Minnesota Marriage License Requirements 2026
Everything you need to legally marry in Minnesota: $115 license fee, 5 days waiting period, 6 months validity, minimum age 18, 2 witnesses witnesses required. Apply at the County Court Administrator or Local Registrar.
Minnesota Marriage License: Quick Facts
How Much Is a Marriage License in Minnesota?
A marriage license in Minnesota costs $115. This is the standard fee charged by the County Court Administrator or Local Registrar when you submit your application in person. The fee covers the license itself, recording, and one certified copy of the marriage certificate in most counties.
Payment is typically accepted in cash, card, or check, though policies vary by county. Some counties charge extra for additional certified copies, which you may need for name changes, passport applications, or insurance updates after the wedding. Call your county clerk in advance to confirm accepted payment methods and total cost with additional copies.
Compared to the national average of $60-$80, Minnesota's fee is above the national average.
How to Get a Marriage License in Minnesota
Gather required documents
Both partners need a valid government-issued photo ID. If you have been previously married, bring the final divorce decree or your former spouse's death certificate. Minnesota does not require proof of residency.
Visit the County Court Administrator or Local Registrar
Both applicants must appear in person at the County Court Administrator or Local Registrar in any Minnesota county. You can typically apply in the county where you plan to marry or the county where you live - check your specific county for any local rules.
Complete the application and pay the fee
Fill out the marriage license application and pay the $115 fee. Be ready to provide both Social Security numbers (or visa numbers for non-citizens), your parents' full names, and your places of birth.
Wait 5 days
Minnesota has a mandatory 5 days waiting period between application and ceremony. Plan your application visit at least a week before your ceremony to allow buffer time.
Hold the ceremony within the validity window
The license is valid for 6 months from the date of issue. The ceremony must be officiated and the license signed within this window. Authorized officiants in Minnesota: Ordained ministers, priests, rabbis, and authorized clergy. Judges and court administrators. Justices of the peace. Minnesota also allows anyone authorized by a recognized religious denomination to solemnize marriages.
Return the signed license for recording
After the ceremony, the officiant signs the license along with any required witnesses. The signed license must be returned to the County Court Administrator or Local Registrar (often by the officiant) within the timeframe specified by Minnesota law. The county then issues your official marriage certificate.
Special Situations in Minnesota
Previously married
Bring the final divorce decree or death certificate of your former spouse. Some Minnesota counties require the decree be from within a certain number of months - check with the County Court Administrator or Local Registrar.
Out-of-state couples
Minnesota has no residency requirement, making it a popular state for destination weddings. Both partners just need to appear in person at the County Court Administrator or Local Registrar with valid ID.
Same-sex marriages
Same-sex marriages are fully legal in Minnesota following Obergefell v. Hodges (2015). The requirements are identical to opposite-sex marriages with no additional steps.
Non-citizens
Foreign nationals can marry in Minnesota on a tourist visa with a valid passport. The marriage itself does not change immigration status. You may need certified translations of any foreign documents.
Important Minnesota Notes
Who Can Officiate in Minnesota
Ordained ministers, priests, rabbis, and authorized clergy. Judges and court administrators. Justices of the peace. Minnesota also allows anyone authorized by a recognized religious denomination to solemnize marriages.
Good to Know
Minnesota has one of the higher license fees at $115 and a 5-day waiting period, which is among the longest in the country. The waiting period can be waived by a judge for an additional fee.
Minnesota Marriage License Document Checklist
- Valid government-issued photo ID for both applicants (passport, Minnesota drivers license, state ID, military ID)
- Birth certificates if requested by the County Court Administrator or Local Registrar
- Social Security numbers for both partners (visa numbers acceptable for non-citizens)
- Divorce decree or death certificate if either partner was previously married
- Marriage license fee of $115 - confirm accepted payment methods with your county
- Out-of-state couples are welcome - no residency required
- 2 witnesses for the ceremony, each at least 18
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Marriage License Requirements in Other States
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Minnesota Marriage License FAQ
Everything you need to know about our free tools and how they help your wedding day.
A Minnesota marriage license costs $115. The fee is paid at the County Court Administrator or Local Registrar when you apply. Some counties may charge slightly more for processing or a certified copy of the marriage certificate. Payment methods vary by county - call ahead to confirm whether the office accepts cash, card, or check only.
Yes. Minnesota requires a 5 days waiting period between applying for and using your marriage license. Minnesota has one of the higher license fees at $115 and a 5-day waiting period, which is among the longest in the country. The waiting period can be waived by a judge for an additional fee.
A Minnesota marriage license is valid for 6 months from the date of issue. The ceremony must be performed within this window or you will need to reapply and pay the fee again. Keep the dates in mind when scheduling your application visit.
Minnesota accepts valid government-issued photo ID for both applicants. Acceptable forms include a US passport, state driver's license or state ID card, US military ID, permanent resident card, or foreign passport. Both partners must present ID in person at the County Court Administrator or Local Registrar.
Yes. Minnesota requires 2 witnesses for the ceremony. Witnesses must usually be at least 18 and capable of signing the marriage license. Most couples ask the maid of honor and best man, but anyone meeting the legal age requirement can serve.
No. Minnesota does not require residency to obtain a marriage license. Out-of-state couples can apply at any County Court Administrator or Local Registrar as long as both partners are present and bring the required ID. This makes Minnesota a popular destination wedding state.
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