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 starting July 13. However, making an appointment is encouraged.

Precautions for staff and visitors

• Dakota County requires both staff AND visitors to wear a mask at the Dakota County facilities.  If you do not have a mask, we will provide you with one.
• Keep a distance of at least 6 feet from others.
• If you have had a fever of 100.4 degrees Fahrenheit or higher, shortness of breath, muscle aches, sore throat, or a new or increased cough in the last seven days OR if you have had close contact with someone who was diagnosed or suspected to have COVID-19 within the last 14 days, do not visit a county facility for an appointment. If you display these symptoms during your appointment, you will be required to leave the facility.

Apply by mail

You can still receive your ministerial registration by mail. Send a copy of your Ordination Certificate and $8 fee to:

Apply by drop off

You can also drop off certificate 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

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.