Hennepin County Marriage License
Getting your marriage license in Minneapolis? Hennepin County charges $125, or $50 if you hand in an educator's statement for 12 hours of premarital education. Take our online course together first and keep the $75.
- Hennepin County fee with our statement: $50 instead of $125
- 12 hours, online, one enrollment for both of you
- Original signed, notarized Educator's Statement mailed by USPS
The course pays for itself: Minnesota drops the marriage license fee from $125 to $50 for couples who finish 12 hours of premarital education. That is $75 back, in every county.
Start the course – $29.97 per coupleOne price covers both of you. Signed, notarized Educator's Statement mailed to your door. Standard, Faith-Friendly or Inclusive version.
Hennepin County marriage license at a glance
| Where | Hennepin County Service Centers, Government Center, 300 South 6th Street, Suite A-025, Minneapolis, MN 55487 (plus six other service centers, including Brookdale, Maple Grove, Ridgedale and Southdale) |
|---|---|
| Hours | Monday to Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. |
| Phone | 612-348-8240 |
| Fee | $125 without premarital education |
| Fee with statement | $50 with an educator's statement for 12 hours of premarital education |
| Included | Fees are non-refundable. Certified copies of your marriage certificate cost $9 each (extra processing fees may apply). |
| Payment | Cash (in person only), check or money order payable to Hennepin County Treasurer, or Visa, Mastercard, Discover or American Express (a 2.49% card charge applies). |
| Waiting period | None. The license is valid for six months anywhere in Minnesota |
Source: Hennepin County marriage license page. Fees and rules can change; check the county's page before you go.
How to apply in Hennepin County
- Take premarital education first. 12 hours together. Our online Minnesota premarital course is $29.97 per couple; allow time for the mailed statement.
- Enter your applicant details on Hennepin's online form first and wait for the confirmation email.
- Book an appointment at a service center (up to four weeks ahead) or walk in; walk-ins depend on staffing.
- Both of you come to confirm the application, pay, and take your license packet home the same visit.
- Can only one of you come? Bring the notarized party-not-appearing form and a copy of the absent partner's proof of age. Hennepin also takes fully remote applications by mail.
The educator's statement in Hennepin County
Hennepin gives the $50 fee when you complete and submit an educator's statement with your application. Under state law the statement must be signed, dated and notarized (or church-sealed) on the educator's letterhead, with your names exactly as on the application. The statement we mail you is signed, dated and notarized on letterhead.
What to bring
Proof of age for each of you, such as a driver's license, state ID or birth certificate. Both of you must be 18 or older.
After the wedding
Your officiant files the marriage certificate with the county. Once it is recorded, Hennepin returns your certified marriage certificate to you.
Good to know in Hennepin County
- You can marry in a civil ceremony at a Hennepin service center, or anywhere else in Minnesota.
- The Maple Grove center has a longer lobby schedule, including Saturday mornings; check the county page for which services run then.
What the course saves you in Hennepin County
| License without the course | $125 |
|---|---|
| License with our statement | $50 |
| You save at the court | $75 |
| Course, both of you | $29.97 |
| Money left over | $45.03, plus the skills |
The course pays for itself: Minnesota drops the marriage license fee from $125 to $50 for couples who finish 12 hours of premarital education. That is $75 back, in every county.
Start the course – $29.97 per coupleOne price covers both of you. Signed, notarized Educator's Statement mailed to your door. Standard, Faith-Friendly or Inclusive version.
Reviewed by Kristen Franzen, LPCC. Facts checked against the Hennepin County marriage license page and Minn. Stat. 517.08. Last updated .
Hennepin County marriage license FAQ
How much is a marriage license in Hennepin County?
$125, or $50 with an educator's statement for at least 12 hours of premarital education (Hennepin County Service Centers). Fees are non-refundable. Certified copies of your marriage certificate cost $9 each (extra processing fees may apply).
Does Hennepin County accept an online premarital course?
Minnesota law (Minn. Stat. 517.08) sets what counts: at least 12 hours with a premarital inventory and communication and conflict management skills, from a qualifying educator such as a licensed or ordained minister. It does not require the course to be in person. Hennepin gives the $50 fee when you complete and submit an educator's statement with your application. Under state law the statement must be signed, dated and notarized (or church-sealed) on the educator's letterhead, with your names exactly as on the application. The statement we mail you is signed, dated and notarized on letterhead.
How do we apply in Hennepin County?
Enter your applicant details on Hennepin's online form first and wait for the confirmation email. Book an appointment at a service center (up to four weeks ahead) or walk in; walk-ins depend on staffing. Both of you come to confirm the application, pay, and take your license packet home the same visit. Can only one of you come? Bring the notarized party-not-appearing form and a copy of the absent partner's proof of age. Hennepin also takes fully remote applications by mail.
Do we have to apply in Hennepin County?
No. A Minnesota license from any county can be used for a ceremony anywhere in Minnesota, so you can apply where it suits you. The ceremony must take place in Minnesota.
Can couples outside Minneapolis take this course?
Yes. Couples in Bloomington, Brooklyn Park, Plymouth, Maple Grove and anywhere in Minnesota take the same course, and the fee rules are the same in every county.
Other counties: Ramsey County · Dakota County · Anoka County · Scott County. Applying somewhere else? See the Minnesota marriage license guide.