2009 Legislative Session passed HF695/SF548 making modifications to the state statute governing marriages in Minnesota (MS 517). These changes were effective August 1, 2009.

Some of the additional provisions or clarifications are:

o The “legal custodial” parent(s) must give consent and appeal to the courts for authorization for their child who has reached the age of 16 but is under the age of 18 years of age to marry.

o A person must be 21 years or older in order to perform marriages in MN.

o Persons authorized to perform a marriage ceremony in MN are required to assure that the couple has obtained a MN marriage license and that the individuals appearing before them are the persons named on the marriage license.

o A MN marriage license can only be used within the geographical boundaries of Minnesota.

o Both the bride & groom must apply for the marriage license.

o The social security numbers of the applicants will be collected and if they do not have a social security number they must certify as such.

o A person who has been convicted of a felony is restricted from changing their name unless they follow the procedure outlined in MS 259.13.

o The Educator’s Statement (required with a reduced fee marriage license) must be signed by the established educator, dated, notarized and appear on the educator’s letterhead in order to be accepted.

o Allows Local Registrars to charge a fee of $100 if the officiant fails to file the marriage certificate within five days of the marriage.

o And other housekeeping issues pertaining to the marriage statute.

Please review the entire statute to become familiar with marriage requirements. If you have questions, contact your County Local Registrar who administers Marriage Applications, Licenses and Certificates.

Educators' Statement and Forms