Ramsey County Marriage Records

Thank you for visiting this page. We aim to give you the best help finding Ramsey County Marriage Records. We will cover how to find, request, and get these key records. Our goal is to make your search clear and easy.

To begin a search for Ramsey County Marriage Records right now, you can visit https://minnesotaofficialrecords.com/ramsey-county-marriage-records/. This resource can help you start the process if you want quick access. It provides a way to look into Ramsey County Marriage Records with ease. Check it out if you are ready to start your search now.

Where to Find Ramsey County Marriage Records

You have a few main ways to find these records. The best place to start is the official county office. You can also use a state tool to check which county has the record.

In-Person Requests

You can go right to the source. The Ramsey County Vital Records office holds these records. They are now in the Plato Building. Their staff can help you get the copy you need. You will need to fill out a form. You also need to pay a small fee. Plan your visit during their work hours.

The address is: Plato Building 90 Plato Blvd West Saint Paul, MN 55107

Their phone line is 651-266-1333. They are open Monday to Friday. Hours are 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. It is best to get there by 4:00 p.m. This ensures they have time to help you. Bring cash, a check, or a card for the fee.

Mail Requests

If you cannot go in person, use mail. This is a good choice too. You need the same form as in person. Download it from the county web site. Fill it out with care. Make sure all names and the date are right. Put the form in an envelope. Add a check or money order for the fee. Make it payable to Ramsey County.

Mail your request to: Vital Records (Marriage Records) 90 Plato Blvd West Saint Paul, MN 55107

Mail requests take some time. The office needs time to process them. Then they mail the record back to you. This can take a week or more. Be sure your return address is clear. This helps them send it to the right place.

Online Search (Official)

Minnesota has a helpful online tool. It is called the Minnesota Official Marriage System (MOMS®). You can find it here: https://www.mncounty.org/page/mn_official_marriage. This system lets you search for marriage records statewide. It tells you which county has the official record. This is great if you are not sure if the license came from Ramsey County.

MOMS® is just a search tool. It is an index funded by Minnesota counties. It helps you find where the record is stored. You cannot get the actual certified copy from the MOMS® site. Once MOMS® tells you Ramsey County has the record, you still need to contact the Ramsey County Vital Records office. Use their in-person or mail request steps to get the official copy. The tool is a great first step to confirm the location.

Types of Ramsey County Marriage Information

There are different kinds of marriage papers. One is the license you get before you wed. The other is the record or certificate made after you wed. Both come from the county.

Certified Marriage Records (Certificates)

This is the official proof of your marriage. It is a legal document. It shows you are married by law. You need this for many things. This includes name changes on ID. Or getting spouse health care benefits. Or dealing with property rights. The Ramsey County Vital Records office issues these certified copies. Ramsey County has marriage records going back to about 1850.

A certified copy has a seal. It shows it is a true and real copy. The fee for one certified copy is $9. This record confirms the key facts. It shows the names of the two people wed. It lists the date the wedding took place. It notes the county where the license was first issued.

Marriage License Information

A marriage license is different. It is the paper you get before the wedding day. It gives you permission to marry. In Ramsey County, you must apply for this license in person. Both people usually must go to the Vital Records office. There are some exceptions if one person cannot be there. They need special notarized forms then.

A Ramsey County license costs $115. But there is a reduced fee. It is $40 if you complete 12 hours of premarital education. You need proof of this education. It must be a signed and notarized statement. The statement must come from the counselor or church leader. The license is good for six months. You must use it within that time. It is only valid for weddings within Minnesota. You cannot use a Minnesota license to marry in another state. Applying for the license happens at the same Plato Building office.

Historical and Genealogy Research

Ramsey County Marriage Records go back a long way. Records start around the year 1850. This makes them useful for family history. If you trace your roots, these records help. They show names, dates, and places. Sometimes they list parents' names too. This can link family lines back in time.

To access old records, contact the Vital Records office. Ask about their search process for old files. There might be fees for research time. Some very old court files may be elsewhere. Pre-1953 court records might be at the Minnesota Historical Society. You can call them at 651-259-3300 for info. Start with Ramsey County Vital Records first for marriage certificates.

How to Get Official Ramsey County Marriage Records

Getting a copy involves a few steps. You need to know who can ask. You must follow the right process. You need the correct form and fee.

