Minnesota Courthouse Wedding: How to Guide

Planning on having a Minnesota Courthouse Wedding? That’s awesome! You’re in the right spot. I’m here to guide you on planning the perfect courthouse wedding in Minnesota! Let’s dive right in!

Bride and groom walking down the stairs in front of a courthouse after getting married

Step 1- Find a Courthouse

Minnesota has some of the most beautiful courthouses to tie the knot at! You can find all the courthouses for your specific district here – Minnesota Courthouses.

Courthouse wedding couple walking up the stairs towards the courthouse to get married

Wedding couple walking together next to a beautiful castle like courthouse

First look between bride in groom in front of a beautiful courthouse in Minnesota

Step 2 – Apply for a Marriage License

Once you’ve decided on a courthouse, you need to apply for a marriage license from a Minnesota county registrar.

Groom leaning towards his bride as he pushes her against the elevator wall to kiss her

Black and white photo of Bride and groom walking together

Requirements for obtaining a marriage license in Minnesota:

Applicants must be 18 years of age to obtain a license (without parental consent). Be prepared to present valid identification.
Both parties must be present to apply for a marriage license. If one party cannot be present, they must provide a notarized Supplemental Marriage License Application (PDF) and a completed, notarized Marriage License Application.
Each applicant must provide: full legal name, address, telephone numbers and social security numbers (if they have one).
Each applicant must provide after-marriage name(s) and address.

Price for a Marriage License

Price: $115
Reduced price (you may be eligible after completing 12 hours of premarital counseling): $40

Proof of premarital counseling is required at time of application. If you do not have the required form, download and complete statements below prior to applying. Statements must be on church or counselor letterhead, signed by the person doing the counseling and notarized.

Wide shot photo of bride and groom standing side by side holding hands in front of a beautiful castle like courthouse

Step 3 – Schedule Your Marriage Ceremony

After obtaining your marriage license you need to schedule a ceremony time and date with a judge that’s available on the day you choose to have your courthouse wedding! Remember to allow enough time to schedule your marriage ceremony with a judge’s clerk before your wedding date. Here is a List of Judges Performing Marriage Ceremonies for contact information, or call (612) 348-9962 to hear a recorded message.

Step 4- Plan Your Ceremony

Now that you’ve got your date and time set, it’s time to plan your courthouse wedding and make it special and unique to YOU! Here are some things to consider when planning your Minnesota Courthouse Wedding:

Decide if you want to do your own vows or not
Are you going to do a ring exchange?
Do you want any music to be played?
Are you inviting any guests? (Let them know what your preferred attire is and any important details such as parking etc.)
Are you having a reception or celebration afterwards?
Do you want to wear a traditional wedding dress?
Do you want a photographer?
Who is going to do your hair and make up?
Do you want any flower arrangements or a bouquet?

Detail shot of bride and groom hands touching, brushing over each other

Bride and groom walking happily together bumping hips after getting married at the courthouse

Bride and groom walking together towards a courthouse in Minnesota

Photography Tips For Your Minnesota Courthouse Wedding

After thinking over all these little details, you’ll be able to dot the i’s and cross the t’s. Remember that your courthouse wedding is a beautiful intimate moment that you’ll cherish forever! Finding a photographer to document your special day is so important! If you’re still looking for a Minnesota Photographer to capture your Courthouse Wedding – Please contact me HERE. I’d absolutely love to capture your day!

After capturing your ceremony at the courthouse, consider having some post ceremony bride and groom portraits at a location nearby! Some of my favorite options include:

A nearby park
A cocktail bar for a celebratory drinks
A stroll downtown
A fancy restaurant
Share some ice cream, donuts or piece of cake at your favorite dessert shop

Detail flat lay shot of bride and groom's rings, bright summer flowers, a cocktail menu and a polaroid of a courthouse elopement

Bride and groom walking across the street holding hands. Groom is holding his suit jacket over his shoulder with his sunglasses on

Detail shot of bride and groom clinking their cocktails together with their rings visible

Courthouse elopement couple clinking their drinks together while sitting in a cocktail restaurant after getting married at the courthouse

Post-Ceremony Celebration Ideas

After your ceremony and bride-and-groom portraits, you’ll want to celebrate the promise you just made with your partner! Whether it’s a big celebration with all your friends and family, or just the two of you, here are some ideas:

Get together at someone’s house for celebratory drinks and snacks
Hire an event space or tent with a caterer
Go to your favorite restaurant
Pick up a cake and go cut it at home!
Go and enjoy your favorite dessert together
Go dancing downtown with some friends!

Bride and groom dip kissing in front of a beautiful castle-like courthouse

Bride and groom standing side by side in front of the courthouse looking in opposite directions

About Heidi Straus Photography

Minnesota Courthouse Wedding Photographer

Hi there! I’m Heidi- A Wedding + Destination photographer based out of Minneapolis , Minnesota! I absolutely love capturing candid and timeless wedding photos! I’m super outgoing and very laid back. I care about making my couples feel relaxed and comfortable! So don’t worry about posing- I’ll guide you through it all! When working with me, you can expect to receive tons of wedding planning guides, engagement outfit guides, timeline planning and so much more! I love going above and beyond for my clients! If you’re looking for a wedding photographer to capture your special day- BIG or small, I’d be honored!

You can contact me here to find more about my packages – Contact Minnesota Wedding Photographer.