Marriage license

To get married in Minnesota, you must have a marriage license issued in Minnesota.

You don't have to be a Minnesota resident.

Your marriage license:

• Is valid for 6 months.
• Can only be used to get married in Minnesota.
• Will be issued when you pay.

Requirements

• Be at least 18 years old at the time of the wedding.
• Finalize application and pay.

If you have a felony

You can't change your name through a marriage license application. You must follow the requirements in Minnesota Statute 259.13.

Fees

Fees are non-refundable.

Payment options

Regular fee

$125

Reduced fee

$50

You may qualify if you've completed 12 hours of premarital education. Complete and submit an educator's statement (PDF, 1MB).

Application process

There are three ways to apply for a marriage license:

• Both people go to the service center in person.
• One person goes to the service center in person.
• Nobody goes to the service center in person – remote option.

If both people go to the service center in person

1. Submit applicant information online - so you don't have to fill it out in the office. The application will be ready for you when you come in.
2. After you receive an email confirmation that your application was submitted, gather and bring:
   • Any documents needed.
   • Identification such as a driver's license, state ID, or birth certificate. See the confirmation screen or email for a full list.
3. Schedule an appointment or come into one of our locations. To avoid long wait times, we recommend you make an appointment.
4. Both applicants should come to the service center. You will:
   • Confirm application information already completed online.
   • Review and approve information on the marriage license.
   • Pay for your license.
   • Receive a packet of information with your license.

If one person goes to the service center in person

1. If both applicants can't come in together to apply, complete and bring the party not appearing form (PDF, 1MB).
   • The signature of the person not appearing must be notarized.
   • You may find a notary at banks and financial institutions or print and copy stores. We suggest calling to confirm they offer this service before visiting.
2. Complete and bring the license application (PDF, 1MB).
   • The signature of the person not appearing must be notarized.
3. The person appearing must also bring:
   • A copy of a document that proves the age of the person not appearing. The name on this document must match the name on the license application.
4. Schedule an appointment or come into one of our locations. To avoid long wait times, we recommend you make an appointment.
5. Visit the service center, where you will:
   • Submit your license application.
   • Review and approve information on the marriage license.
   • Pay for your license.
   • Receive a packet of information with your license.

If nobody goes in person – remote option

1. Complete the license application (PDF, 1MB).
   • Both applicant sections must be completed.
   • The form does not need to be notarized.
2. Each applicant must complete the supplemental form (PDF, 1MB).
   • Get the supplemental forms notarized or e-notarized.
3. Gather your proof of age documents. You must include a copy of a document that proves the age of each person, such as a driver’s license, identification card, or birth certificate.
   • The name on this document must match the name on the license application.
4. Mail your application, documents, and check or money order to:

   Director of Licensing - Remote Marriage
   Hennepin County Government Center
   300 South 6th Street, MC 678-B
   Minneapolis, MN 55487-0678

5. Once we process the application, we will email you a copy of the license to confirm all the information is correct.
• If you see any errors, such as spelling or date mistakes, you must reply to the email within 48 hours to let us know. You can’t make changes to the names chosen after marriage.
• After 48 hours, any changes will require a marriage record correction.

Next steps

Have a ceremony

• Ceremonies can take place anywhere in Minnesota or at one of our service centers in a civil ceremony. 

After the ceremony

• Your marriage officiant will file your marriage certificate.
• We will return your certified marriage certificate once it's been recorded.
• An error on the certificate can be fixed by correcting marriage record information.