Credentials to Perform Marriages

Credentials to Perform Marriages Anywhere in the State of Minnesota

File your officiant credentials with any county in Minnesota to be able to solemnize marriages - anywhere in the State of Minnesota.  Non-Minnesota residents can also apply.

Applications

Certificate of Filing - Ordination (PDF)

To file your officiant credentials:

In person - Stevens County Recorder, 400 Colorado Ave., Suite 305, Morris, MN  56267

  1. Complete, but do not sign, a certificate of filing form, either at home or at the Recorder’s Office.  
  2. The form must be signed while you are in the office.
  3. Bring your original credentials of license or ordination (including a statement of good standing, if you have it), or a statement of marriage authority from a spiritual authority.
  4. Present current and valid photo identification.
  5. Pay the $20.00 fee by cash, check or credit card.

By mail - Stevens County Recorder, 400 Colorado Ave., Suite 305, Morris, MN  56267

  1. Print and fill out, but do not sign, the certificate of filing form.
  2. Get your signature on the application notarized.
  3. Send your original credentials of license or ordination (including a statement of good standing, if you have it), or a statement of marriage authority from a spiritual authority.  Your original documents will be returned to you.
  4. Send all of these documents plus a $20 check or money order made out to Stevens County Recorder.  Be sure to include a return address.

 

Providing an Educator's Statement to a Couple You've Worked With

MS 517.08 Subd 1 (c) & (d): Statute specifically outlines what must be submitted and the education required:

(c) The marriage license fee for parties who have completed at least 12 hours of premarital education is $40. In order to qualify for the reduced license fee, the parties must submit - at the time of applying for the marriage license - a statement that is signed, dated, and notarized or marked with a church seal, from the person who provided the premarital education on their letterhead confirming that it was received. The premarital education must be provided by a licensed or ordained minister or the minister’s designee, a person authorized to solemnize marriage or a person authorized to practice marriage and family therapy. The education must include the use of a premarital inventory and the teaching of communication and conflict management skills.

For your convenience, you can complete the Educator’s Statement (PDF) which includes wording required by statute, and send it along with your couple when they go to apply for the marriage license.