Ministerial Registration

​​​​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.

Locations (see business hours)

• Administration Center – Hastings
• Western Service Center – Apple Valley
• Northern Service Center – West St. Paul

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:

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.