Dakota County Begins Accepting Same-Sex Marriage License Applications

Starting today, Dakota County is accepting marriage-license applications for same-sex couples.

Marriage licenses cost $115—or $40 with 12 hours of premarital education—and, once issued, are valid for up to six months anywhere in Minnesota. 

Dakota County received new paperwork this morning to accommodate same-sex couples to apply for marriage licenses—about one month after Gov. Mark Dayton signed the same-sex marriage bill into law. 

Under the law, same-sex marriage licenses will not be issued until Aug. 1. With Minnesota's five-day waiting period, couples wishing to be married on Aug. 1, should apply for licenses by July 26.

Couples can complete a license application online and apply at three Dakota County locations:

• Administration Center - Hastings
• Northern Service Center - West St. Paul
• Western Service Center - Apple Valley