Eligibility (Who Can Request)

Not just anyone can get a copy. Minnesota law protects vital records. Minnesota Statutes Chapter 144 covers this. Section 144.225 details who has access. Usually, the persons named on the record can get it. Their children, parents, or spouse often can too. Legal agents might also qualify.

For older records, rules might be less strict. Public access can change based on the record's age. If you are not sure if you can get a copy, ask. Call the Ramsey County Vital Records office. Their number is 651-266-1333. They can tell you if you are eligible. They can explain what proof you might need.

Application Process

You must use the county's form. It is called the Marriage Record Request Application. You can get this form in two ways. Go to the Vital Records office in the Plato Building. Or download it from their web page. Find it on the Ramsey County Marriage Records page.

For in-person requests:

• Go to the office at 90 Plato Blvd West, St. Paul.

• Fill out the application form there. Or bring the one you filled out.

• Pay the $9 fee per copy. They take cash, check, money order, or cards.

• You might need to show your ID.

For mail requests:

• Download and print the application form.

• Fill it out completely. Be sure the names and date are correct.

• Get a check or money order for $9. Make it payable to Ramsey County.

• Mail the form and payment. Send it to Vital Records (Marriage Records), 90 Plato Blvd West, Saint Paul, MN 55107.

Required Information and ID

The application form asks for key facts. You must provide the full names of both spouses. Include the name used at the time of marriage. You also need the exact date of marriage. The county where the license was issued (Ramsey) is also needed. If you ask in person, be ready to show ID. A driver's license or state ID card works well. This helps them prove you are allowed to get the record.

Payment must be correct. The fee is $9 for each certified copy. In person, you can use cash. Or a check or money order made to Ramsey County. Credit cards and debit cards are also fine in person. For mail requests, only use a check or money order. Do not send cash in the mail.

Understanding Your Ramsey County Marriage Record

The official record holds key details. It follows state laws about marriage. Knowing what is on it helps.

Key Information Included

A certified Ramsey County Marriage Record usually shows:

• The full legal names of both people who married.

• The date the marriage ceremony took place.

• The county that issued the license (Ramsey).

• Sometimes the date the license was issued.

• The names of the official witnesses to the marriage. Often they sign it.

• The name and title of the person who performed the ceremony. This could be a judge or minister.

This information confirms the marriage details. It creates a legal record of the event. Check your copy for errors when you get it. Report any issues right away.

Legal Context: Minnesota Marriage Law

Marriage in Minnesota is a civil contract. This is stated in Minnesota Statutes Chapter 517. You can read the full chapter here: https://www.revisor.mn.gov/statutes/cite/517. This law sets the rules for a valid marriage. Key points include:

• Both people must consent to the marriage.

• Both must be old enough (18, or younger with court consent).

• They must get a marriage license before the wedding.

• The marriage must happen before two witnesses.

• An authorized person must solemnize the marriage. This means a judge, court staff, or ordained minister.

Your marriage record proves these rules were met. It shows the marriage is legal in Minnesota.

Ramsey County Vital Records Office Details

Here is the key contact info again. Use this to reach the office.

Location

The office is in the Plato Building. The street address is: 90 Plato Blvd West Saint Paul, MN 55107

Contact Information

You can call them with questions. The phone number is: 651-266-1333. You can find forms and info online too. Visit the county website section: https://www.ramseycounty.us/residents/licenses-permits-records/marriage-records

Hours of Operation

Office hours are standard work hours. Monday through Friday 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. The office suggests arriving by 4:00 p.m. This gives them enough time to process your request before closing. They are closed on weekends and holidays.

Fees for Ramsey County Marriage Records

There is a cost to get official copies. Know the fee and how to pay.

Certified Copy Fee

The cost for each certified copy is $9. This fee is set by the county. It covers the cost of finding and making the copy. You pay this fee for each copy you order. If you need three copies, the cost is $27.

Payment Methods

You have options for paying the fee. If you go in person:

• Cash

• Check (payable to Ramsey County)

• Money Order (payable to Ramsey County)

• Credit Card

• Debit Card

If you order by mail:

• Check (payable to Ramsey County)

• Money Order (payable to Ramsey County)

Always make checks or money orders payable to "Ramsey County". Do not send cash through the mail. Ensure you include the correct payment amount with mailed requests.