Search Anoka County Marriage License

Anoka County marriage license applications are handled at six License Center locations across the county, making it one of the most accessible counties in Minnesota for this service. Whether you are getting a new license or trying to search historical marriage records, Anoka County has a well-developed system in place. This page covers every step of the process, from what to bring on your visit to how to search records going back to 1858 through the state's online database.

Anoka County License Centers

Anoka County runs six License Center locations that issue marriage licenses. That is more than most counties in Minnesota, which is a real advantage for people living in the suburbs north of the Twin Cities. You do not need to go to the main office in Anoka. You can visit the location closest to you. Each center can issue the license and answer your questions.

The six locations are in Anoka, Blaine, Columbia Heights, Coon Rapids, Ham Lake, and Ramsey. Hours vary by location. Some centers offer extended evening or weekend hours, which can make it easier if you work during the day. Check the Anoka County License Centers page for current hours and addresses before you go. The main office is at 2100 3rd Ave in Anoka.

The county also offers an online pre-application tool. You can start the process at the Anoka County Marriage License Wizard before your in-person visit. Pre-filling your information online can save time at the counter. Both applicants still have to appear in person to sign and pay, but getting a head start online helps speed things up.

Note: Hours and location availability can change, so call 763-324-1360 or check the county website before visiting any of the six centers.

Anoka County Marriage License Online Application

The screenshot below shows the Anoka County Marriage License application wizard. This online tool lets you begin your application before you arrive at a License Center. You enter your personal information, review the requirements, and print or save a confirmation to bring with you.

Using the wizard does not replace the in-person visit, but it cuts down the time you spend at the counter on your appointment day.

Requirements for an Anoka County Marriage License

Minnesota law under Minn. Stat. § 517.08 sets the basic rules for marriage license applications. Both applicants must appear in person at a License Center. Each person must show a valid government-issued photo ID such as a driver's license, state ID card, or passport. You will also need to provide Social Security numbers for both people.

If either applicant was previously married, bring documentation showing that marriage ended. A divorce decree or a death certificate is required. Without it, the clerk cannot issue the license. Both parties must be at least 18 years old. Applicants who are 16 or 17 may apply only with written consent from a parent or guardian under Minn. Stat. § 517.04. There is no residency requirement, meaning you do not have to live in Anoka County or even in Minnesota to apply here.

No blood test is needed. Minnesota got rid of that requirement years ago. There is also no waiting period. You receive the license the day you apply and can marry immediately. The license is good for six months from the date it is issued.

Anoka County Marriage License Fee

The fee for a marriage license in Anoka County is $115. You pay at the License Center when you apply. The county's marriage license information page confirms this fee and describes what forms of payment are accepted. It is worth checking that page before your visit to confirm nothing has changed.

Anoka County offers a reduced fee of $40 for couples who complete a 12-hour premarital education course. You must bring a certificate or other proof of completion when you apply. The course has to meet state requirements. Not every couple qualifies, but for those who do take the course, the savings are real. The full list of what the course must cover is available from the county or through the Minnesota Department of Health.

The $115 standard fee and the $40 reduced fee are set by state law. Counties do not have much room to vary from those amounts. Some counties charge $120 or $125, but Anoka County is at the $115 level. Ask about accepted payment methods at your chosen License Center before your visit, as some locations may have different policies.

Anoka County Vital Records and Certified Copies

After a marriage is solemnized, the officiant returns the license to the county. The county then records it and sends a copy to the Minnesota Department of Health. Anoka County maintains a Vital Records page where you can find information about ordering certified copies of marriage records from the county's own files.

Certified copies are legal documents. You may need one to change your name, update federal benefits, or prove your marital status. The MDH also provides certified copies for $9 each. You can request them by contacting the county or going through MDH at health.state.mn.us. The MDH county registrar directory at health.state.mn.us/people/vitalrecords/registrars.html lists Anoka County's contact details. If you need a document apostilled for international use, the Minnesota Secretary of State handles that at sos.mn.gov/notary-apostille for $5 per document.

Search Anoka County Marriage Records Online

Anoka County marriage records are searchable through the Minnesota Official Marriage System (MOMS). This state database indexes records going back to 1858, which covers the entire recorded history of the county. You can search by name at no cost. The system returns index-level information: names, dates, and county of record. It does not display the full license, but it is enough for most genealogy or verification purposes.

MOMS is run by the Minnesota Department of Health. Anoka County is one of 85 counties that participate. The database is updated as new records are filed. If a record does not appear in MOMS, call the Recorder at 763-324-1360 or contact MDH directly. For older records not yet digitized, the Minnesota Historical Society at libguides.mnhs.org/vital/marriage may have what you need on microfilm or in other archival formats.

Cities in Anoka County

Anoka County has two cities with populations above 100,000 that have dedicated pages on this site. All other communities in the county also file marriage licenses through the Anoka County License Centers.

Other communities served by Anoka County License Centers include Anoka, Columbia Heights, Ham Lake, Ramsey, Andover, and many more. All marriage license applications go through the county system.

Nearby Counties

Anoka County borders several other Minnesota counties. Marriage licenses are county-specific in terms of where you apply, but you can use any county in the state regardless of where you live.