Marriage License
Check out our brief instructional video detailing the marriage application process!
Effective August 1st, 2009, (MN Statute 517.00) State of Minnesota requires both applicants to appear in person for the processing of the marriage license application. Although it is preferred to have the couple apply together, applicants may appear at different times on the same day. The 5 day waiting period begins after both signatures are secured and filed with Vital Records and Licensing. If both parties are unable to appear together, a supplemental application is available to secure the signature of the absent party.
Application hours are 8:00 AM - 4:30 PM, Monday through Friday.
There is a five-day waiting period, which includes weekends and holidays. Due to the Government Center being closed on the weekends, applications processed on a Monday can not be picked up until the following Monday therefore you must plan ahead. You may apply up to six months in advance of the wedding.
Effective July 1st, 2010 (Special Session S.F. #9) the marriage license fee for parties who have completed at least 12 hours of premarital education is $40.00 (see requirements below). The fee for the license is $115.00 if you have not met the premarital education requirements.
- Complete and submit your application prior to going to the service counter. All data to include full legal names is required. Failure to provide the information requested on this form may result in the denial of a marriage license. Do not sign the application until requested to do so by the person administering the oath. Please note: you will need to be in our office by 4:30 PM to assure same day service.
- The fee must accompany each application. Acceptable forms of payment are cash, credit card, personal check, money order or cashier's check. Make checks payable to: Olmsted County Vital Records. Application Fees are non-refundable.
- Proof of U.S. Citizenship is not required. There are no special requirements for non-citizens. If you do not have a social security number, enter all zeros in the space provided for the social security number to certify not applicable.
- To submit an application for a party under the age of 18, please contact the Olmsted County District Court Civil Scheduling Desk (507-206-2491) to schedule a meeting with a judge for approval of a consent for a minor to be married. You will need the completed marriage license application. (Application for the consent is available from the civil scheduling clerk located on the 6th floor of the Olmsted County Government Center) for your meeting with the judge.
- If you need a Waiver of the 5-day Waiting Period, please contact the Olmsted County District Court Civil Scheduling Desk at 507-206-2491 to schedule a meeting with a judge for approval. You will need the completed marriage license application and the waiver application for your meeting with the judge.
Printable Marriage Worksheet - 37KB PDF (worksheet is helpful to gather information required for the online marriage application. Not a substitute for marriage application.)
Reduced Fee Requirements
In order to qualify for the reduced fee, the parties must submit a signed and dated statement from the person who provided the premarital education confirming that it was received. The premarital education must be provided by a licensed or ordained minister or the minister's designee, a person authorized to solemnize marriages under Minnesota Statutes, section 517.18, or a person authorized to practice marriage and family therapy under Minnesota Statutes, section 148B.33. The education must include the use of premarital inventory and the teaching of communication and conflict management skills.
The statement from the person who provided the premarital education must have the the following wording on their business letterhead stationery, signed and notarized or under church seal or follow the format found in Minnesota Statutes, section 517.08 subd 1b:
For your convenience, we have included a link to a Pre-Marital Educator's Statement template. Please note: As of October 1st, 2011, our office will only accept Pre-Marital Educator's Statements in this format or as required in the statute listed above.
Educator's Statement Requirements
- The names of the parties in the educator's statement must be identical to the legal names of the parties as they appear in the marriage license application.
- This document must be clear and legible and on 8 1/2 X 11 paper.