Marriage Licenses

There is a five day waiting period from the time of application.  The license is good for 6 months from the date of issue.   Blood tests are not required in the state of Minnesota.  Minnesota does not recognize Common Law marriage.

Per M.S. 517.08 beginning August 1, 2009, BOTH parties must be present when applying for a marriage license. If one party is unable to appear in person, the party appearing may complete the absent applicant's information. The local registrar shall provide a copy of the marriage application to the party who is unable to appear. They must verify the accuracy of their information in a NOTARIZED statement. You will need the following information for both the bride and groom when applying for a marriage license:

• Full legal name
• Date of birth
• Place of birth
• Social security number
• Current age
• Current address to include the county where that address is located
• Any previous marriage information (i.e., date of divorce, county, and state where it took place, name of court, date of death); no divorce documents are required
• Legal name after marriage
• Address after marriage.

The cost is $110.00 when you come in to apply, unless you have taken 12 hours or more of pre-marital classes. 

The cost is $40.00 with at least 12 hours of pre-marital classes. In order to qualify for a reduced marriage license, the parties must submit at the time of application a signed, dated and NOTARIZED statement from a licensed or ordained minister or minister's designee, a person authorized to solemnize marriages under M.S. 517.18, or a person authorized to marriage and family therapy per M.S. 148B.33 on their LETTERHEAD confirming that the classes were received.  Please contact Carver County Taxpayer Services at 952-361-1910 if you have any questions on this form.

You must have the pre-marital certificate/statement at the time of application for your marriage license.  If the certificate/statement does not meet the requirements, it will be rejected giving you the choice to get a new certificate/statement or pay the full price.

A list of individuals that can perform a marriage ceremony is available by clicking here.