cards are accepted. There is also a $5 mail-in fee per package for recording, which applies in some situations. Ask about this when you schedule your appointment.

Ramsey County Marriage License Information

The Ramsey County marriage licenses page provides information on appointment scheduling, required documents, and the application process.

Review the Ramsey County marriage license page before calling to schedule your appointment, so you know exactly what to bring and what to expect.

What You Need to Apply

Gather your documents before scheduling and before your appointment. Having everything ready makes the in-person visit faster. Here is what each applicant needs to bring to the Ramsey County Vital Records Office in Saint Paul.

• Valid, government-issued photo ID for each applicant
• Social Security number for each applicant
• Both parents' full legal names, including mother's maiden name
• If previously married: certified divorce decree or death certificate for prior spouse
• Payment for the license fee

Both applicants must be at least 18 years old under Minnesota Statute 517.01. Minnesota has no waiting period. You can hold the ceremony right after picking up the license. The license is valid anywhere in the state for six months. Two witnesses who are at least 16 must attend the ceremony and sign the license. The officiant also signs.

Note: Ramsey County does not accept walk-ins. If you arrive without an appointment, you will not be served. Call 651-266-1333 to schedule before your visit.

Searching Ramsey County Marriage Records

The Minnesota Official Marriage System indexes Ramsey County marriage records from 1849 to the present. MOMS is the main online search tool and is free to use. You can search by name and see the county and year of the marriage. For records from around 2000 and later, the MOMS index is fairly complete for Ramsey County. Older records may have partial coverage. MOMS provides index information only. Certified copies must be ordered from the county office.

Ramsey County's records are among the most complete in the state given its age and the fact that it contains the state capital. For records from before 1850 or records that do not appear in MOMS, contact the Vital Records Office directly. Staff can search by name or approximate date. Certified copies cost $9 each. Written mail requests are also accepted. Include both parties' names, the year of marriage, your contact information, and any other identifying details in your written request.

The Minnesota Department of Health maintains some statewide vital records data and can help direct you to the right county if you are unsure where a record was filed. For Ramsey County records specifically, the Vital Records Office in the Plato Building in Saint Paul is the definitive source.

Cities in Ramsey County

Ramsey County is a smaller but densely populated county that includes Saint Paul and many surrounding communities. All marriage licenses and vital records for cities within the county are handled by the same Vital Records Office.

Nearby Counties

Ramsey County borders these counties in the Twin Cities metropolitan area. Each has its own recorder or vital records office.