Plymouth Marriage License Records

Plymouth residents get their marriage license through Hennepin County, not the city. The city of Plymouth does not issue marriage licenses. You apply at the Hennepin County Service Center that serves Plymouth, located right in town at 2215 County Drive. Both people who plan to marry must show up in person, bring valid photo ID, and pay the license fee. You can also search Plymouth marriage records online through the state's free MOMS database at moms.mn.gov, which has records going back to 1858.

Where Plymouth Residents Apply for a Marriage License

The Hennepin County Service Center in Plymouth is the closest place to apply. This location handles marriage license applications for Plymouth and nearby Maple Grove. Both people getting married must come in together. You cannot send one person alone to start the process for both of you.

The service center at 2215 County Drive, Plymouth, MN 55447 handles marriage licenses along with other county services. Call ahead at 612-348-8240 to confirm current hours before you go. The center is easy to reach from most parts of Plymouth. More details about all Hennepin County service locations are on the county's site at hennepincounty.gov/locations.

Plymouth City Hall at 3400 Plymouth Blvd does not issue marriage licenses. The Plymouth City Clerk handles city business like council records and local permits. For a marriage license, skip city hall and go to the county service center instead.

The full Hennepin County marriage license page at hennepincounty.gov has details on what to bring, current fees, and other requirements. That page is kept up to date by county staff, so it is a good first stop before your visit.

What You Need to Bring to Apply

Both people must bring a valid, government-issued photo ID. A driver's license, state ID card, or passport all work. The ID must be current and not expired. You also need to know your Social Security number, though you typically do not have to bring a physical card.

If either person was married before, you need to bring proof that the prior marriage ended. A divorce decree or a death certificate works. The county needs to confirm the date the last marriage was dissolved before it can issue a new license. Under Minn. Stat. sec. 517.03, certain prior relationships must be fully dissolved before a new license can be granted.

Both people must be at least 18 years old. If one person is 16 or 17, a parent or legal guardian must give written consent under Minn. Stat. sec. 517.04. Minors under 16 cannot get a marriage license in Minnesota regardless of parental consent.

There is no residency rule. You do not have to live in Minnesota or in Hennepin County to apply here. A couple from another state can come to Plymouth and apply for a Minnesota marriage license. The license is valid for six months from the date it is issued. The wedding must take place in Minnesota.

Marriage License Fees in Hennepin County

The standard fee for a marriage license in Hennepin County is $125. That fee drops to $50 if both people complete at least 12 hours of premarital education from an approved program. You need to bring proof of the course when you apply to get the reduced rate.

There is no waiting period in Minnesota. The law removed the old 5-day wait period in 2016. Once the county clerk processes your application and you pay the fee, the license is ready to take with you the same day. You can get married the next day if you want.

The license is valid for six months. If you do not use it in time, it expires and you must apply again and pay the fee again. Plan your date before you go so you do not let it lapse.

Note: Fees are set by the county and can change. Confirm the current amount at hennepincounty.gov before your visit.

Search Plymouth Marriage Records Online

The Minnesota Official Marriage System, known as MOMS, is a free online database that lets you search marriage records from across the state. Hennepin County participates in MOMS and has records going back to 1858. To search, go to moms.mn.gov and enter a last name. You can also add a first name to narrow results. The system is run by the Minnesota Department of Health and is open to the public at no cost.

MOMS shows the names of both spouses, the county where the license was issued, and the date. It does not show the full license document or any personal details beyond the basic record. If you need a certified copy of a marriage certificate, you must contact the Minnesota Department of Health directly or go through the county.

The Minnesota Department of Health Vital Records office issues certified copies of marriage certificates. The fee is $9 per copy. You can order by mail or in person. The MDH page has order forms and instructions. Certified copies are often needed for legal name changes, insurance updates, or passport applications.

The MDH Vital Records office shows which county offices handle local registration at health.state.mn.us/people/vitalrecords/registrars.html. That directory lists contact details for every county in the state.

Historical Plymouth and Hennepin County Marriage Records

Older marriage records for Plymouth and the rest of Hennepin County are available through the Minnesota Historical Society. The MNHS marriage records guide at libguides.mnhs.org/vital/marriage explains what years are covered and how to access records. MOMS indexes records from 1858 forward, but some older documents may only exist in physical form at the Historical Society or county archives.

The MNHS holds territorial marriage records from 1843 through 1858 in its State Archives. These predate Minnesota statehood. Researchers looking for Plymouth-area ancestors may find useful material there. The MNHS library in St. Paul is open to the public on a scheduled basis.

The state's MDH vital records office began keeping centralized records in the early 1900s. Before that, county recorders held the only copies. For records from the late 1800s, the Hennepin County archives or the MNHS are the best places to search.

The MDH vital records page at health.state.mn.us also explains which offices hold which records and how local registration of marriages works in Minnesota.

Apostille and Certified Copy Services

If you need your marriage certificate recognized in another country, you may need an apostille. The Minnesota Secretary of State issues apostilles for documents used internationally under the Hague Convention. The fee is $5 per document. You must first get a certified copy from MDH, then submit it to the Secretary of State for apostille certification. Details are at sos.mn.gov/notary-apostille.

An apostille is not the same as a certified copy. A certified copy proves the marriage happened in Minnesota. An apostille confirms that the official who signed the document is who they say they are. Some countries require the apostille step before accepting the record.

The state-maintained MDH Vital Records page shows complete procedures for ordering certified marriage certificates in Minnesota.

MDH maintains the official registry for all Minnesota marriage certificates, including those issued in Hennepin County to Plymouth residents.

The Minnesota Official Marriage System at moms.mn.gov is the free public search tool for marriage records across the state.

MOMS allows anyone to search Hennepin County marriage records from 1858 forward by name at no cost.

Nearby Cities

These Minnesota cities also route marriage license applications through their county offices.

County Marriage License Office

Marriage license applications for Plymouth are handled by Hennepin County. The service center at 2215 County Drive, Plymouth, MN 55447 serves Plymouth residents directly.