State guide
Minnesota
Minnesota licenses are issued by a county local registrar, and the license can be used anywhere in Minnesota. Minnesota has no ordinary waiting period, keeps the license valid for six months, and has a broad civil-officiant registration option for adults 21 and older. ([revisor.mn.gov](https://www.revisor.mn.gov/statutes/2025/cite/517/full?utm_source=openai))
Checked against official sources on October 4, 2026. Rules and links change; confirm with the office listed before you act.
- Who issues licenses
- local registrar of any county
- Waiting period
- none
- License valid for
- 6 months
- Witnesses
- 2 required (16+)
- License fee
- $125 statewide; $50 with qualifying premarital education
- Friend or one-day officiant
- Minnesota does not use a one-day designation page like Massachusetts; instead, any person age 21 or older may register with a county as a civil marriage officiant. ([mn.gov](https://mn.gov/elicense/a-z/?id=1083-261645&utm_source=openai))
Official resources in Minnesota
Primary statute for where to apply, statewide fees, and six-month validity. ([revisor.mn.gov](https://www.revisor.mn.gov/statutes/cite/517.08?utm_source=openai))
Primary statute for witness requirements and certificate filing after the ceremony. ([revisor.mn.gov](https://www.revisor.mn.gov/statutes/cite/517.10?utm_source=openai))
State page explaining that any person at least 21 may register as a civil marriage officiant with a county registrar. ([mn.gov](https://mn.gov/elicense/a-z/?id=1083-261645&utm_source=openai))
Official county-run online system used by most participating counties for marriage applications and records. ([moms.mn.gov](https://moms.mn.gov/?utm_source=openai))
Official county example showing same-day issuance, statewide fees, and officiant registration. ([washingtoncountymn.gov](https://www.washingtoncountymn.gov/1231/Marriage-Services))
Key facts for Minnesota
- Apply with the local registrar of any Minnesota county before the ceremony. ([revisor.mn.gov](https://www.revisor.mn.gov/statutes/2025/cite/517/full?utm_source=openai))
- There is no waiting period for a Minnesota marriage license. ([stevenscountymn.gov](https://www.stevenscountymn.gov/1160/Getting-a-Marriage-License?utm_source=openai))
- The license is valid for 6 months and is for marriages performed in Minnesota. ([revisor.mn.gov](https://www.revisor.mn.gov/statutes/2025/cite/517.08/subd/517.08.1c?utm_source=openai))
- At least 2 witnesses are required, and they must be at least 16 years old. ([revisor.mn.gov](https://www.revisor.mn.gov/statutes/cite/517.10?utm_source=openai))
- State fee is $125, reduced to $50 with qualifying premarital education. ([revisor.mn.gov](https://www.revisor.mn.gov/statutes/2025/cite/517.08/subd/517.08.1c?utm_source=openai))
- Any person age 21 or older may register with a county as a civil marriage officiant. ([mn.gov](https://mn.gov/elicense/a-z/?id=1083-261645&utm_source=openai))
Courthouse ceremonies in Minnesota
| County | Details |
|---|---|
| Ramsey | Ramsey County District Court publishes a judges-who-perform-marriages page for courthouse and off-site ceremonies. ([mncourts.gov](https://www.mncourts.gov/Find-Courts/Ramsey/Marriages.aspx?utm_source=openai)) |
| Anoka | Anoka County judges perform brief civil ceremonies; the county page says you must bring a valid Minnesota license and two witnesses. ([anokacountymn.gov](https://www.anokacountymn.gov/172/Weddings-Performed-by-Judge?utm_source=openai)) |
| St. Louis | St. Louis County marriage-license page links to official courthouse-ceremony information for Duluth and the Iron Range. ([stlouiscountymn.gov](https://www.stlouiscountymn.gov/departments-a-z/public-records/records/marriage-license?utm_source=openai)) |
What to do next
- Complete the county's online application first, then appear together to sign under oath and pay the fee. ([washingtoncountymn.gov](https://www.washingtoncountymn.gov/1231/Marriage-Services))
- If you want a friend to officiate, have them register as a civil marriage officiant with a county before the ceremony. ([mn.gov](https://mn.gov/elicense/a-z/?id=1083-261645&utm_source=openai))
- Because there is no waiting period, many counties can issue the license the same day you complete the in-person step. ([anokacountymn.gov](https://www.anokacountymn.gov/234/Marriage-License-Applications?utm_source=openai))
Helpful guides
- How to get married at the courthouse
- What to bring when you apply for a marriage license
- Marriage license waiting periods and expiration dates
- Do you need witnesses for a courthouse wedding?