Under Minnesota Statutes
517.04,
517.05, and
517.15, before a minister of any religious denomination can perform a marriage ceremony in Dakota County, their ministerial credentials must be registered with a county in the state.
A person must be 21 years of age in order to perform a marriage in Minnesota.
Persons authorized to perform marriage ceremonies in Minnesota are required to assure that the couple has obtained a Minnesota Marriage license and that the individuals appearing before them are the persons' names on the marriage license.
Make an appointment
Reserve your appointment
Drop box available
Paper work can be submitted via drop boxes at each location.
Walk-ins available
Service and license centers are open for walk-ins. However, making an appointment is encouraged.
Apply by mail
You can still receive your ministerial registration by mail. Send a copy of Ordination Certificate, a copy of proof of age and the $8.50 fee to:
Northern Service Center
Service Desk
1 Mendota Road West
West St. Paul, MN 55118
Make checks payable to: Dakota County
Apply by drop off
You can also drop off certificate, proof of age and fees at one of three drop-off boxes. Boxes are located at the
Administration Center,
Northern Service Center and
Western Service Center.
If you do not have a Certificate of Ordination, one of the following may be substituted:
- A letter from the main church body (such as the Archdiocese or Synod) with the signature of one official.
- A letter from the church, which must:
- Be on church letterhead (if not, the officials' signatures must be notarized).
- State that the church authorizes the applicant to solemnize marriages.
- Be signed by three other officials of the church.
Please provide your address and phone number. Once received, a Certificate of Filing will be sent.
Fees
$8.50
Registering in person
You must provide a copy of your Ordination Certificate to any of the three locations listed above. If you do not have a Certificate of Ordination, one of the following may be substituted:
- A letter from the main church body (such as the Archdiocese or Synod) with the signature of one official.
- A letter from the church, which must:
- Be on church letterhead (if not, the officials’ signatures must be notarized).
- State that the church authorizes the applicant to solemnize marriages.
- Be signed by three other officials of the church.
Please provide your address and phone number. Once received, a Certificate of Filing will be sent.
Registering by mail
If you do not have a Certificate of Ordination, one of the following may be substituted:
- A letter from the main church body (such as the Archdiocese or Synod) with the signature of one official.
- A letter from the church, which must:
- Be on church letterhead (if not, the officials’ signatures must be notarized).
- State that the church authorizes the applicant to solemnize marriages.
- Be signed by three other officials of the church.
Please provide your address and phone number. Once received, a Certificate of Filing will be sent.