Washington County Marriage Records

Thank you for choosing this page for information. We aim to provide clear help for your search for Washington County Marriage Records. We will cover how to find and get these records. This guide is for Washington County in Minnesota.

If you want to start a search right now, visit https://minnesotaofficialrecords.com/washington-county-marriage-records/ online. This resource can help you begin your quest for Washington County Marriage Records immediately. It offers a way to search databases that contain public records information, which may include marriage details filed within the county. It provides a quick path for those ready to check names and dates.

Accessing Washington County Marriage Records

Where Records Are Located

Washington County Marriage Records are kept at the county level. The office responsible is Washington County Property Records and Taxpayer Services. This office handles vital records, including marriage certificates. Records for marriages where the license was applied for in Washington County are filed here. This is true no matter where the wedding took place. For statewide searches, the Minnesota Official Marriage System (MOMS) is a useful tool. It helps find which county holds a specific marriage record in Minnesota. The Minnesota Department of Health Office of Vital Records oversees this system but does not issue marriage certificates directly. The county office that issued the license holds the official record.

Types of Records Available

You can obtain certified copies of marriage certificates. These are official documents. You can also access information about marriage license applications. Washington County has historical Washington County Marriage Records dating back to 1870. These older records are often used for family history research. Recent records might have some viewing limits due to privacy rules. But certified copies are generally available to eligible people. Non-certified copies may also be available for some records.

Obtaining Certified Copies of Marriage Certificates

Who Can Request Copies

Generally, marriage records in Minnesota are public information. Anyone can request a copy or view the record. For records filed more recently, some data might be restricted from public view. However, obtaining a certified copy is usually straightforward. The county office provides these copies upon request and payment of the fee. There are no major blocks for most requests.

Requesting In Person

Getting certified copies of Washington County Marriage Records in person is fast. Same day service is often available. You can go to the main Washington County Government Center. The address is 14949 62nd Street North, Stillwater, MN 55082. Copies are also issued at Washington County License Centers and Service Centers. Check their specific locations and hours online. Bring identification if needed, though often not required for public marriage records. You must pay the fee at the time of request. This is the quickest way to get your certificate. Staff can help you fill out any needed form right there.

The Washington County Government Center office hours are usually Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM. It is best to call ahead or check the county website. This confirms current hours before you visit. Holidays will affect open hours. Be sure to plan your trip. Cash, check, or card payments are likely accepted. The fee is required when you make the request. Staff are there to help process your request quickly. This method avoids mail delays. You leave with the record in hand most times.

Requesting By Mail

You can also get Washington County Marriage Records by mail. You need to submit a completed form. Find the Copy of Marriage Record form (PDF) on the county website. Fill it out fully. Include the names of the persons married. Include the date of the marriage. Make your check or money order for $10 payable to Washington County. Mail the form and payment to this address: Washington County Vital Records, P.O. Box 6, Stillwater, MN 55082. Mail requests take longer than in-person visits. Allow time for mail delivery and processing. Ensure your payment is correct to avoid delays.

Fees for Marriage Certificates

The cost for a certified copy of a Washington County Marriage Record is $10. This fee applies to each copy requested. Payment is due when you submit the request. This applies whether you request it in person or by mail. This fee is set by the county. It covers the cost of searching and producing the official document. There are other fees for related services. For example, amending a certificate costs more. A non-certified copy might have a different fee if available. Check the county's fee schedule for full details. The $10 fee is specifically for one standard certified marriage certificate copy.

Applying for a Washington County Marriage License

Where to Apply

To get married in Minnesota, you need a license first. Apply for your marriage license in Washington County. You can do this at the Government Center in Stillwater. Or visit a County License Center or Service Center. Both parties usually need to be present. Check the specific hours for license applications. Sometimes these differ from general office hours. Plan ahead for your visit.

Application Requirements

Both people applying must provide information. You need your full legal names. Give your current address. Provide your Social Security number if you have one. State your date and place of birth. If you were married before, you need details. Give the date, court, and place of the last divorce or death. You must show valid photo ID. A driver's license or passport works well. Both parties sign the application. You take an oath when signing. Make sure all info is correct.

Fees for Marriage Licenses

The standard fee for a Washington County Marriage Record license is $115. This fee is paid when you apply. There is a way to pay less. Couples can get a reduced fee. The reduced fee is $40. To get this lower price, you must complete premarital education. You must show proof of this education. Bring the signed educator's statement when you apply. Fees are non-refundable. Payment methods usually include cash, check, or card. Confirm payment options with the office.

