Lyla Dejesus
Planning a wedding in Minnesota involves more than just the usual considerations of venue, catering, and entertainment. There are a host of legal requirements that must be met for a wedding to be deemed valid in the state. From marriage licenses to residency and name change rules, Minnesota's wedding laws are extensive. So, what do you need to know about getting married in Minnesota?
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Residency requirement | Minnesota does not have a residency requirement, meaning that neither person is required to live in Minnesota or even in the United States. |
| Minimum age | All consenting adults who are at least 18 years old can legally wed in Minnesota. |
| Same-sex marriage | Same-sex marriage is legal in Minnesota. |
| Marriage license fee | The fee to apply for a marriage license is $115. |
| Discounted license fee | Couples who complete 12 hours of premarital counseling from an approved church or counselor qualify for a reduced license fee. |
| License validity | A Minnesota marriage license is valid for six months. |
| Re-issue of license | Couples can bring the original license back to the registrar's office and have a new one issued without an added fee if they do not have a wedding within the six-month validity period. |
| Waiting period | Couples must wait at least 24 hours after receiving their marriage license before holding the wedding ceremony. |
| Wedding venue | Weddings can be held in public spaces such as parks, homes, or streets, as well as rented private rooms in some courthouses. |
| Officiants | Officiants must be over 21 years old and can include court administrators, former court commissioners, residential school superintendents of specific academies, and licensed or ordained ministers. |
| Witnesses | Two witnesses over the age of 16 are required for the wedding to be officially solemnized. |
| Name change | Couples can change their names on their marriage license application. If the name change is due to a felony conviction, the relevant prosecuting authority must be notified, and there is a 30-day waiting period before the wedding. |
| Previous marriages | Valid divorce papers from a previous marriage are required. |
| Marrying relatives | Minnesota does not allow marriages between certain relatives, including biological/adopted children, grandchildren, nieces/nephews, and first cousins. |
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What You'll Learn
Minnesota wedding laws and requirements
Minnesota has several laws and requirements that must be met for a wedding to be legally binding. Firstly, there is no residency requirement in Minnesota, meaning that neither party is required to live in Minnesota or even in the United States. However, the wedding ceremony must take place within the geographical borders of Minnesota if the marriage license is obtained in the state.
To obtain a marriage license in Minnesota, both parties must be at least 18 years old and must apply together in person. The standard fee for a marriage license is $115, but couples who complete at least 12 hours of premarital education or counselling can pay a reduced fee of $40. The license is valid for six months, and the wedding ceremony must take place within this time frame for the marriage to be legally binding. If the license expires before the wedding, a new one can be issued without an additional fee. There is a mandatory waiting period of at least 24 hours after the marriage license is issued before the wedding ceremony can occur.
Both parties must consent to taking the other as a spouse, and this declaration must be made before an authorized official and two witnesses over the age of 16. Authorized officials include licensed or ordained ministers of any religious denomination, court administrators, and former court commissioners, among others. If one party has a felony conviction and wishes to change their name through the marriage, they must notify the relevant prosecuting authority and wait 30 days before the wedding ceremony can be performed.
Minnesota does not allow marriages between certain close blood relatives, including biological or adopted children, grandchildren, nieces or nephews, and first cousins. Marriages are also not permitted if either party is already married, and a valid divorce order signed by a judge is required if either party was previously married.
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Marriage licenses and fees
To be legally married in Minnesota, you must apply for a marriage license. There is no residency requirement, meaning that neither party is required to live in Minnesota or the United States. Same-sex marriage has been legal in the state since 2013. Minnesota does not recognise marriages involving certain blood relatives, including biological or adopted children and grandchildren, nieces or nephews if there is a blood relation, and first cousins. The minimum age to be legally married in Minnesota is 18.
The fee to apply for a marriage license in Minnesota is $115, which must be paid when the couple applies for the license. However, couples who complete 12 hours of premarital counselling from an approved church or counsellor can receive a discount. To qualify for the reduced fee, the couple must submit a signed and dated statement at the time of applying for the license. The statement must be notarized or marked with a church seal and confirm that the premarital education was received. The premarital education must be provided by a licensed or ordained minister or the minister's designee, a person authorized to solemnize civil marriages, or a person authorized to practice marriage and family therapy. The education must include the use of a premarital inventory and the teaching of communication and conflict management skills.
Marriage licenses issued in Minnesota are valid for six months. If a couple does not have a wedding within this six-month period, they may bring the original license back to the registrar's office and have a new license issued without paying an additional fee. There is a minimum waiting period of 24 hours after the marriage license is issued before the wedding ceremony may take place. If one party to the marriage has a felony conviction and is requesting a name change, they must notify the relevant prosecuting authority of the name change via certified mail or process server. The prosecuting authority then has 30 days to file an objection to the name change, and the registrar's office will not issue a marriage license requesting a name change until this period has passed.
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Who can marry you
In Minnesota, there are no particular forms, rules, or customs that a wedding ceremony must adhere to in order to be considered legal and binding. However, there are specific requirements that must be met for a marriage to be valid. For instance, both parties must consent to taking each other as spouses, and this declaration must be made before an authorized minister and two witnesses over the age of 16. The authorized minister must be at least 21 years old, though there are no residency requirements, and their gender and personal beliefs are irrelevant. The minister must also complete a form and file a copy of their certificate of ordination or ministry license with the Office of Vital Records for any Minnesota county. This can be done through the local marriage authority, typically the county clerk.
