Where to Get a Marriage License in Hennepin County
300 S. 6th Street, Minneapolis, MN 55487 — Hennepin County Vital Records. Hours: Mon–Fri 8 AM–4:30 PM. Also accepts appointments — check hennepincounty.us.
Hennepin County (Minneapolis) is Minnesota's most populous county, processing more marriage licenses than any other county in the state. Minnesota's 5-day waiting period — the longest in the United States — catches many couples by surprise. The Hennepin County Vital Records office can explain the waiver process, which requires a district court judge's order.
Fee — $115
Hennepin County's fee is $115 — the highest in Minnesota. Certified copies are $13 each from the Minnesota Department of Health.
Accepted payment at most Minnesota county offices: cash, credit/debit card, money order. Personal checks are generally not accepted. Call the office to confirm current payment options before your visit.
Required Documents — Bring These
Both applicants must appear together in person and each bring:
- Valid, unexpired government-issued photo ID: Driver's license, state ID, U.S. passport, military ID, or equivalent. Foreign passports accepted.
- Social Security Number: Required on the application for both parties. Physical card not required — just know the number. Non-U.S. citizens without an SSN write "None."
- Prior marriage information: Date and state where prior marriage ended (divorce date or death of spouse). For divorces finalized within the past 6 months, bring a certified copy of the divorce decree.
Government office hours, appointment policies, and accepted payment methods can change without public notice. A 2-minute phone call the day before your visit prevents wasted trips. The office number is available on the Hennepin County government website.
Waiting Period — 5 days (waivable)
Minnesota's 5-day wait requires planning: apply at minimum 6 days before the ceremony, or petition Hennepin County District Court for a waiver. The waiver process at Hennepin requires submitting a written request to the court administrator and scheduling a brief appearance. Budget 1–2 business days for the waiver to be processed.
Use our Wedding Date Planner to calculate the exact window for applying based on your ceremony date and Minnesota's waiting period and validity rules.
License Validity — 6 months
Your Hennepin County marriage license is valid for 6 months from the date of issue. It is valid for ceremonies performed anywhere in Minnesota. Do not apply too far in advance — if the license expires before your ceremony, you must reapply and pay the fee again. Use our expiration calculator to track your exact window.
After the Ceremony
Your officiant must sign and return the completed marriage license to the Hennepin County issuing office within the timeframe required by Minnesota law (typically 10–30 days after the ceremony). After recording, certified copies of the marriage certificate are available for $13.00 each. Order at least 4–6 certified copies — you will need them for name changes at the Social Security Administration, DMV, passport agency, and financial institutions.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes. Minnesota requires both applicants to appear together in person to apply for a marriage license. Both must present valid photo ID and provide their Social Security numbers. There are very limited exceptions for active military deployment in some states — contact the office directly if one party cannot appear.
Yes. Minnesota has no residency requirement for marriage license applicants. The license is valid for ceremonies performed anywhere in Minnesota, regardless of where you live. Out-of-state ID is accepted.
Order at least 4–6 certified copies when you're at the office (or request them after recording). You will need one each for: Social Security Administration name change, state DMV name change, passport name change, and potentially one or two more for banks, insurance companies, or professional licensing boards. Ordering multiple copies at once is far more efficient than reordering individually later.
An expired marriage license cannot be used. If your ceremony is delayed beyond the validity window, you must return to the Hennepin County office, reapply, and pay the $115 fee again. There is no extension process. Use the expiration calculator to track your deadline.
Planning Your Visit to the County Vital Records
The County Vital Records handles marriage license applications for Hennepin County. Minnesota's 6-month validity window is generous. The $85–$115 fee varies by county. Certified copies are $13 each from the Minnesota Department of Health.
Minnesota has the longest waiting period in the United States — 5 days. It is waivable by a district court judge. Apply at least 6 days before the ceremony, or petition for a waiver immediately after receiving the license.
Step-by-Step: Application to Certified Copies
Here is the complete sequence for a Hennepin County marriage license, from the day you apply through receiving certified copies for name changes:
- Gather documents: Both parties need valid, unexpired photo IDs and their Social Security numbers. If either party has been previously married, have the divorce date and state ready (bring a certified decree if divorced within the past 6 months).
- Visit the office: Both parties appear together at the County Vital Records. The application takes 15–25 minutes. Pay the $85–$115 fee.
- License issued: You receive a physical paper marriage license. Keep it safe — it is the document your officiant will sign after the ceremony.
- Waiting period: 5 days (waivable by district court) from the moment of issuance. Plan your ceremony date accordingly.
- Ceremony anywhere in Minnesota: Your license is valid for ceremonies performed anywhere in Minnesota within the 6 months validity window. Your officiant signs immediately after the ceremony.
- Return the license: The signed license must be returned to the issuing office within the timeframe required by Minnesota law (typically 10–30 days). Confirm responsibility — you or your officiant.
- Order certified copies: After the marriage is recorded (2–4 weeks post-ceremony), order certified copies from the County Vital Records or through VitalChek. Order at least 4–6 copies at once.
- Name changes: Use certified copies for Social Security, DMV, passport, and financial accounts. Start with Social Security first — other agencies verify against SSA records. See our name change guide for the complete sequence.
Use our Wedding Date Planner to calculate the exact window for applying in Minnesota. Download the Day-Of Checklist PDF to bring to your appointment. Use the Cost Calculator to estimate your total expenses including certified copies and name change fees.