Marriage Ceremony

Clay County Government Center - Currently scheduling through April 2026

The Clay County Recorder will perform civil marriage ceremonies at the Government Center.  The civil ceremony will last less than five minutes and isn't performed by a judge. The cost of the ceremony is $150.00.

To have a marriage ceremony at the Clay County Government Center, you must make a reservation. To make a reservation, contact the Clay County Recorder’s Office at 218-299-5031 or e-mail recorder@claycountymn.gov.The Calendar below shows dates that are currently unavailable.

Marriage ceremonies are performed by appointment only a first come first served basis.  Ceremonies are not scheduled if the Clay County Government Center is closed.

If you need a special accommodation, such as a ceremony performed in a language other than English, please contact us with your request.

Refunds will NOT be issued upon cancelation of your ceremony. This includes if you are late or do not show up for your scheduled time. You may reschedule your ceremony one time if done one week or more prior to your scheduled ceremony.   Contact the Recorder's Office at 218-299-5031 to reschedule.

On the day of the ceremony:

• You must bring a Minnesota marriage license. Can be applied for at the Recorder's Office. If applying the same day, allow an additional 30 minutes before your scheduled ceremony for the application process.
• Both parties must bring their valid, government issued photo ID to the ceremony.
• You must bring two witnesses, age 16 or older, that have a valid ID. The witnesses will sign the marriage certificate.
• Maximum of 10 guests allowed. This includes the witnesses.
• All parties including guests may not be under the influence of drugs or alcohol. The Recorder's Office reserves the right to cancel the ceremony if parties appear to be under the influence. No refund will be given for the cancelation.
• You should arrive at the Government Center at least 15 minutes prior to your scheduled ceremony time.  
• You must be present at your scheduled time, or the ceremony will be canceled. No refunds will be issued.
• A certified copy of the marriage certificate will be provided after the completion of the ceremony if the license was obtained in Clay County. This certified copy is included with the cost of the marriage license. Additional copies may be purchased for a fee of $9.00 each.

Payment for the ceremony and additional certificates can be made by cash, check or credit card. Credit cards payments have a service fee.

Policy is subject to change.

Photo:  Meeting room where wedding ceremonies are held at the Government Center