Quick Answer: The MN Premarital Course
- The Benefit: Taking an approved 12-hour premarital course saves you $75 on your Minnesota marriage license.
- 2026 Fees: The standard fee is $125. With a course, the fee drops to $50.
- Legal Requirements: Must be 12 hours long, include a premarital inventory, and teach conflict management and communication skills (per MN Statute 517.08).
- Proof Required: You must submit a signed, notarized “Educator’s Statement” on official letterhead to your local county registrar.
If you are planning to get married in the Land of 10,000 Lakes, we have some fantastic news: Minnesota law actively pays you to invest in your relationship. By completing an approved Minnesota premarital course, you can instantly save $75 on your marriage license fee.
However, the state has strict legal requirements regarding how many hours you must spend on the course, what the curriculum must include, and exactly how your certificate must be signed and authenticated. Navigating these rules can be confusing, especially with the recent fee changes going into effect across local county vital records offices.
As authorized providers of premarital education, we’ve put together this comprehensive, legally accurate 2026 guide to help you check the box, strengthen your bond, and confidently claim your $75 discount.
How Much Does a Minnesota Marriage License Cost in 2026?
It is crucial to note that Minnesota recently updated its marriage license fees, yet many older blogs and even some outdated county websites still list the old pricing. Based on current records from local county recorders (such as Rice, Grant, and Dakota counties), the confirmed 2026 fee structure is:
- Standard MN Marriage License Fee: $125.00
- Discounted Fee (with Premarital Course): $50.00
- Total Savings: $75.00
Your license will be valid for six months from the date of issuance, and it can be legally used to wed in any of Minnesota’s 87 counties, regardless of which county issued it.
What Are the Legal Requirements for the MN Premarital Course?
To qualify for the reduced fee, you cannot just take a quick online relationship quiz. Your premarital counseling or course must explicitly meet the criteria laid out in Minnesota Statute Section 517.08 (specifically Subdivisions 1b and 1c).
According to state law, your premarital education must include the following three pillars:
- 12 Hours of Education: You and your partner must complete a minimum of 12 hours of premarital preparation.
- A Premarital Inventory: The course must utilize a recognized premarital inventory—a comprehensive assessment tool that helps identify your relationship’s specific strengths and potential growth areas.
- Targeted Skill Building: The curriculum is legally mandated to teach specific communication and conflict management skills.
Who is Authorized to Teach the Course?
Minnesota is very specific about who possesses the legal authority to sign your certificate of completion. Under MN law, the premarital education must be provided by one of the following:
- A licensed or ordained minister (or the minister’s designee).
- A person authorized to solemnize civil marriages in Minnesota (under Section 517.18).
- A person authorized to practice marriage and family therapy, known as an LMFT (under Section 148B.33).
Note: Our online premarital courses are developed and overseen by fully qualified professionals meeting these exact statutory requirements, ensuring your certificate is 100% valid and guaranteed to be accepted by your local county registrar.
The “Educator’s Statement” and the Strict Notary Requirement
This is the most common stumbling block for couples trying to claim their discount. To get your $75 savings, you cannot simply print out a generic, unverified PDF certificate from an email.
When you apply for your license, you must physically hand the clerk a document called an Educator’s Statement. State law dictates that this statement must be meticulously prepared:
- It must be printed on the provider’s official business letterhead.
- It must contain the exact, verbatim legal text mandated by the state of Minnesota.
- Both of your names must be printed exactly as they appear on your formal marriage license application (including middle names).
- It must be physically signed, dated, and legally Notarized by a Notary Public (or marked with an official church seal).
How we handle this seamlessly: Because Minnesota requires this high level of authentication, once you finish our online course, we physically print, sign, legally notarize, and mail the original, raised-seal Educator’s Statement directly to your home via USPS. You simply take this hard copy straight to the courthouse.
Can We Take the 12-Hour Minnesota Course Online?
Yes, absolutely. As long as the course strictly adheres to the 12-hour duration requirement and includes the mandatory inventory and communication skills training, you can complete your MN premarital course 100% online.
An online, self-paced format is often the most practical choice for busy, modern couples. It allows you to complete the 12 hours from the comfort of your couch, eliminating the heavy cost and scheduling headaches associated with coordinating multi-week sessions with an in-person therapist.
Step-by-Step: How to Get Your Marriage License and Save $75
- Enroll in an Approved Course: Sign up for our 12-hour MN Premarital Course.
- Complete the Materials: Work through the self-paced video modules, the required premarital inventory, and communication exercises at your own speed.
- Receive Your Notarized Statement: Upon completion, we will notarize your official Educator’s Statement on our letterhead and mail it directly to you.
- Apply via MOMS: You can start your application online from home via the Minnesota Official Marriage System (MOMS) database (moms.mn.gov). Keep in mind, you will not print the application; your signatures will be collected in person.
- Visit the Courthouse: Go to your local county recorder or registrar’s vital records office together within 90 days of starting your online application. Present your valid photo IDs, your notarized Educator’s Statement, and pay the reduced $50 fee via cash, check, or credit card.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Is there a waiting period to get married in Minnesota?
No. In 2016, Minnesota repealed its mandatory 5-day waiting period. Once you are handed your marriage license at the county office, you can legally get married immediately.
Do we both have to be Minnesota residents to get the discount?
No, you do not need to be Minnesota residents to apply for a MN marriage license or to qualify for the $75 premarital education discount, provided your actual wedding ceremony is taking place within the geographical boundaries of the state of Minnesota.
How long is the notarized Educator’s Statement good for?
While the actual marriage license strictly expires after 6 months if unused, there is no statutory expiration date on your premarital course Educator’s Statement prior to applying. However, it is generally recommended to take the course within a year of your wedding date so the relationship skills remain fresh.
Ready to Strengthen Your Relationship and Save $75?
Our comprehensive, state-approved Minnesota online premarital course is designed to be engaging, self-paced, and fully compliant with MN Statute 517.08. Click here to enroll today and check this off your wedding to-do list!
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