In Minnesota, ordained ministers of the Universal Life Church are legally authorized to officiate weddings. Obtaining ordination from the Universal Life Church is a simple, fast, and free process, and ministers ordained by the ULC perform a large number of marriages in Minnesota each year. Once ordained, ministers must contact the relevant county clerk and ask what documents they require to officiate a legal marriage. Typically, a Classic Wedding Package is required, which includes all official documentation. This package can be purchased from the ULC website. Ministers will also need to complete a section of the marriage license, including their name, title, home address, and ordaining church, and return the completed license to the issuing office within five days of the wedding ceremony.
It is important to note that Minnesota incentivizes premarital counseling, and couples who complete 12 hours of counseling can receive a discount on their marriage license. Ministers can legally perform and certify premarital counseling but must first be certified to officiate weddings.
In addition to the above requirements, there are some unique considerations for individuals with felony convictions who are applying for a marriage license and requesting a name change. In such cases, the relevant prosecuting authority must be notified, and they have 30 days to file an objection to the name change. The couple may choose to wait or obtain the marriage license without the name change and then petition the court for a name change after the wedding.
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Where to get married
Minnesota does not require couples wishing to marry to be residents of the state or country. Same-sex marriage is legal in Minnesota, and marriage equality laws enacted in 2013 allow LGBTQ couples to wed in the state.
When it comes to choosing a location for your wedding in Minnesota, there are a few things to keep in mind. Firstly, you will need to obtain a marriage license from any county in Minnesota, and your wedding ceremony must take place within the state. Secondly, Minnesota does not require a particular form, rules, or customs for the wedding ceremony to be deemed legal and binding. This means you have the flexibility to choose a location that suits your preferences and the size of your guest list. Here are some options to consider:
- Courthouse: Some courthouses in Minnesota allow couples to rent private rooms for civil weddings, usually for a fee and with prior arrangement. Contact the county where you plan to marry for more information.
- Public Spaces: You can choose to have a simple ceremony in a public park, on a street corner, or another public space that does not have restrictions. This option is typically free and does not require prior arrangement.
- Private Property: If you wish to get married on private property, such as a restaurant, botanical garden, zoo, or museum, you will need to obtain permission from the owners or management.
- Your Home or a Friend's Home: Hosting your wedding at your own home or a friend's home can be a cosy and intimate option.
- Wedding Venues: If you prefer a more traditional setting, you can explore wedding venues in Minnesota, such as banquet halls, country clubs, or outdoor venues. Working with a wedding planner can help you find the perfect venue and secure your desired vendors.
Remember to plan ahead and consider the logistics, especially if you have guests travelling from out of town. It is recommended to book your desired vendors, such as venues, photographers, videographers, caterers, and entertainment, well in advance to ensure their availability.
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Wedding planning and vendors
Wedding planning and vendor services are crucial to ensuring your special day runs smoothly. In Minnesota, there are a plethora of options to choose from, each offering unique services to cater to your needs.
For instance, Kastina & Co. is a wedding and event planning company based in Minnesota. They specialize in creating seamless and stunning events, focusing on meaningful moments, designs, and behind-the-scenes details. Their services include orchestrating the flow, setting the stage, and managing the overall experience.
Another notable vendor is Pure Event Planning & Design, a full-service wedding and event planning company based in Duluth, Minnesota. They offer both wedding rentals and wedding planning packages, customizing events to suit their clients' personalities. Mary and her team are known for their expertise, willingness to learn, and dedication to bringing their clients' dreams to life.
If you're looking for a wedding planner with a focus on design, you might consider The Edit. This Minnesota-based company specializes in refined event design, coordination, and planning. They work with couples from day one, offering guidance on everything from engagement parties to wardrobe advice. Their attention to detail ensures a cohesive event that reflects the couple's love story.
For couples seeking a more intimate and personalized experience, Buck & Rose, a contemporary Minneapolis-based wedding planner, may be a perfect fit. Created by Owner and Lead Planner, Meghan Buck, Buck & Rose specializes in wedding design, planning, and coordination services. They offer customizable packages, catering to your specific needs, whether you require full planning or day-of coordination.
In addition to planning services, Minnesota offers a range of vendors for other wedding-related needs. For instance, Weddings Your Way Floral & Events, located in Lakeville, provides both wedding planning and floral arrangements. Honey b., based in Excelsior, Minnesota, is another full-service wedding planning agency that can assist with finding the perfect venue and managing last-minute details.
When selecting a wedding planner or vendor, it's essential to consider your unique requirements, budget, and the overall vision for your special day.
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Frequently asked questions
No, Minnesota does not have a residency requirement, meaning that neither person is required to live in Minnesota or even in the United States.
To be legally married in Minnesota, you must be over 18 and able to make your own decisions. You must apply for a marriage license, which is valid for six months, and pay a fee of $115. You must also complete 12 hours of premarital counselling and submit a signed and dated statement to qualify for a reduced license fee.
A wedding can be performed by a court administrator, a former court commissioner, the residential school superintendent of the Minnesota State Academy, or a licensed or ordained minister of any religious denomination.
You can get married anywhere that you are legally allowed to be, as long as you have permission. Some courthouses will let you rent rooms for civil weddings, but this is usually not free and must be arranged in advance. You can also get married for free in a public park, your own home, a friend's home, or on a street corner.
Mother Nature can be unpredictable in Minnesota, so it is recommended to start planning about a year in advance. It is also important to book vendors early to ensure you get your top choices. If you have guests travelling from out of town, it is helpful to set up hotel room blocks at different price points close to your venue.
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