In order to get married, you need to apply and receive a marriage license. This is the document in your state that allows you to officially tie the knot under the law. The rules for acquiring your marriage license varies from state to state, so you should check with your city's marriage bureau at your clerk of court's office to find out what your local rules are.
Here's what you need to know and what documents to bring with you before you apply for a Ramsey County marriage license. We recommend getting this legal aspect of your wedding out of the way about a month before your ceremony date.
Ramsey County Marriage License Office
County Recorder
15 West Kellogg Boulevard
St. Paul, MN 55102
(651) 266-8262
8:00 a.m. - 4:15 p.m. / M - F
Closed for holidays Observed by Ramsey County
Residency Requirement:
You do not have to be a resident of Ramsey County.
ID Requirement:
You must provide proper identification along with Social Security numbers.
Previous Marriages:
If you were previously married, you must show proof of divorce, death, or annulment from your most recent marriage.
Cousin Marriages:
No.
Waiting Period:
Ramsey County has a waiting period of five (5) working days. This waiting period can be waived a district judge if the circumstances are considered to be "extraordinary."
Fees:
$110 for those who don't provide written proof of premarital education. $40 fee for those who do take an authorized premarital education course that has a minimum of 12 hours. Reduced Fee Marriage Form
Call before you leave to get your marriage license application to make sure that the fee hasn't changed. Be prepared to pay in cash.
Other Tests:
Ramsey County does not require blood tests.
Proxy Marriages:
No. However, only one applicant can apply for the marriage license as long as all the required information for the absent partner is provided. Call the Clerk of Court to see how to get your partner's signature notarized. Requirements may vary from county to county.
Common Law Marriages:
No.
Premarital Education:
Yes. There is a waiver of a portion of the marriage license fees to couples who do a 12 hour premarital education course. The course must use a premarital inventory, teaching about communication skills, and conflict management skills. According to the Minnesota Statute, "The premarital education must be provided by a licensed or ordained minister or the minister's designee, a person authorized to solemnize marriages under section 517.18, or a person authorized to practice marriage and family therapy under section 148B.33.
Additionally, make sure that you have proof of attending the premarital education course on the state approved form.
Same Sex Marriages:
No.
Under 18:
Brides and grooms who are 16 and 17 years old need
parental consent or court approval.
Minnesota Statute 517.02
Officiants:
Judges, clerks of court, court commissioners, and licensed ministers, priests or rabbis, as well as representatives of Bahai, Hindu, Quaker and American Indian religious groups are authorized to perform weddings in Minnesota.
Witnesses:
You will need at least two witnesses at your wedding ceremony. The witnesses must be at least 16 years of age.
Miscellaneous:
License is valid for six (6) months.
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