Minnesota Marriage License Requirements | Courthouse Wedding Guide
Planning a courthouse wedding or civil ceremony in Minnesota? This is your complete, verified guide to marriage license requirements — fees, waiting periods, witnesses, age requirements, and everything else you need to know to get legally married in Minnesota.
Marriage License Requirements in Minnesota (2025)
| Requirement | Details |
|---|---|
| License Fee | $115 without premarital education; $40 with 12+ hours of premarital education |
| Waiting Period | None |
| License Validity | 6 months |
| Where to Apply | Any County Clerk/Registrar or License Service Center (apply in any Minnesota county) |
| Documents Required | Valid government-issued photo ID; previous marriage ending date/location if applicable |
| Residency Required | Not required |
| Minimum Age (No Consent) | 18 |
| Minimum Age (With Parental Consent) | 16–17 with parental consent |
| Witnesses Required | 2 required (16+) |
| Ceremony Cost (Estimate) | Varies by officiant |
What You Need to Know About Getting Married in Minnesota
Minnesota offers a significant fee incentive for premarital education — completing 12 hours of approved counseling drops the fee from $115 to $40. 6-month validity. Certificate must be returned within 5 days of ceremony.
Step-by-Step: How to Get Your Minnesota Marriage License
- Gather your documents — Valid government-issued photo ID; previous marriage ending date/location if applicable. If previously married, bring your divorce decree or death certificate.
- Visit Any County Clerk/Registrar or License Service Center (apply in any Minnesota county) — both parties must appear in person unless stated otherwise.
- Pay the fee — $115 without premarital education; $40 with 12+ hours of premarital education. Call ahead to confirm accepted payment methods (cash, card, money order).
- Observe the waiting period — None. Plan your application date accordingly.
- Use your license within the validity window — 6 months.
- Return the signed license — after your ceremony, your officiant (or you, if self-solemnizing) must return the completed license to the issuing office.
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Source: Minnesota official vital records / court authority. Requirements verified May 2026. Always confirm current requirements directly with your local clerk's office before your visit, as fees and rules are subject to change.