Marriage records in Hennepin County, Minnesota can be accessed through several channels. HennepinCourt.us can help you find publicly available marriage record information. You can also request records directly from the issuing authority — the Hennepin County District Court or the Minnesota Department of Health Office of Vital Records — as well as in person at the courthouse or by mail. The method you choose depends on the type of record you need and whether you require a certified copy.
Hennepin County Marriage Records Search
In Minnesota, marriage licenses are issued by the court administrator's office in the county where the couple applies. For Hennepin County, the Hennepin County District Court (Fourth Judicial District) handles marriage license applications. Once a marriage ceremony is performed and the license is returned, the completed certificate is filed with the court and also forwarded to the Minnesota Department of Health, which maintains a statewide vital records index.
The Hennepin County District Court's Records Center provides public access to court records, including marriage records on file with the court. The collection includes marriage licenses issued, marriage certificates filed after solemnization, and historical marriage records dating back through the county's record-keeping history. For index-level searches of court records, Minnesota Court Records Online (MCRO) offers free public access to many district court case records.
Certified Marriage Record Copies and Fees in Hennepin County
There are two main sources for certified copies of a Hennepin County marriage record: the Hennepin County District Court and the Minnesota Department of Health (MDH) Office of Vital Records. Fees differ depending on which office you use.
| Service | Hennepin County District Court | MN Dept. of Health |
|---|---|---|
| Certified copy | $14.00 | $26.00 |
| Additional certified copy (same order) | $14.00 each | $19.00 each |
| Uncertified/search copy | Contact court for current fee | Not typically offered separately |
| Search fee (if no record found) | Included in copy fee | $26.00 (non-refundable) |
| Expedited processing (MDH) | N/A | Additional fee; check MDH website |
Court copy fees are set under Minnesota court fee schedules. MDH fees are established under Minnesota Statutes § 144.226. Processing times at the court's Records Center are generally same-day for in-person requests. Mail requests through MDH may take several weeks; expedited service is available for an additional charge.
Order Marriage Certificates Online or In Person in Hennepin County
You have three main ways to obtain a marriage certificate from Hennepin County:
Online
- The Minnesota Department of Health allows online ordering of certified vital records, including marriage certificates, through its secure portal at mn.gov/health — Vital Records.
- For court-filed marriage records, you can search Minnesota Court Records Online (MCRO) to locate the record, then contact the Hennepin County Records Center to order a certified copy.
In Person
Visit the Hennepin County District Court Records Center at the address listed above. Walk-ins are accepted during regular business hours. Bring a valid photo ID. Payment is accepted at the counter — confirm accepted payment methods by calling ahead.
By Mail
To request a marriage certificate by mail from the court, send the following to the Records Center:
- A written request including full names of both spouses, approximate date of marriage, and your contact information.
- A copy of your valid photo ID.
- Payment (check or money order made payable to "Hennepin County District Court").
- A self-addressed stamped envelope.
For statewide vital records requests by mail, you can also write to the Minnesota Department of Health, Office of Vital Records, P.O. Box 64499, St. Paul, MN 55164-0499. Include the completed state application form, fee, and a copy of your ID. Forms are available on the Hennepin County District Court forms page or directly from the MDH website.
If you're unsure which office holds the record you need, start with HennepinCourt.us to locate the correct resource, or call the Records Center at (612) 348-2113 for guidance.