Marriage License Fees

Minnesota · 2026

Minnesota Marriage License: Cost and Requirements

A marriage license in Minnesota costs $125, and there is no waiting period. The license is good for 183 days. A premarital course cuts $75 off.

Minnesota marriage license fees by county

Fees for the 6 counties we have verified, largest first. Each row links to a county page with where to apply and the official clerk link.

CountyLicenseCertified copyCourthouse ceremonyWait
Hennepin County$125$9$45No waiting period
Ramsey County$125$10Not offeredNo waiting period
Dakota County$125——No waiting period
Anoka County$125$9—No waiting period
Washington County$125$10—No waiting period
St. Louis County$125——No waiting period

— means the figure is not in our data. Check the county's official page.

Minnesota marriage license rules

License fee

$125 (Minn. Stat. 517.08, subd. 1b)

State law sets one $125 fee in every county ($50 with premarital education).

Source: revisor.mn.gov

Premarital course discount

$75 off, $50 with course

Couples who finish at least 12 hours of premarital education pay $50 and must bring a signed, notarized (or church-sealed) statement from the provider.

Source: revisor.mn.gov

Waiting period

No waiting period

Hennepin County issues the license when you pay in person; no waiting period is listed.

Source: web.archive.org

How long the license is valid

183 days

The license is good for six months.

Source: revisor.mn.gov

Minimum age and parental consent

18

Minnesota requires both partners to be at least 18; there is no consent exception.

Source: revisor.mn.gov

What to bring

Ramsey County asks applicants to bring valid ID and list Social Security numbers if they have them.

Source: ramseycountymn.gov

Do both of you have to appear?

No

In Ramsey County a partner who can't come may send a notarized supplemental application instead.

Source: ramseycountymn.gov

Applying online

Varies by county

Hennepin County lets couples submit information online, but the application is finalized and paid in person; Ramsey requires in-person requests.

Official online application

Source: web.archive.org

Who can officiate

Since 2025, any person 21 or older who registers as a civil marriage officiant with a Minnesota county registrar may perform weddings statewide.

Source: revisor.mn.gov

Witnesses

2 required

Two witnesses aged 16 or older sign the certificate.

Source: revisor.mn.gov

Out-of-state couples

You don't have to live in Minnesota, but the license works only for weddings in Minnesota.

Source: web.archive.org

Who issues the license

County local registrar (vital records office)

The county local registrar examines the couple under oath and issues the license.

Source: revisor.mn.gov

Not in our data yet: blood test, proxy marriage. Ask your county office.

Frequently asked questions

How much is a marriage license in Minnesota?

$125. State law sets one $125 fee in every county ($50 with premarital education).

Is there a waiting period in Minnesota?

No. Hennepin County issues the license when you pay in person; no waiting period is listed.

How long is a Minnesota marriage license valid?

183 days. The license is good for six months.

How old do you have to be to get married in Minnesota?

Minnesota requires both partners to be at least 18; there is no consent exception.

Do you need witnesses to get married in Minnesota?

Two witnesses aged 16 or older sign the certificate.

Sources

Last verified . Fees and rules change; confirm with your county before you go. Spot an error? Report it.

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