Minnesota marriage license: cost and requirements
You apply in any county and it works statewide for 6 months. With a 12-hour premarital course it costs $50 instead of $125.
Minnesota summary
Official source Reviewed Nov 4, 2026 · Confirmed in the law or on the official website.
- Cost
- $125; $50 with premarital education (517.08 subd. 1b).
- Waiting period
- No waiting period in the law: it is issued once the registrar verifies there is no impediment (517.08).
- Validity
- 6 months (517.08 subd. 1b).
- Witnesses
- 2 witnesses at least 16 years old (517.09 and 517.10).
How much is a marriage license in Minnesota?
$125; $50 with premarital education (517.08 subd. 1b).
Premarital course discount: Drops to $50 with at least 12 hours of premarital education, certified by a minister, an authorized officiant or a licensed family therapist.
What do you need to get the license?
- ID: Proof of age for both and a Social Security number (or certification that you don't have one).
- Minimum age: 18, with no exceptions (517.02, 2020 reform).
- Other requirements: If there was a prior marriage: date, place and court of the divorce, or the death details. You can apply by mail, fax or online.
Where do you get it, and who issues it?
Local registrar of any Minnesota county (Minn. Stat. 517.07).
Where it is valid: Anywhere in Minnesota, not just the county that issued it (517.07).
Is there a waiting period, and does it expire?
- Waiting period: No waiting period in the law: it is issued once the registrar verifies there is no impediment (517.08).
- Validity: 6 months (517.08 subd. 1b).
How many witnesses, and who can marry you?
- Witnesses: 2 witnesses at least 16 years old (517.09 and 517.10).
- Who can officiate: People 21 or older registered as civil officiants with a local registrar in a Minnesota county (517.04, 2025 reform).
Minnesota counties with an AltarPlan guide
We haven't published Minnesota county guides yet: we verify them one by one against the official source. In the meantime, these rules apply statewide and the office can confirm the exact fee.
Other counties couples often look up
We haven't verified these counties yet. The Minnesota rules on this page apply; the fee and the office depend on the county, so confirm them on the official website.
- Hennepin County (minneapolis)State rule No guide of its own yet.
How to get a marriage license in Minnesota
- Confirm where to apply: Local registrar of any Minnesota county (Minn. Stat. 517.07).
- Gather your ID: Proof of age for both and a Social Security number (or certification that you don't have one).
- Get your payment ready: $125; $50 with premarital education (517.08 subd. 1b).
- Count the waiting period: No waiting period in the law: it is issued once the registrar verifies there is no impediment (517.08).
- Marry within the validity period: 6 months (517.08 subd. 1b).
- Before you go, confirm everything with the office that issues the license: fees and hours change.
Frequently asked questions
Is a Minnesota marriage license valid anywhere in the state?
Anywhere in Minnesota, not just the county that issued it (517.07).
What is the minimum age to marry in Minnesota?
18, with no exceptions (517.02, 2020 reform).
Who can officiate a wedding in Minnesota?
People 21 or older registered as civil officiants with a local registrar in a Minnesota county (517.04, 2025 reform).
Is there a discount if we take a premarital course?
Drops to $50 with at least 12 hours of premarital education, certified by a minister, an authorized officiant or a licensed family therapist.
Does AltarPlan issue the license?
No. AltarPlan is not a government office and does not issue licenses. This information is a general guide, not legal advice: confirm with the office.
Sources and review date
- Office of the Revisor of Statutes, Minnesota, 517.08 (opens in a new tab) Accessed Nov 4, 2026.
- Office of the Revisor of Statutes, Minnesota, 517.02, 517.04, 517.07, 517.09, 517.10 (opens in a new tab) Accessed Nov 4, 2026.
Reviewed Nov 4, 2026. If you spot an error, write to us.
AltarPlan is not a government office and does not issue licenses. General information, not legal advice. Confirm with the county office.