Access Chisago County Marriage License Records

Chisago County marriage licenses are issued by the Chisago County Recorder in Center City. Marriage records for this county go back to 1851 in the state's MOMS index, making it one of the oldest county record sets in Minnesota. Both people who plan to marry must visit the recorder's office in person to apply for a license.

Chisago County Recorder Office

The Chisago County Recorder is at 313 N Main St, Center City, MN 55012. You can call 651-213-8480 with any questions before your visit. Both applicants must be present when you apply. Photo ID is required for each person. If either person was married previously, bring the final divorce decree or the death certificate for the former spouse. The recorder needs to see that document before issuing a new license.

Fees run $115 to $125 for a standard Chisago County marriage license. If you both complete 12 hours of premarital education with a qualified provider and bring written proof, the fee drops to $40 to $50. The reduced fee is set by state law and applies in all Minnesota counties. Your license is valid for six months from the date of issue and can be used anywhere in the state.

Full details are on the Chisago County Marriage License page.

Note: Center City is a small community, so call ahead if you are not sure about current office hours before making the trip to the courthouse.

Search Chisago County Marriage Records

Chisago County has one of the longest marriage record histories in Minnesota's MOMS index. Records go back to 1851, which covers the very earliest years of statehood. The Minnesota Official Marriage System is free to use and open to the public. Search by name or date and filter results by county. MOMS shows names, the license date, and the county. It does not provide the actual certificate document.

For a certified copy of a Chisago County marriage certificate, your main option is the Minnesota Department of Health Vital Records office. The fee is $9 per copy. Orders can be placed online or by mail. MDH certified copies include a state seal and are accepted for legal name changes, insurance updates, Social Security records, and similar needs. You can also contact the Chisago County Recorder directly for recently issued licenses. Find contact details at MDH's county registrar directory.

Minnesota Law for Marriage Licenses

The rules for marriage licenses are found in Chapter 517 of Minnesota Statutes. Age requirements are governed by Minn. Stat. § 517.04. Both parties must be 18 or older, or 16 to 17 with parent or guardian consent in writing. There is no state residency requirement, so couples from outside Chisago County or outside Minnesota can apply here.

Minnesota eliminated its five-day waiting period on September 1, 2016. You can get a license from the Chisago County Recorder and hold your ceremony on the same day. No blood test is required. After the ceremony, the officiant must sign the license and return it to the recorder within five days. The data then flows to MDH and eventually into MOMS. The full application process and what information must appear on the license are covered under Minn. Stat. § 517.08.

Genealogy and Historical Marriage Records

Because Chisago County records go to 1851, this county is a strong area for genealogical research in east-central Minnesota. The MOMS database is the first stop for searches. For documents not yet in the digital index, especially very early records, the Minnesota Historical Society's marriage records guide can point you to microfilm, paper files, and other archival materials held at MNHS. Researchers working on Swedish and Scandinavian immigrant families in particular may find this county's early records valuable.

If you need your Chisago County marriage certificate authenticated for use in another country, the Minnesota Secretary of State handles apostille requests. The cost is $5 per document. Submit through sos.mn.gov/notary-apostille. The apostille process verifies the document is genuine so foreign governments will accept it.

Chisago County Recorder Screenshot

The Chisago County Recorder's office page at chisagocountymn.gov provides contact details, office hours, and information on how to apply for a marriage license in Center City.

The recorder's page confirms what documents to bring and how the application process works for Chisago County marriage license applicants.

The Minnesota Historical Society marriage records guide is a good tool if you need to look up older Chisago County records that predate the MOMS digital index.

MNHS holds archival materials for counties across the state and can assist researchers tracing marriages that date to the mid-1800s in Chisago County.

Cities in Chisago County

Chisago County includes cities such as Chisago City, North Branch, Lindstrom, and Center City. None of these communities meet the population threshold for a dedicated city page on this site. All marriage license applications in Chisago County are handled through the Chisago County Recorder at 313 N Main St in Center City.

Nearby Counties

You can apply for a Minnesota marriage license in any county recorder's office. The offices closest to Chisago County are listed below.