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Minnesota marriage license: fee, waiting period and how to apply

What Minnesota's official pages say about getting married there: the fee, the waiting period, how long the license lasts, witnesses, officiants, ID and where to apply. Each rule links its source.

By Wedding RemedyPublished October 30, 2026

Editorial standards

Minnesota marriage license at a glance

Fee: $125 for the license, set in state law. Waiting period: None. A 2016 law eliminated the waiting period, and Anoka County says the marriage may occur the same day. How long it is valid: Six months.

Minnesota marriage license rules

The rules below restate official pages, linked with the date they were read. Last checked October 30, 2026. Rules and fees change, and this is not legal advice: confirm with the clerk where you apply before you rely on a rule.

Fee: $125 for the license, set in state law. (Source: revisor.mn.gov, checked October 30, 2026)
Premarital education discount: $50 with at least 12 hours of premarital education and a signed, notarized educator statement at application. (Source: revisor.mn.gov, checked October 30, 2026)
Waiting period: None. A 2016 law eliminated the waiting period, and Anoka County says the marriage may occur the same day. (Source: revisor.mn.gov, checked October 30, 2026)
How long the license is valid: Six months. (Source: revisor.mn.gov, checked October 30, 2026)
Where the license can be used: Obtain it from any Minnesota county; the wedding can be in any county but must be inside Minnesota. (Source: revisor.mn.gov, checked October 30, 2026)
Witnesses: At least two witnesses at the ceremony, each at least 16 years old. (Source: revisor.mn.gov, checked October 30, 2026)
Who may officiate: Anyone 21 or older who registers as a civil marriage officiant with a county registrar can solemnize marriages statewide. (Source: revisor.mn.gov, checked October 30, 2026)
Officiants ordained online: Not stated here. Ask the county clerk before you rely on an online ordination. Official page
Age: 18 or older. (Source: revisor.mn.gov, checked October 30, 2026)
ID and documents to bring: Both parties show proof of age: a birth certificate, a driver's license or other government or school ID, or another government record showing date of birth. (Source: revisor.mn.gov, checked October 30, 2026)
Where to apply: The local registrar of any county in Minnesota. (Source: revisor.mn.gov, checked October 30, 2026)
Online application: Counties offer an online application followed by an in-person visit by both applicants. Anoka County shown; Hennepin County's page could not be read. (Source: anokacountymn.gov, checked October 30, 2026)
Certified copy of the marriage certificate: Order from the county that issued the license. Anoka County charges $9 per certified copy, in person, by mail or online. (Source: anokacountymn.gov, checked October 30, 2026)

Common questions

How much is a marriage license in Minnesota?

$125 for the license, set in state law. $50 with at least 12 hours of premarital education and a signed, notarized educator statement at application.

Is there a waiting period to get married in Minnesota?

None. A 2016 law eliminated the waiting period, and Anoka County says the marriage may occur the same day.

How long is a Minnesota marriage license valid?

Six months.

Do you need witnesses to get married in Minnesota?

At least two witnesses at the ceremony, each at least 16 years old.

Who can officiate a wedding in Minnesota?

Anyone 21 or older who registers as a civil marriage officiant with a county registrar can solemnize marriages statewide.

How do you get a certified copy of a Minnesota marriage certificate?

Order from the county that issued the license. Anoka County charges $9 per certified copy, in person, by mail or online.

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