Ministerial Credentials

Marriage Officiant
To perform a marriage ceremony in Minnesota, you must register with a county in Minnesota before performing a marriage ceremony. No credentials are required to register with the county. M.S.517.04

Ministers of any religious denomination, before they are authorized to solemnize a marriage, shall file a copy of their credentials of license or ordination or, if their religious denomination does not issue credentials, authority from the minister’s spiritual assembly, with the local registrar of a county in this state M.S.517.05.  Once this is done, marriages may be performed anywhere within the geographical boundaries of the state of Minnesota.  

Filing requirements
Officiant must be 21 years of age or older (provide identification).
In person
  • Will need to provide a valid government issued photo ID.
  • Sign Certificate of Filing when present at the Recorder’s office.
  • Present credentials of license or ordination; per M.S.517.05, if applicable.
  • Pay the $40.00 filing fee.

By Mail/Email
  • Submit a completed and notarized Certificate of Filing form.
  • Provide your credentials of license or ordination, if applicable.  If your credential has information on both sides, such as a wallet card, please provide a copy of each side.
  • Provide a copy of your valid government issued photo ID. 
  • Filing Fee $40.00 (No out-of-state checks accepted). You may complete the Credit Card Payment Form and send with your documentation. 
  • Mail to:  Kandiyohi County Recorder
                   PO Box 736
                   Willmar, MN 56201
  • Note: Certificate of Filing and license/ordination will be returned by mail to the address stated on the Certificate of Filing.

Information for Marriage Officiant
A marriage license issued by Kandiyohi County is given to the applicants at the time they complete the application process in our office.  At this time, they will receive three documents - the marriage license, the marriage certificate, and an informational page that contains information for them as well as their officiant. They will also receive an envelope that can be used to send the completed marriage certificate back to our office.  The marriage certificate needs to be completed by the officiant.  Failure to complete the marriage certificate properly will result in a delay of the issuance of the certified marriage certificate.  The marriage license should be kept by the officiant as proof of your solemnization of the marriage.  
 
If you have any questions about performing a marriage within the borders of Minnesota, please contact our office at (320) 231-6223


Statutes for Officiants
MN Statute 517.05:  You must fill in the county in MN where your credentials are filed authorizing you to perform marriages in Minnesota on the marriage certificate.

MN Statute 517.06:  The couple and witnesses must be present at the ceremony, and you must view ID of all four people.

MN Statute 517.10:  The officiant and witnesses print and sign their names on the certificate.

MN Statute 517.13:  Complete and return the original certificate to the local records office within 5 days after the ceremony to avoid penalty.

Tips for Completing the Marriage Certificate
  • Print legibly. This is a legal document that will remain on record forever.
  • Enter your title such as pastor, wedding officiant, ordained minister, etc. on the certificate – do not use your name as your title.
  • Have both witnesses sign and print their name below.
  • Fill out each line on the certificate. Missing information may delay issuance of the certified copy.
  • If questions, call the county listed on the marriage license before sending in the marriage certificate.
  • Marriage licenses must be returned to the county in which they were issued. 

Additional Marriage Officiant Information
  • A Minnesota Marriage License must be used in the geographical borders of the state of Minnesota. 
  • A license is good for six months. The marriage license will state the date range that it is valid for.
  • The marriage license is to be kept by the officiant and the marriage certificate is to be returned to the county office where the applicants applied.
  • Witnesses must be 16 years of age or older.
  • Officiant Brochure for informational purposes.