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Hennepin County, Minnesota

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Services available by phone, fax and online

We continue to process mailed and faxed requests for vital records. Staff are also monitoring and responding to emails during the closure.

For assistance with vital records, please email license.gc@hennepin.us.

Marriage

If you are getting married, need to file a marriage license or certificate, or need documentation of a marriage, this is the place to start.

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Marriage certificate or record application

A certified copy of a marriage record verifies that a marriage has taken place and must be applied for in the county where the original marriage license application was made.

If the original marriage license application was made in Hennepin County, a certified copy can be requested at any of our service center locations. You may also apply by mail or fax.

To get a marriage certificate you need to provide the correct marriage date and applicant names. If you don't know the date and names, we can search for $20 per hour ($10 minimum) in addition to the cost of the copy.

Check order status

If it's been over four (4) weeks since you ordered submit a Vital records inquiry form.

Get your copy by mail

Your order will be processed in 2–3 weeks from the date we receive your request. Expedited processing is available for an additional $20. Expedited requests will be processed the same day.

1. Complete the marriage record application (PDF).

2. Print and sign the application.

3. Include check or money order payment.

  • Each certified copy: $9
  • (Optional) Expedite same day processing fee: $20

4. Mail your completed and signed application, along with check or money order to the address on the application. For expedited processing include the $20 expedite fee and write "Expedite" on the outside of your envelope. 

Get your copy by FAX

Your order will be processed in 7 - 10 business days from the date we receive your request. Expedited processing is available for an additional $20. Expedited requests received by 2 p.m. CST will be processed that same day. Expedited requests received after 2 p.m. will be processed the next business day.

  1. Begin your order at VitalChek.
  2. After placing your order print the Vital Records Authorization and sign it.
  3. Fax your signed authorization form to 612-348-2010.
  4. For $20 expedited processing write "Expedite" on the authorization form.

Cost

  • Each certified copy: $9
  • VitalChek fee: $7
  • (Optional) UPS express mail: $20
  • (Optional) Expedite processing: $20

If you are unable to place your order through VitalChek

  1. Complete the marriage record application (PDF).
  2. Print and sign the application.
  3. Submit the marriage record application and this fax cover sheet (PDF) by FAX to 612-348-2010.

Filing a marriage license

Within five days after the marriage ceremony, the official who performed the marriage must file the marriage license with the county.

Instructions were included in the packet issued to the applicants when they applied for their marriage license.

What the official will do after the ceremony

  • Print or type the names of the witnesses along with your name (the official) and credentials on the appropriate lines.
  • The applicants, witnesses, and official must sign the license.
  • Make sure the license is complete and return it in the pre-addressed envelope within FIVE (5) DAYS of the ceremony to the:

DIRECTOR OF LICENSING
MARRIAGE LICENSE DEPARTMENT
Hennepin County Government Center
A Level – Suite A-025
300 S. 6th St.
Mpls, MN 55487-0026

Additional information

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