Marriage
Obtaining a Marriage License (valid anywhere in the State of Minnesota)
In Minnesota there is a 2-step process to obtain a marriage license.
Step 1: Complete eMarriage Application online at home or use our computers in the public records room in the Recorder's Office - step-by-step instructions (PDF). Information you will need to provide on the application includes:
- Full names and ages
- Social Security Number (you will need this when completing Step 2)
- Dates when a previous marriage was terminated (Day/Month/Year of divorce found on the divorce decree or date and state of death if previous spouse is deceased)
- Address where you will live after marriage
- Whether or not either party has a felony conviction
Step 2: Both parties must appear in person to complete the application process. Please bring valid government issued identification. A person who is not a citizen of the United States may apply providing he or she can show proper identification.
In the event that both parties are not able to appear at the same time to complete their marriage application, a supplemental application may be used. Supplemental applications are only acceptable in a hardship situation and require the approval of the recorder's office staff. Only if it is determined that there is indeed a justifiable hardship, rendering it impossible for both parties to appear, will a supplemental application be accepted.
Either or both parties may change their names on the application provided there have been no felony convictions after August 1, 2000.
Once issued, a marriage license is valid for a period of 6 months and valid only in the State of Minnesota. There is no refund if the license is not used within the 6 months.
You will be provided one certified copy of the marriage certificate at no charge. Additional copies of a marriage certificate may be requested at any time for $9 each in person, by mail, or online.
For Minnesota statutes relating to marriage, please visit MS 517- Civil Marriage.
Fees for Marriage Application
- Regular Application - $115
- Reduced Fee - $40*
*To qualify for a reduced fee marriage application, at the time of your application, you must provide a statement from a person authorized to provide premarital education, per Minnesota Statute 517.08.
The Chisago County Recorder's office accepts cash, check, money order, credit or debit cards.
Judges That Will Perform Marriages
Need A Certified Copy of Your Marriage Certificate but Can't Remember Where You Applied?
Go to the Minnesota Official Marriage System (MOMS) website to find out where you applied for your license. To obtain a certified copy of your marriage certificate, you need to contact the county in which you applied for your marriage license (NOT the county in which you were married). The fee for a certified copy of a marriage certificate is $9. You may request a certified copy of a Marriage Certificate from Chisago County by mail or online.
Attention: Genealogists
We are in the process of scanning historic marriage documents that may include marriage licenses, return certificate from Officiant with witness and officiant signatures, applications and waivers. The fee for copies is $9 per document set by Minnesota Statute. You may come to our office to research these documents and obtain copies or you may email the Recorder's Office with the marriage information including the Identification (ID) number from the MOMS (Minnesota Official Marriage System) website and we will respond within 1 to 3 business days with a list of available documents. You may then order documents online or by mail. Documents will be emailed to you within 2 business days of receipt of order and funds.