Premarital Education Discount

Save money on your marriage license fee. Complete at least 12 hours of premarital education. The course must use a premarital inventory tool. It must teach communication and conflict skills. The person providing the education must meet state rules. They must be a licensed or ordained minister. Or a person authorized to solemnize marriages under Minnesota Statute 517.18. Or a licensed marriage and family therapist. You need a signed statement from the educator. It must be on their letterhead or notarized. Or marked with a church seal. It confirms you both completed the 12 hours. Bring this statement when you apply for the license. The reduced fee is then $40 instead of $115. This promotes strong starts for marriages.

License Validity

Your Washington County marriage license is good for six months. This period starts from the date you apply. You must have the ceremony within these six months. If you wait longer, the license expires. You would need to apply and pay again. There used to be a five-day wait period in MN. This waiting period is generally no longer required as of August 1, 2016 changes to Minnesota Statute 517. The license is effective right away once issued. Plan your ceremony date within the six month window.

Name Change Information

Getting married might mean changing your name. Minnesota law guides this process. Minnesota Statute 259.10 allows name changes via district court. There is a special rule for those with felony records. M.S. 259.13, subd. 5 allows a fee waiver. You must file within 180 days of the marriage. You submit a certified copy of the Washington County Marriage Record (certificate) to the court. For others, standard court procedures apply. Contact the Minnesota Judicial Branch or district court for guidance. Non-Minnesota residents follow rules in their home state. Remember to update ID, Social Security, banks, etc.

Genealogical Research and Historical Records

Available Records

Washington County holds a wealth of historical data. Washington County Marriage Records date back to 1870. These old records are available for public viewing. They offer great insight for family history. You can trace ancestors and family connections. The records contain names, dates, and sometimes more detail. Accessing these records helps piece together the past. The county maintains these records carefully. They are a key resource for genealogists. Both local and distant researchers use them.

Accessing Records for Research

You can view historical Washington County Marriage Records in person. This research must be done at the Washington County Government Center. The address is 14949 62nd Street North in Stillwater. Research is allowed during regular business hours. Typically this is Monday to Friday, 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM. It is wise to call ahead. Confirm research hours and any needed procedures. There may be rules about handling old books. Staff can assist you in finding the correct volumes or indexes. Viewing is generally free. Fees apply only if you need certified copies made. Plan your visit to allow enough time for searching.

Washington County Vital Records Contact and Location

Main Office

The primary office for Washington County Marriage Records is located within the county's main administrative building. It is part of the Property Records and Taxpayer Services department. They handle all vital records functions for the county. This includes issuing marriage licenses and providing certified copies of marriage certificates after the ceremony. Staff can answer questions about requirements, fees, and procedures. They manage both current and historical records maintained by Washington County.

• Department: Property Records and Taxpayer Services / Vital Records

• Location: Washington County Government Center

• Address: 14949 62nd Street North, Stillwater, MN 55082

• Phone: 651-430-6175

• Office Hours: Generally Monday - Friday, 8:00 AM - 4:30 PM. Closed on government holidays. Always best to verify current hours on the official Washington County website or by calling before visiting, especially for specific services like marriage license applications which might have cut-off times.

Relevant State Laws and Resources

Minnesota Statutes

Several state laws govern marriage and vital records in Minnesota. Understanding these can be helpful. Key statutes include:

• Chapter 517: Marriage; Solemnization: This chapter covers who can marry, license requirements, officiant duties, and related rules. View it here: https://www.revisor.mn.gov/statutes/cite/517

• Chapter 144: Department of Health: This chapter includes sections on vital statistics, detailing how birth, death, and other vital records are managed at the state level. See it here: https://www.revisor.mn.gov/statutes/cite/144

• Chapter 259: Change of Name, Adoption: This covers legal name changes, including those related to marriage. Find it here: https://www.revisor.mn.gov/statutes/cite/259

Minnesota Department of Health (MDH)

The MDH Office of Vital Records sets state standards. They manage the statewide systems. They do not issue marriage certificates directly. That task falls to the county where the license was issued. However, their website provides useful information. It has forms and details on vital records statewide. Visit MDH Vital Records: https://www.health.state.mn.us/people/vitalrecords/index.html

Minnesota Official Marriage System (MOMS)

MOMS is a valuable online tool. It is a statewide index of marriage records. You can use it to find out which Minnesota county holds a specific marriage certificate. This is helpful if you are unsure where the license was issued. Access MOMS information via the MN State Law Library: https://mn.gov/law-library/how-do-i-find/marriage-certificate.jsp