The guide to a successful Minneapolis courthouse wedding. Steps to help you navigate the process:

As a local wedding photographer, I’ve compiled the necessary steps to help you navigate the process:

1. Set the Date and Time

Contact the court in your chosen county to verify specific requirements. While many courthouses allow ceremonies during business hours, locations like the Capitol and City Hall require reservations.

2. Arrange for a Judge

Minnesota does not have Justices of the Peace; ceremonies are performed by judges. You will need to contact the judge’s chambers in your desired county to schedule your date.

3. Apply for a Marriage License

Applications can be completed online through a Minnesota county registrar. You must be over 18 and provide valid identification. You do not need to be a resident, but the license is only valid in Minnesota and expires after six months.

4. Pay the License Fee

5. Witnesses

You must have at least two witnesses present. If you cannot provide them, you can request the court to provide witnesses if arranged in advance.

6. The Ceremony

Ceremonies typically last between 3 and 10 minutes. Judges are generally open to customizing the service to reflect different faiths, languages, and LGBTQ+ identities. Please note that a separate ceremony fee is required.

7. Filing the Certificate

After the ceremony, your officiant will file the marriage certificate and return the certified copy to you.

Other Specifics:

The Hennepin County Government Center (300 South 6th St) is the primary location for ceremonies. While it is connected to Minneapolis City Hall (350 S 5th St), official ceremonies are held at the Government Center. You must complete an online pre-application before scheduling an appointment in Hennepin County.



If you are looking for a photographer to capture your intimate ceremony, I have been shooting at both the Minneapolis and St. Paul courthouses since 2019. You can explore one of my recent galleries here.