Marriage Licenses
Marriage licenses must be requested in person.
- A marriage license must be purchased before getting married and must be used within six months or it will expire.
- A license purchased in Minnesota is valid only in Minnesota and cannot be used in any other state.
Requirements
- Applicants must be 18 years of age to obtain a license (without parental consent). Be prepared to present valid identification.
- Both parties must be present to apply for a marriage license. If one party cannot be present, they must provide a notarized Supplemental Marriage License Application (PDF) and a completed, notarized Marriage License Application.
- Each applicant must provide: full legal name, address, date and place of birth, telephone numbers and social security numbers (if they have one).
- Each applicant must provide after-marriage name(s) and address.
Price
Price: $115
Reduced price (you may be eligible after completing 12 hours of premarital counseling): $40
Premarital counseling
Proof of premarital counseling is required at time of application. If you do not have the required form, download and complete statements below prior to applying. Statements must be on church or counselor letterhead, signed by the person doing the counseling and notarized.
Apply for a marriage license
Complete the following steps to request a marriage license in our office.
- Download and complete Marriage License Application (PDF), or pick up an application in the office.
- Sign the application at the office window (signature must be witnessed).
- Provide proof of counseling, if applying for reduced fee.
- If divorced or widowed, provide the date and place of former marriage(s).
- Provide identification, such as driver's license, state-issued identification card or passport.
- Pay cash, check or money order payable to Ramsey County. We DO NOT accept credit or debit cards.
Location
Saint Paul - Ramsey County Public Health Center
555 Cedar Street, Saint Paul MN 55101
Hours
Please arrive 1/2 hour prior to closing to ensure services.
Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday: 8 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.
Thursday: 8 a.m. – 7 p.m.
License by mail
You will be asked to provide the address where you would like the license sent if you choose optional mailing.
Civil marriage ceremonies
If you are interested in a civil marriage ceremony, you must contact a judge who can perform a wedding ceremony. Minnesota does not have any Justices of the Peace. Referees cannot perform marriages and not all judges wish to perform marriages.
Minor marriage (under 18 years of age)
If you are under 18 years of age and interested in getting married, you will need to call 651-266-5115 for further information.
Legal name change
As part of marriage
If you are changing your name as part of the marriage license process, you must state that fact on the marriage license application. If you have been convicted of a felony on or after August 1, 2000, there is a 30-day procedure that must be followed before the marriage license can be issued with the name change.
If the person changing their name is not present at the time of application, the other applicant must provide a notarized Supplemental Marriage License Application (PDF).
Outside of marriage
Legal name changes (other than those done through marriage) are handled by the District Court of the county you where you live.
Ramsey county residents call the Civil Court 651-266-8253 or download instructions and forms from the Ramsey District Court website.