North Dakota Marriage Laws
What to expect when officiating a wedding.
Get Ordained
Requirements for the Couple
- Minimum Age: 18 years (16 with guardian consent)
- Residency: Not Required
- Minimum Kin Distance: Second Cousins
- Marriage Equality: Yes
Couples must be 18+ to marry or 16+ with written guardian consent. Marriages between close relatives, including first cousins, are void. Same-sex marriages are legally recognized.
Marriage License Requirements
- License Pickup: By Couple, In Person
- Cost: $65
- Accepted ID: Government-Issued Photo ID
- Proof of Divorce: Required if previously married
- Blood Test: Not Required
Couples must apply in person at the county recorder’s office where they or their parents reside, or in the county where the marriage will occur for non-residents. A sworn affidavit, social security numbers, and divorce decrees (if applicable) are required.
Marriage License Facts
- Ceremony Type: Religious
- Waiting Period: None
- License Validity: 60 Days
- Submission Deadline: Within 5 Days
Marriage licenses are valid for 60 days. The officiant must return the original license and marriage certificate to the issuing recorder within five days of the ceremony.
Requirements for the Minister
- Minimum Age: 18 years
- Residency: Not Required
- Documents Required: Varies by County
- Online Ordination Recognized: Yes
- Registration Office: Recorder
Ministers must be 18+ and ordained through Ministries of Love. Documentation requirements vary by county. Ministers should confirm requirements with the recorder where the license is issued.
Wedding Ceremony Requirements
- Marriage By Proxy: Not Allowed
- Minister Presence: Required
- Witnesses Required: 2
The minister, couple, and two witnesses must be physically present. The ceremony must include the couple’s consent (“I do”) and the minister’s pronouncement.
Final Steps
- Officiant Title: Minister
- Ordaining Body: Ministries of Love
- Address: Minister’s Home Address
The officiant must complete the marriage license, listing “minister” as their title and “Ministries of Love” as the ordaining body. The original license must be returned to the issuing recorder within five days. Ministers should maintain records of all ceremonies performed, especially if compensated.
Requirements for the Couple
- Minimum Age: 18 years (16 with guardian consent)
- Residency: Not Required
- Minimum Kin Distance: Second Cousins
- Marriage Equality: Yes
Couples must be 18+ to marry or 16+ with written guardian consent. Marriages between close relatives, including first cousins, are void. Same-sex marriages are legally recognized.
Marriage License Requirements
- License Pickup: By Couple, In Person
- Cost: $65
- Accepted ID: Government-Issued Photo ID
- Proof of Divorce: Required if previously married
- Blood Test: Not Required
Couples must apply in person at the county recorder’s office where they or their parents reside, or in the county where the marriage will occur for non-residents. A sworn affidavit, social security numbers, and divorce decrees (if applicable) are required.
Marriage License Facts
- Ceremony Type: Religious
- Waiting Period: None
- License Validity: 60 Days
- Submission Deadline: Within 5 Days
Marriage licenses are valid for 60 days. The officiant must return the original license and marriage certificate to the issuing recorder within five days of the ceremony.
Requirements for the Minister
- Minimum Age: 18 years
- Residency: Not Required
- Documents Required: Varies by County
- Online Ordination Recognized: Yes
- Registration Office: Recorder
Ministers must be 18+ and ordained through Ministries of Love. Documentation requirements vary by county. Ministers should confirm requirements with the recorder where the license is issued.
Wedding Ceremony Requirements
- Marriage By Proxy: Not Allowed
- Minister Presence: Required
- Witnesses Required: 2
The minister, couple, and two witnesses must be physically present. The ceremony must include the couple’s consent (“I do”) and the minister’s pronouncement.
Final Steps
- Officiant Title: Minister
- Ordaining Body: Ministries of Love
- Address: Minister’s Home Address
The officiant must complete the marriage license, listing “minister” as their title and “Ministries of Love” as the ordaining body. The original license must be returned to the issuing recorder within five days. Ministers should maintain records of all ceremonies performed, especially if compensated.