Marriage license

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

You don't have to be a Minnesota resident.

Requirements

• Be at least 18 years old at the time of the wedding.
• Finalize application and pay in person.
• Submit applicant information online. If you skip the online submission, your appointment will take longer.

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).

Facts

Final application and payment must be made in person.

Your marriage license:

• Is valid for 6 months.
• Can only use it to get married in Minnesota.
• Will be issued when you pay in person at our office.

Application process

1. Submit applicant information online - so you don't have to fill it out in the office. It'll be ready and waiting for you when you come in to sign, pay and get your license.
2. Gather and bring any documents listed on the confirmation screen or email.
3. Bring identification like a driver's license, state ID, birth certificate. See the confirmation screen or email for a full list.
4. Schedule an appointment or come into one of our locations. Wait times depend on staffing. Save time, make an appointment.

At your appointment

Both applicants should come to the appointment. 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 both applicants can't come in together to apply, complete and bring:

  • Party not appearing form (PDF, 1MB) – You must have a copy of a document that proves the age of the person not appearing and their signature must be notarized.
  • License application (PDF, 1MB) – The signature of the person not appearing must be notarized.

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.