Washington County Marriage License Records
Washington County marriage licenses are issued through the county's Taxpayer Services and Vital Statistics office in Stillwater. Unlike most Minnesota counties, Washington County does not participate in the statewide MOMS database, so marriage record searches must be done directly through the county office. Whether you are applying for a new license or trying to find a past record, the Taxpayer Services office at 14949 62nd St N in Stillwater is the place to start.
Washington County Overview
Washington County Taxpayer Services
Washington County handles marriage licenses through its Taxpayer Services and Vital Statistics office, not through a traditional County Recorder setup. This office manages vital records including marriage licenses, certified copies, and historical records going back to 1870. The office is at 14949 62nd St N, Stillwater, MN 55082. The phone number is 651-430-6755.
Both people who want to get married must appear at the office together. Each person needs a valid government-issued photo ID. If either person was previously married, bring a certified copy of the divorce decree or a death certificate. The license is processed the same day. Washington County does not allow remote or mail-in applications for new licenses.
Note: Washington County does not participate in MOMS. You cannot search Washington County marriage records through moms.mn.gov. Contact the Taxpayer Services office directly for record searches and certified copies.
Marriage License Requirements in Washington County
The state requirements under Minnesota law apply here just as they do in every county. Both applicants must be at least 18. If someone is 16 or 17, a parent or guardian must give written consent before a license can be issued, as required by Minn. Stat. § 517.04. There is no residency requirement and no blood test requirement. Couples from out of state may apply.
Minnesota eliminated its waiting period on September 1, 2016. That means you can get married the same day you receive the license. The license stays valid for six months. After the ceremony, the signed license must be returned to the Washington County Taxpayer Services office. Under Minn. Stat. § 517.08, the officiant is responsible for returning it. This step makes the marriage an official part of the county's vital records.
Fees
The standard fee in Washington County is $115 to $125. Couples who complete at least 12 hours of approved premarital education and bring proof of it can apply for a reduced rate of $40 to $50. Call 651-430-6755 to confirm the current fee and to ask what forms of payment are accepted before your visit.
Searching Washington County Marriage Records
Because Washington County does not use MOMS, the process for searching marriage records is different here than in most other Minnesota counties. You must contact the Taxpayer Services and Vital Statistics office directly to look up a record. The office maintains its own system with records going back to 1870. Call 651-430-6755 or visit 14949 62nd St N in Stillwater.
If you need a certified copy of a Washington County marriage record, you have two options. The Taxpayer Services office can issue one directly. Alternatively, the Minnesota Department of Health issues certified copies for $9 each. Their vital records page is at health.state.mn.us/people/vitalrecords/. The MDH county directory at health.state.mn.us/people/vitalrecords/registrars.html lists the direct contact for Washington County.
For genealogical research on older records, the Minnesota Historical Society holds vital records that go back further than the county's digital system. Their research guide is at libguides.mnhs.org/vital/marriage.
Court Weddings in Washington County
Couples who want a civil ceremony have an option through the Washington County District Court. The image below is from the Washington County court weddings page, which lists how to arrange a wedding ceremony with a judge.
This is a practical option for couples who want to keep the ceremony simple or who prefer a civil officiant. Contact the court directly to ask about scheduling and any associated fees.
Under Minn. Stat. § 517.13, marriages in Minnesota may be performed by a judge, a licensed or ordained minister, or a civil celebrant authorized under state law. A judge performing a court wedding satisfies this requirement. After the ceremony, the signed license must still be returned to Washington County Taxpayer Services.
Apostilles and International Use
If you need your Washington County marriage record recognized in another country, you may need an apostille. The Minnesota Secretary of State handles apostille requests for $5. Visit sos.mn.gov/notary-apostille/ to learn the steps. You will need a certified copy of the marriage record first, which you can get from the Taxpayer Services office or the MDH.
Cities in Washington County
Washington County includes the city of Woodbury, which qualifies for a dedicated city records page. Woodbury residents apply for marriage licenses at the Washington County Taxpayer Services office at 14949 62nd St N, Stillwater, since marriage licenses are issued at the county level, not the city level.