Navigating Premarital Education Requirements in Minnesota

Planning a wedding involves numerous details, and understanding the legal requirements for obtaining a marriage license is crucial. In Minnesota, couples can benefit from premarital education by fulfilling specific requirements. This article provides a comprehensive overview of Minnesota's premarital education requirements, including the benefits, course content, and legal stipulations.

Benefits of Premarital Education

Engaged couples in Minnesota are encouraged to participate in premarital education, which offers significant advantages. Completing a premarital course can lead to a $75 discount on the marriage license cost. Additionally, couples who complete the course can avoid the three-day state waiting period, expediting their wedding plans.

Who Needs Premarital Education?

Whether you're a Minnesota resident or not, taking and completing a Premarital Preparation Course before getting your marriage license is a must if you want to get the benefits of the course. This applies even to non-residents of the United States.

Course Details and Accessibility

Several options are available for couples seeking premarital education in Minnesota, including online courses. These courses are designed to provide couples with valuable tools and insights for building a strong and lasting marriage.

Online Course Features

For those seeking convenience and flexibility, online premarital courses are available. These courses typically offer:

Read also: University of Minnesota Data

Comprehensive information and premarital course materials.
Self-paced learning, allowing couples to read and learn at their own convenience.
Access to course materials for a specified period (e.g., 30 days from registration).
Downloadable and printable certificate of completion for legal use.
Virtual course options with scheduled appointments with a Virtual Instructor.

Course Content

A Minnesota-approved marriage preparation class will teach you more about how to handle various issues that may arise during the course of your relationship. Most of your 12 hours will be spent talking with each other by using the 10 guided conversations. The Basic eCourse provides you with 10 downloadable, guided conversations designed to encourage honest communication on important topics.

Cost and Registration

The cost of online courses varies, but a user can find all the information and premarital course materials needed to attain certification and a marriage license for just $19.99 per user. Courses begin immediately upon registration and payment, granting both partners full access to track their progress for 30 days or until completion.

Premarital Education Certificate

Upon completing a premarital course, couples receive a "certificate of completion" in PDF format, accessible for download and printing. This certificate is valid for one year from the completion date and is accepted in all Minnesota counties, provided the marriage occurs within the state. It is advisable to download the certificate to a personal computer or device for safeguarding and personal use.

Important Considerations

Some counties may not accept printed copies of the certificate, so it's essential to schedule the process accordingly. Starting the legal process of obtaining a marriage license as early as possible is recommended to avoid last-minute delays.

Minnesota State Requirements

Per Minnesota Statute 517, both applicants must appear in person to process the marriage license application.

Read also: Guide to UMN Merit Scholarships

Required Documentation

Applicants must provide:

Identification and social security numbers. Note that while Social Security numbers are required for the application, they must not appear on the civil marriage license.
If previously married, information regarding the termination of the most recent marriage (date, court, place).

Fees

\$50 with a Premarital Education Certificate.
\$125 without a Premarital Education Certificate.

Payment must be made by cash, check, or money order. Prices are subject to change.

Application Timeline

Couples can apply up to six months before the wedding. Applicants are encouraged to share officiant information with whomever is performing the ceremony.

Premarital Education Certificate Requirements

To qualify for the discounted marriage license application fee, couples must obtain a Premarital Education Certificate. This certificate confirms that they have received at least 12 hours of premarital education, including the use of a premarital inventory and instruction in communication and conflict management skills.

Educator's Statement

The requirements for the Educator’s Statement are set out in statute and are as follows:

Read also: UMN Cost of Attendance

Must be on the educator’s letterhead.
Must be notarized (or marked with a church seal).
Must indicate completion of 12 hours of education.
Must be presented at the time of application (no refunds given).
Must be provided by a licensed or ordained minister or designee authorized to solemnize marriages under M.S. 517.18, or licensed to practice marriage and family therapy under M.S. 148B.33.
Must include the legal names of both applicants, identical to those on the marriage application.
The local registrar must retain the educator’s statement for seven years.

Statutory Form

The statement from the educator must be in the following form:

"I, __________________ (name of educator), confirm that __________________ (names of both parties) received at least 12 hours of premarital education that included the use of a premarital inventory and the teaching of communication and conflict management skills. I am a licensed or ordained minister, a person authorized to solemnize marriages under Minnesota Statutes, Section 517.18, or a person licensed to practice marriage and family therapy under Minnesota Statutes, Section 148B.33."

Civil Marriage License Fee Allocation

The distribution of civil marriage license fees is governed by Minnesota statutes.

Standard Fee (\$125): \$25 is retained by the county, and \$90 is paid to the commissioner of management and budget for various state programs.
Reduced Fee (\$50): \$25 is retained by the county, and \$15 is paid to the commissioner of management and budget, with \$10 allocated to the displaced homemaker program.

Obtaining a Marriage Record

To obtain a marriage record, you will need the names of the applicants before marriage and the date of marriage. In Blue Earth County, records are available from 1865 to the present. All marriage records before 1997 are considered "public" records.

Step-by-Step Guide to Obtaining a Marriage License in Minnesota

Complete a Premarital Education Course (Optional): Enroll in a 12-hour premarital education course to qualify for a discounted marriage license fee.
Submit Applicant Information Online: Fill out the application form online to save time at the office.
Schedule an Appointment: Schedule an appointment at a local county office. Both applicants should attend.
Gather Required Documents: Bring identification such as a driver's license, state ID, or birth certificate, along with social security numbers. Also, bring the premarital education certificate, if applicable.
Attend the Appointment: Both applicants must appear in person to process the marriage license application. If one party cannot attend, they must complete a notarized statement verifying the accuracy of the appearing party's information.
Pay the Fee: Pay the marriage license fee, which is \$50 with a premarital education certificate or \$125 without one. Payment methods include cash, check, or money order.
Receive the Marriage License: Once all requirements are met and the fee is paid, the local registrar will issue the marriage license. The license is valid for six months.

Additional Considerations

Name Changes: Minnesota allows people to change their names on their marriage license application forms. While the forms differ by locality, you can generally just fill in your new name and list your former name on the form. You can't change your name through a marriage license application.
Flexibility and Timeline: The timeline for completing premarital education is flexible. Couples can complete the 12-hour course in a single day, over a weekend, or across several weeks.
Course Provider Statement: Upon completing the course, the provider will send a statement to submit to the license bureau or church, confirming completion of the required hours.

Available Courses

The Premarital Course Center offers couples the opportunity to choose a Premarital Course Provider suitable to each couple's needs.

Christian eCourse

Another approved Minnesota marriage preparation class offered online through Online Marriage Preparation is the Christian eCourse. The Christian eCourse is slightly targeted more to those with a background in the Christian faith. The course will feature Reverend Dr.

Catholic Pre-Cana Course

To better serve Catholic couples and meet the unique requirements of dioceses and parishes, PreCanaOnline.com provides a site focused entirely on their Catholic Pre-Cana course.

tags: #minnesota #premarital #education #requirements