Find Marriage Records in Sherburne County

Sherburne County marriage records are maintained by the County Recorder in Elk River, located in the northern Twin Cities metropolitan area. Whether you need a new marriage license or want to get a certified copy of a marriage certificate, the Recorder's office is where you go. Both applicants must appear in person to apply for a license, and copies of existing records can be ordered in person or by mail. The office is part of the Sherburne County Government Center and serves all communities within the county.

Sherburne County Recorder

The Sherburne County Recorder handles marriage licenses and vital records for the county. The office is inside the Government Center at 13880 Business Center Dr NW in Elk River. Hours run Monday through Friday from 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM. Call 763-765-4420 to ask about what to bring or to check if the office is open on a given day.

Both people who plan to get married must appear at the Recorder's office together. No one can apply on behalf of another person. You need a valid photo ID and your Social Security number. If either party was previously married, you must bring the divorce decree or death certificate that ended that marriage. The Recorder enters the information into the state system and issues the license at that same visit.

The county's main website is at co.sherburne.mn.us. The Recorder's Office page is at co.sherburne.mn.us/165/Recorders-Office. That page has specific contact information and lists the services the office handles, including land records, vital records, and marriage licenses.

Visit the Sherburne County Recorder's Office page to review contact details, available services, and the marriage license application process.

The Sherburne County Recorder's Office manages marriage licenses and vital records, including birth and death records, for all residents of the county.

Marriage License Process in Sherburne County

Applying for a marriage license in Sherburne County follows the same rules as the rest of Minnesota. Both applicants appear at the Recorder's office, present their IDs, and fill out the application. The Recorder processes it and issues the license the same day. Under Minnesota Statutes Section 517.08, no waiting period applies once the license is issued. It is valid for six months and good for ceremonies anywhere in the state.

The standard fee is $115. Couples who complete a 12-hour premarital education program before applying pay only $40. You need to show proof of completion. The county uses this information to reduce the fee at the time of application. Certified copies of the marriage certificate cost $9 per copy and can be ordered at the time you apply or any time after the ceremony by contacting the Recorder.

Sherburne County also keeps birth and death records. If you need related vital records alongside your marriage record request, the Recorder's office can handle multiple requests during the same visit. Ask the staff what documents you should bring for each type of record you need.

Note: Applicants who were married before must bring the full divorce decree or the death certificate of the former spouse. The Recorder will review this document before issuing the new license.

Searching Sherburne County Marriage Records

Minnesota's statewide marriage record search tool is MOMS, or Minnesota Official Marriage System. You can access it at moms.mn.gov. MOMS has records from counties across the state and can help you find a marriage that occurred in Sherburne County. The system shows the names of both parties, the year, and the county. To get a certified copy, you contact the county recorder directly.

Sherburne County participates in MOMS, so records indexed by the Recorder appear there. If you cannot find what you need online, call the office at 763-765-4420. Staff can check by name or approximate date. Older records may require more time to locate, especially if they predate computerized systems. For historical genealogy research, the Minnesota Historical Society at mnhs.org may have additional indexed records or microfilm for earlier years.

Certified copies cost $9 each. Mail requests are accepted. Include the names of both parties, the year of marriage, and a check or money order made payable to Sherburne County. The Recorder's office will confirm the current mailing address and any required forms when you call ahead.

Minnesota Marriage Laws That Apply in Sherburne County

All Minnesota counties follow the same marriage statutes. Minnesota Statutes Chapter 517 covers license requirements, waiting periods, officiants, witnesses, and record-keeping duties. Sherburne County Recorder's Office acts as the local registrar under these rules.

Both parties must be at least 18 years old. If either person is 16 or 17, a parent or guardian must provide written consent. Minnesota does not require a blood test. The waiting period was eliminated as of August 2016, so couples can marry as soon as the license is in hand. The license itself is valid for ceremonies anywhere in Minnesota for six months from the date it was issued.

Two witnesses who are at least 16 years old must be present at the ceremony and sign the license. The officiant has five days after the ceremony to return the completed license to the county recorder, per Minnesota Statutes Section 517.10. Once filed, the Recorder records it and keeps it as a permanent public document. Under Minnesota Statutes Section 517.01, the county recorder serves as the local registrar for all marriage records in Sherburne County.

Your Social Security number is required on the application but does not appear on the license itself. This is a state requirement and applies to all 87 Minnesota counties. The number is used for administrative purposes only and is kept in county records.

Nearby Counties

Sherburne County sits northwest of the Twin Cities and shares borders with several counties. Each keeps its own marriage records at the county level.