For Minnesota Marriage License Laws and Requirements
Disclaimer: The information here, including the list of MN county clerk offices, is correct to the best of our knowledge. Please if any information is found to be inaccurate or out of date.
In most circumstances you may apply for a marriage license at any MN county clerk office where you plan to be married. These offices are usually located in the county probate court or circuit court. This document outlines the procedures you must follow to obtain your license.
Cost of License
What is the cost of a marriage license?
The marriage license fee is $110.00 dollars. Accepted forms
of payment are cash.
Residency Requirements
What are the residency requirments for Minnesota?
None. You do not have to be a previous or current resident of Minnesota to obtain a marriage license that is valid statewide.
Waiting Period
Is there a waiting period from the application date to the date the license is issued?
Yes, there is a mandatory 5 day waiting period. In most states, the waiting period does not include Saturdays, Sundays or holidays. In some instances, the day the application is filed is not included within the waiting period.
Is there a waiting period from the date the license is issued to the date I am allowed to marry?
No, you can marry immediately after receiving your license.
Can the waiting period be waived?
Yes, in some instances you can request a waiver and the licence will be issued the same day. You will need to pick up the licence from the courthouse in these cases.
Age Requirement
What is the minimum age a man or woman may marry?
You must be 18 years old or older to marry without parental consent. A birth certificate may be necessary to show proof of age.
What if one or both of us is younger than 18?
If either partner is under 18, parental consent forms must be signed. You will need a certified copy of your birth certificate. If you are under 16 you can not marry without a court order.
Blood Tests and Physical Exams
Are blood tests and physical exams required?
No blood test or physical exam is required.
License Expires
How long does a marriage license remain valid once it's been issued?
Your license will expire 6 months from the date it is issued.
Divorced and Widowed Applicants
What if one or both partners have been divorced or have had a spouse die?
If previously married, the date of divorce or date of spouse's death must be provided.
Name Change
Am I required to change my name?
No, name change by either the bride or groom is optional. However, if you decide to change your name at a later date you will need to meet the residency and witness requirements, file for a name change and pay the proper filing fees (currently $250).
What's the process of legally changing my last name after marriage?
Following your wedding ceremony, you will receive a marriage certificate, which is a piece of paper proving that you are legally married. This certificate will serve as evidence of your marriage, which you'll need when you begin the process of notifying several goverment agencies about your name change, as well as any non-government institutions that you do business with (ie, banks, employers, credit cards, memberships, etc).
Miscellaneous Questions
Who can perform a legal marriage?
Either a judge or an ordained minister who is registered to perform legal marriages in Minnesota.
Are witness required?
Yes, two witnesses, age 16 or older are required to sign the marriage certificate along with the officiant.
Are proxy marriages legal?
No, marriage by proxy is not allowed.
Are cousin marriages legal?
No, cousin marriages are not allowed.
Are common law marriages legal?
No, common-law marriages are not allowed.
Are same sex marriages legal?
No, same-sex marriages are not allowed.
County Clerk Address and Phone Number List
Crow Wing County Recorder
326 Laurel St
Brainerd, MN 56401
218-824-1045
Douglas County Recorder
305 8th Ave West
Alexandria, MN 56308
320-762-3877
Hennepin County Recorder
300 South Sixth St
Minneapolis, MN 55487
612-348-8240
Hubbard County Recorder
Highway 6 & C R 58
Park Rapids, MN 56470
218-732-3552
Kandiyohi County Recorder
P.O. Box 736
Willmar, MN 56201
320-231-6223
Mille Lacs County Recorder
635 2nd St S.E.
Milaca, MN 56353
320-983-8308
Morrison County Recorder
213 1st Ave, SE # 24
Little Falls, MN 56345
320-632-0146
Otter Tail County Recorder
565 West Fir Ave W
Fergus Falls, MN 56537
218-998-8140
Pope County Recorder
P.O. Box 6
Glenwood, MN 56334
320-634-5723
Scott County Recorder
Courthouse #113
Shakopee, MN 55379
952-496-8143
Stearns County Recorders
Administration
Center-Rm 131
705 Courthouse Square
St Cloud, MN 56303
320-656-3855
Todd County Recorder
320-732-4428
Wadena County Recorder
415 Jefferson St S
Wadena, MN 56482
218-631-7622
Wright County Recorder
10 N W Second St
Buffalo, MN 55313
763-682-7357