Washington County Marriage Records

Washington County marriage records are maintained by the Taxpayer Services Vital Statistics division, with the main office in Stillwater. The county is in the eastern Twin Cities metropolitan area and is one of the larger suburban counties in Minnesota. If you need a marriage license or certified copy of a marriage certificate issued in Washington County, the Vital Statistics office handles both. Three service center locations serve the county, making it easier for residents to access records or apply for a license near where they live.

Washington County Vital Statistics Office

The main Vital Statistics office is at Washington County Government Center, 14949 - 62nd St. N., Stillwater, MN 55082. The mailing address is P.O. Box 6, Stillwater, MN 55082. The phone number is 651-430-6175. Hours are Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM. Birth and death records from 1870 are available at the Stillwater location. Records for county births and deaths between 1870 and 1900 are specifically held at the Stillwater government center.

Washington County operates three service center locations. The Headwaters Service Center is at 19955 Forest Road North in Forest Lake. The South Service Center is at 13000 Ravine Pkwy So. in Cottage Grove. Marriage license applications are available at all three locations. Both applicants must appear in person at any service center. Bring a valid photo ID and your Social Security number. If you were married before, bring the divorce decree or death certificate from that prior marriage.

The main county website is at washingtoncountymn.gov. The Vital Statistics page is at washingtoncountymn.gov/1551/Vital-Statistics. Service center locations and hours are at washingtoncountymn.gov/1430/Service-Centers. Washington County's records include some of the earliest in the state, going back to 1849 for records held by the Minnesota Historical Society.

The Washington County official website is the main resource for county services, including contact details and hours for all Vital Statistics locations.

Washington County's online presence provides easy access to vital statistics office details, service center locations, and the marriage license application process for residents in the eastern Twin Cities metro area.

The Washington County Vital Statistics page provides specific information on marriage licenses, certified copies, fees, and service center availability across the county.

Washington County's Vital Statistics division manages marriage records alongside birth and death records from 1870, all accessible from three convenient service center locations throughout the county.

Getting a Marriage License in Washington County

Both applicants go to any Washington County service center together. The main Stillwater location and the service centers in Forest Lake and Cottage Grove all process marriage license applications. Under Minnesota Statutes Section 517.08, no waiting period applies. The license is effective immediately and valid for six months for any ceremony anywhere in Minnesota.

The standard fee is $115. Couples who completed a 12-hour premarital education program pay only $40. Bring proof of course completion with you. Certified copies cost $9 each. You can order them the day you get your license or any time after the ceremony is filed. The county keeps the filing and it becomes part of the permanent Washington County marriage record.

Washington County has limited participation in the MOMS statewide database. That means not all records are searchable online through MOMS. For the most reliable record verification, contact the county office directly rather than relying solely on the online search tool. Early records from Washington County going back to 1849 are held by the Minnesota Historical Society, making this county one with the deepest record history in the state.

Note: Washington County has limited MOMS participation. Contact the county directly at 651-430-6175 for record verification rather than relying on the online MOMS search.

Searching Washington County Marriage Records

For online searches, try MOMS at moms.mn.gov first. Washington County's participation is limited, so if you cannot find a record there, call the office at 651-430-6175. Staff can search by name and date. The county holds birth and death records from 1870. Records from 1870 to 1900 are specifically at the Stillwater location.

For records going back before 1870, the Minnesota Historical Society at mnhs.org holds Ramsey and Washington County records from 1849. That is a key resource for genealogical research covering the early territorial period of Minnesota. MNHS has a wide collection of early county records and may be the only place to find some Washington County records from before formal state record-keeping began.

Certified copies are $9 each. For mail requests, call ahead to confirm the correct mailing address and form requirements. Include the full names of both parties, the year of marriage, and a check or money order. For in-person requests, any of the three service center locations can assist.

Minnesota Marriage Law in Washington County

Minnesota's marriage statutes in Chapter 517 apply in Washington County as in all counties. The local registrar acts under Section 517.01 and is responsible for issuing licenses and recording completed marriages.

Both parties must be 18 or older. Parental consent is required for 16- and 17-year-olds. No blood test is required. The waiting period was eliminated in August 2016. Two witnesses at least 16 years old must be present at the ceremony. Under Section 517.10, the officiant has five days after the ceremony to return the completed license to the county. Once filed, the marriage is part of the permanent public record for Washington County.

SSNs are required for the application but are not printed on the license. The license is valid for six months statewide. Washington County stores all filed records per state guidelines and makes them accessible to the public during business hours. The county's three service center locations make access easier for residents living across the county's broad eastern Twin Cities footprint.

Cities in Washington County

Washington County includes several communities in the eastern Twin Cities area. All marriage licenses and certificates for the county are maintained by Washington County Vital Statistics.

Other communities in Washington County include Stillwater, Cottage Grove, Forest Lake, Oakdale, Lake Elmo, and Hugo. Marriage records for all of these areas are filed with Washington County Vital Statistics.

Nearby Counties

Washington County is in the eastern Twin Cities metro and borders these counties. Each county handles marriage records through its own office.