Marriage ceremony

We offer couples a brief non-religious, gender-neutral ceremony.

No personal vows or changes can be made to the civil ceremony script.

• Civil ceremony script (PDF, 1MB)
• Espanol - Guion para la ceremonia de matrimonio (PDF, 1MB)

Our staff perform the ceremony at the counter.

The ceremony takes about 10 minutes and isn't performed by a judge. 

Ceremony requirements

• You must have a Minnesota marriage license and certificate not older than 6 months.
• You must bring a photo identification that:
  • Has your full legal name
  • Has your date of birth
  • Is government issued
  • Is not expired
  • Is in English or is accompanied by a translation into English

Examples of approved photo identification

• US or international passport or passport card
• State ID or driver's license from a US state or territory
• Consular identification document from any jurisdiction
• Minnesota or other Tribal Identification Card with security features
• Identification card issued by the U.S. Department of Defense like a DD-1173

You can apply for your marriage license on the same day as your ceremony, but it must be a separate appointment. Marriage license information.

Ceremony fee

$45 - non-refundable.

Payment options.

Before the ceremony

• Schedule an appointment.
• Make sure your marriage license and certificate are accurate and not expired. 
  You can apply for your marriage license on the same day as your ceremony, but it must be a separate appointment. Marriage license information.
• Arrange for 2 witnesses 16 years or older to come to the ceremony with you.

During the ceremony

Bring your marriage license, marriage certificate, fee, witnesses and your photo identification.

• Our staff perform the ceremony at the counter.
• Guests should be kept to a minimum.
• Translation services can be requested. Family members aren’t allowed to translate.
• No confetti, bubbles, balloons, rice, sparklers, or other similar items may be released/used in the building.
• Staff will read the civil ceremony script.
  • Civil ceremony script (PDF, 1MB)
  • Espanol - Guion para la ceremonia de matrimonio (PDF, 1MB)

After the ceremony

You leave as a married couple.

• Your marriage certificate will be submitted for filing.
• We will return your certified marriage certificate once it's been recorded.
• An error on the certificate can be fixed by correcting marriage record information.