Marriage license · Minnesota
Minnesota marriage license: cost, where to apply, and when
Issued by the county (local registrar). The full fee is one of the highest in the country; the course discount is real money.
When to apply, for your date
The license lasts 180 days and there is no wait, so apply any time in the 180 days before the wedding, including the day itself. Enter your date and we will do the arithmetic.
The course discount
Twelve hours of premarital education with a licensed provider cuts the fee to about $40. Ask the office which providers count before you sign up; the certificate has to come from a registered provider and be dated within a year of applying.
Where to apply in Minneapolis
The offices that serve the Minnesota cities Lazo covers. Both of you go, with government photo ID; check the office's own page for hours, appointments and what to bring.
What to bring
Both of you, in person, with government photo ID such as a driver's license or passport. Know your parents' full names and birthplaces, which most applications ask. If either of you was married before, know the date and how it ended; some offices ask for the decree. Bring the fee; not every office takes cards.
Minnesota marriage license FAQ
How much does a marriage license cost in Minnesota?
About $115, paid to the county (local registrar). Twelve hours of premarital education with a licensed provider cuts the fee to about $40. Fees change and differ by county; confirm with the office.
Where do you get a marriage license in Minnesota?
From the county (local registrar). The full fee is one of the highest in the country; the course discount is real money.
Is there a waiting period in Minnesota?
No waiting period. You can marry the day the license is issued.
How long is a Minnesota marriage license valid?
Valid 6 months. Apply within 180 days of the wedding, after any waiting period.
Do you need witnesses in Minnesota?
Yes, 2 witnesses over 18 sign at the ceremony.
Fees and rules are as published by the issuing offices for 2025 to 2026 and change without notice. This page is a planning aid, not legal advice; the office's own page is the last word. Planning a wedding in Minneapolis? Every vendor there is ranked by verified reviews, and your free wedding website is a click away. Every state.