Marriage Officiants
Before Ministers of any religious denomination or persons authorized to perform civil marriages are authorized to solemnize a marriage, they must be 21 years of age and have registered a Certificate of Filing in any county within Minnesota along with a copy of their credential of license or ordination, if applicable. A Certificate of Filing need only be recorded once in the State of Minnesota. It does not need to be recorded in each county where a marriage may be performed. Any marriage certificate returned without entering which county in Minnesota the officiant’s credentials are recorded in will not be accepted.
Filing Requirements
- Completed Certificate of Filing
- A copy of credentials of license or ordination per MN Statute 517.05 if applicable
- Filing fee payable to the Otter Tail County Recorder
- Officiant must be 21 years of age
Fees
| Item | Fee |
|---|---|
| Marriage License Full Fee | $125.00 |
| Marriage License Reduced Fee | $50.00 |
| Certified Copy of Certificate of Marriage | $9.00 |
| Marriage Officiant Certificate of Filing | $40.00 |
| Notary Filing | $20.00 |
Information for Marriage Officiant
A marriage license that was issued by Otter Tail County is given to the applicants at the time they complete the application process. They will receive two pieces of paper that include the marriage license and the marriage certificate. They will also receive an envelope that can be used to send the completed certificate back to our office. The marriage license shall be kept by the officiant as proof of your authority to solemnize the marriage. 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. An example of our marriage license and certificate will provide tips for correctly completing the certificate.