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Minneapolis, Minnesota Wedding Guide

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How to Officiate a Wedding in Minneapolis, Minnesota

So, you’re planning a wedding in the North Star State. If you’re a resident of the Twin Cities area, we don’t have to tell you how much this Midwest metropolitan area has to offer. But if you’re an out-of-towner, you are in for a treat!

 

With more than 5,000 acres of parks and more than 10,000 lakes, Minnesota appeals to the outdoor enthusiast. But it’s also a haven for arts-and-culture buffs, home to the largest literary and book arts center in the country and the largest urban sculpture garden in the country. So, there is plenty to choose from in terms of wedding venues, musicians and catering when it comes to planning a wedding.

 

We’re here to help you get the logistics of your marriage license and wedding officiant squared away, so you can focus on the fun parts of wedding planning. Let’s get started.




Minnesota Wedding Tips and Tricks

Become a Wedding Officiant

For The
Wedding Officiant

STEP 1: Get ordained with American Marriage Ministries

 

Let’s start with the ordainment process. In Minnesota, the following persons may perform wedding ceremonies: a judge or retired judge of a court of record, a court administrator, a former court commissioner who is employed by the court system or is acting pursuant to an order of the chief judge of the commissioner's judicial district, the residential school superintendent of the Minnesota State Academy for the Deaf and the Minnesota State Academy for the Blind, a licensed or ordained minister of any religious denomination.

 

If you do not fall into any of these categories, no sweat. You can get ordained with AMM to fall within the priest or minister category. The process is free and takes just a few minutes.

 

When it comes time to perform your duties as the officiant, Hennepin County will ask you to present documentation, which AMM provides for a fee. (You can call the county clerk’s office before you perform the ceremony to ask if they will require you to bring the certificate in person, or you can just order them from our store now to be safe.)

 

STEP 2: Prepare for the Ceremony in Minneapolis-St. Paul

 

Before performing marriage in Minnesota you are required to register with a county-level government office. You will need to complete your marriage officiant credential filing with the Hennepin County office.

 

Now that the easy part is out of the way, we can help you prepare for the wedding ceremony itself. Being asked to officiate a ceremony is an honor, but can feel like a lot of pressure. You will appreciate our wedding training pages, which are a library of information to help you prepare for your first ceremony and ensure that it goes smoothly. 

 

Here you can find everything from sample wedding ceremony scripts, to brainstorming prompts, tips for preparation, and more.


STEP 3: Officiate the Wedding and Complete the Marriage License

 

When it comes time to sign the marriage license, it’s the couple’s responsibility to obtain and complete the marriage license, but just be sure to double-check that they have a valid marriage license before the ceremony.

 

In Minnesota, once you have performed the ceremony and signed the marriage license, you have successfully performed all of your functions as the wedding officiant. Just be sure the marriage license is returned to the county clerk’s office within 5 days of the ceremony.



Minnesota Wedding

How To Get Married in Minneapolis

For The
Couple

File for the Marriage License from the Hennepin County Courthouse 

 

To obtain your marriage license, visit the Hennepin County Courthouse. You can save some time by applying online before making the trip down to the office. Otherwise, you can start the process onsite.

 

When you go, just remember to bring:

 

  • A driver's license, state-issued identification card, or passport.
  • $115 in cash, check, credit/debit card, or money order
  • Absence form (above) if one member cannot appear in person

 

If you’d like to reduce the fee to $40, you can take 12 hours of premarital education and then provide the state’s office with proof by following the criteria outlined in this form.  

 

You will also be asked to provide an address where you would like the marriage license sent if you choose to have a copy mailed to you.

Hennepin County Marriage License Info

Important Facts to know before filing for a marriage license in Minneapolis, Minnesota.

Issuance Office: 300 South 6th St., Minneapolis
Fee: $115 
Waiting Period: None
Expiration: 6 months 
Return: by Couple

Minneapolis Wedding Tips and Tricks

Wedding Venue and Planning Tips

For The Couple
& Officiant

The Basics

 

After their long, cold winters, Minnesotans really enjoy their spring and summer festivities. From May through October, there are all kinds of parades, festivals, marathons, and even pow wows going on, like the MayDay Parade and the Scandinavian Hjemkomst Festival. Be sure to check your wedding date to make sure you won’t overlap with a large-scale event nearby to your venue.

 

Speaking of venues, the Greater Twin Cities area has countless options for you to explore during your wedding planning process. Minnesota is home to 10,000 lakes, so many couples opt for waterfront celebrations at golf clubs, resorts, or simply in public parks. If you want to encapture the Midwest charm, you’ll love all the refurbished barn spaces and old houses that are available, as well. 

 

Transportation

 

Minneapolis has great public transportation, with light rail services and free buses. If you have guests coming from out of town, they may want to take advantage of the public transit -- otherwise, ride-sharing services including Uber and Lyft are both available in the area.

 

Weather

 

Minnesota’s location in the upper Midwest gives it four distinct seasons. Its winters are known for below-freezing temps, and snowstorms last through early spring. Spring and summer temperatures average in the 80s but can climb above 100 degrees. Tornadoes are known to happen from June through August, however, they can occur any time of year. Most Minnesotans plan a wedding in the summer or fall. Early fall in the Great Lakes Region on the Lake Superior coast delivers unrivaled colors and landscapes.




Minneapolis Officiant FAQ

Minneapolis Officiant & Couples FAQ

For The Couple
& Officiant


How much does a wedding license in Minneapolis, St. Paul cost?

The  Hennepin County Clerk charges $115 for your marriage license, but couples can reduce the fee to $40, you can take 12 hours of premarital education.

 

When is the best time to schedule a wedding a wedding in Minneapolis, St. Paul?

Since weather can get pretty extreme during winter and spring in Minnesota, the best time to schedule a Minneapolis wedding is during the Summer and early Fall. Of course, for indoor weddings, there is more flexibility.

 

How soon after the ceremony do I have to return the license to the issuing office in Minneapolis, St. Paul?

You must return the marriage license to the county clerk’s office within 5 days of the ceremony.

OFFICIANT CEREMONY
PREPARATION IN

Minnesota City Guides

  1. Minneapolis
  2. Rochester

Professional Wedding Officiant Certification Course

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Will You Marry Us? Gift Package

Who Will Officiate Your Wedding?

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Signature Wedding Officiant Package

Signature Wedding Officiant Package

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The Book of Wedding Vows and Ceremonies

The Book of Wedding Vows and Ceremonies

It's finally here! Timeless scripts and heartfelt vow inspiration to bring life to your ceremony.

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Read our sample wedding ceremony scripts online

Sample Wedding Ceremony Scripts

Need inspiration? Check out our free ceremony scripts!

Wedding Officiant Training

Wedding Officiant Training

Everything you need to know to officiate.

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Test your understanding of Minnesota Marriage Laws.

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