Who Issues Marriage Licenses in Ramsey County?
Marriage licenses in Ramsey County are issued by the Ramsey County Vital Records Office, located at 90 W. Plato Blvd., Suite 160, Saint Paul, MN 55107. Hours are Monday–Friday, 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM.
Ramsey County covers Saint Paul, the state capital and Minnesota's second largest city. The Vital Records office is located in the west side of Saint Paul, not at the main Ramsey County courthouse. Parking is available in the ramp adjacent to the building.
The $115 Fee
Ramsey County's marriage license fee is $115.00 — among the highest in the Midwest. Minnesota fees are set under Minn. Stat. §357.021 and most counties are in the $85–$115 range. Certified copies cost $13.00 each from the Minnesota Department of Health.
Required Documents — What to Bring
Both applicants must appear together and each bring:
- Valid government-issued photo ID: Driver's license, state ID, U.S. passport, military ID, or other government-issued photo ID. Must not be expired. Foreign passports accepted.
- Social Security Number: Required on the application. Physical card generally not required — just know your number.
- Prior marriage documentation: If either party has been divorced, provide the exact date and state of the divorce. For divorces within the past 6 months, bring a certified copy of the divorce decree.
Waiting Period
Minnesota law (Minn. Stat. §517.02) imposes a 5-day waiting period — the longest in the United States. Ramsey County District Court can waive it by written order. Contact Ramsey County District Court at (651) 266-8266 to ask about the waiver process. Good cause is required but liberally interpreted.
Minnesota's waiting period must be waived by a district court judge — it cannot be done by a magistrate or county official. In Ramsey County, contact the district court administration office after receiving your license. Submit a brief written request explaining your scheduling need. Judges typically act on waiver requests within 1–2 business days. If your ceremony is urgent, appear in person and ask for an emergency review.
License Validity — 6 months
Your Ramsey County marriage license is valid for 6 months from the date of issue, for ceremonies performed anywhere in Minnesota. Plan your application date carefully. Use our expiration calculator and Wedding Date Planner to find your exact window.
After the Ceremony
Your officiant must complete and return the signed marriage license to the Ramsey County issuing office within the timeframe required by Minnesota law (typically 10–30 days). After recording, certified copies of the marriage certificate are available for $13 each. Order at least 4–6 copies — you'll need them for Social Security, driver's license, passport, and bank account name changes.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes. Ramsey County District Court judges grant waivers. Contact the court at (651) 266-8266 after receiving your license. Bring a written explanation of why the wait needs to be waived. Waivers are granted for reasonable scheduling and personal reasons.
Yes. A Minnesota marriage license issued in any county is valid for ceremonies performed anywhere in Minnesota, including Duluth (St. Louis County), the North Shore, and anywhere near the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness.
Minnesota requires both parties to be at least 18 years old to marry without a court order. There is no provision for parental consent in lieu of the age requirement since Minnesota law was updated. Court orders for minors are rare and require specific judicial findings.
Government offices change hours, fees, and appointment policies without always updating their websites. Call the Ramsey County office directly the day before your visit to confirm current hours, fees, and whether you need an appointment.
Planning Your Visit to the County Vital Records
The County Vital Records handles marriage license applications for Ramsey 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 Ramsey 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.