by James Warden
The county is beginning the application process early in order to ensure it can handle the expected increase in requests when the law takes effect Aug. 1.
Same-sex couples who want to marry only have to wait a week before they can start requesting marriage licenses from Hennepin County. Hennepin County announced Thursday that its service centers will start accepting marriage license applications from same-sex couples June 6.
The Hennepin County Board, which passed a resolution on the matter, worked with the County Attorney’s Office to ensure that it could accept applications before the law takes effect Aug. 1. The licenses will not actually be valid until Aug. 1, but the earlier date gives the county a head start on processing the expected increase in applications.
The county recommends that anyone interested in getting married on Aug. 1 complete an application by July 27 since the state has a mandatory five-day waiting period. Same-sex couples who are already married in another state will not be able to marry in Minnesota because that would be considered entering into a new marriage or remarrying. However, the state will start recognizing same-sex marriages from others states Aug. 1.
Once the application is open, same-sex couples will be able to begin the process online or at one of the service centers. Those who schedule an appointment will be served as quickly as possible after they arrive.
State law sets marriage license fees at $115 or $40 with 12 hours of premarital counseling. Couples need a statement from the counselor in order to qualify for the lower fee. Marriage licenses are valid for six months from the issuing date.
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