Eloping in Minnesota? Heck yes! Whether you’re dreaming of saying “I do” on the North Shore cliffs or in a cozy cabin in the woods, you’ll need to handle a few logistics first. But don’t worry, I’ve got you covered! This guide breaks down everything you need to legally elope in Minnesota, from getting your marriage license to securing the perfect location. Let’s dive in!
Get Your Minnesota Marriage License (No, It’s Not as Scary as It Sounds)
Before eloping in Minnesota, you need a marriage license aka the golden ticket to making it all official.
Here’s how to get yours:
- Apply online or in person at any county registrar’s office in Minnesota (yep, it doesn’t have to be the actual county where you’re getting married!).
- Show up with a valid ID (driver’s license, passport, or state ID).
- Pay the fee: $115, or $40 if you complete 12 hours of premarital education (because love and savings go hand in hand).
- No waiting period! You can grab your license and get married the same day if you want.
- Your license is good for six months, so don’t apply too early (or too late)!
Permits? Maybe! Here’s What You Need to Know
Your dream elopement spot might require a permit, depending on where you’re tying the knot.
Here’s a quick rundown:
- State Parks: Planning a scenic elopement at places like Gooseberry Falls or Itasca State Park? You’ll need a vehicle permit (easy peasy) and possibly a special use permit (check with the specific park).
- City Parks: Minneapolis and St. Paul both require wedding permits for ceremonies in public parks. These ensure you won’t be competing with a surprise yoga class for space.
- Private Venues: If you’re renting a cabin, lodge, or private land, check with the owner about any necessary permits or restrictions.
Curious to see what some locations for eloping in Minnesota are? Check out my blog on The Best Places to Elope in Minnesota!
Who Can Officiate? Can You Marry Yourselves when Eloping in Minnesota?
Minnesota is pretty chill when it comes to officiants. Here are your options:
- Judges (even retired ones—perks of the job!)
- Court administrators
- Ordained ministers or religious officials
However, when it comes to marrying yourselves aka self-solemnization, it’s a different story (but still not a complicated thing).
- Self-solemnization? Nope! Unlike some states, Minnesota doesn’t allow couples to marry themselves, so you’ll need an officiant to make it official.
- Want other options? I’ve written an awesome blog on Commitment Ceremonies—non-legally binding celebrations—something my husband and I did!
Changing Your Name (If You Want To!)
If you’re planning to change your last name, here’s the lowdown:
- You can list your new last name on your marriage license application—easy!
- After your wedding, update your Social Security card first before tackling your driver’s license, passport, and everything else.
- If you didn’t indicate a name change on your marriage license, you’ll need to go through a court petition (so, decide ahead of time!).
If you’re not sure whether you should (or shouldn’t) change your name, here’s an awesome resource I created listing all the pros and cons—Should You Change Your Name?
Paperwork & Timelines: Let’s Keep This Stress-Free
To quickly summarize:
- Apply for your marriage license within six months of your wedding date.
- After the ceremony, your officiant needs to file the license with the county within five days.
- Want a copy of your marriage certificate? Request one from the county after it’s filed (you’ll need it for name changes, taxes, etc.).
That’s It. Time to Celebrate!
And that’s your step-by-step guide to eloping in Minnesota! Now that the legal stuff is out of the way, you can focus on what really matters: Your love story. Whether you’re exchanging vows under the stars or by a roaring waterfall, your elopement should be stress-free (here’s How to Plan a Stress-Free Elopement), magical, and totally you.
Have more questions? Feel free to check out my Ultimate Guide to Planning Your Minnesota Elopement here.
Or let’s chat!
I’m Nuku and I’m here to help make eloping in Minnesota a reality of yours!
I strongly believe your elopement should be stress-free, beautiful, and 100% you. If you’re ready to create an unforgettable elopement experience, I’d love to help!
Check out my packages and pricing or contact me here to start planning!
Follow me on Pinterest & Instagram for more Minnesota elopement inspiration!
Final Thought: No matter what, remember to slow down, soak in the moment, and celebrate your love. Your day is about you two—nothing else matters.
Frequently asked questions
Can we elope anywhere in Minnesota?
Pretty much! You can elope at state parks, city parks, private venues, or even in your backyard. Just check if you need a permit for your chosen location. Check out my guide on How to Choose Your Elopement Location for inspiration!
Can we elope in Minnesota in the winter?
Absolutely! Minnesota winter elopements can be magical—think snowy forests or frozen waterfalls. Just plan for chilly temps, dress warmly, and consider a backup indoor location in case of extreme weather.
How long does it take to get a marriage license in Minnesota?
There’s no waiting period, which means you can get your license and get married on the same day if you want! Just remember, your license expires after six months, so don’t apply too early.
Does our officiant need to register in Minnesota?
Yes, Minnesota requires anyone performing a marriage ceremony to register with a county registrar’s office.
In Minnesota, how long do we have to file our marriage license after eloping?
Your officiant must file your signed marriage license with the county within five days of your elopement to make it official.