Recent Changes to MInnesota Marriage Laws

The 2009 Minnesota Legislature passed modifications to the state statute governing marriages in Minnesota. These changes took effect August 1, 2009.

This reading is a bit dry, but if you are getting married there are some important things to keep in mind.

• The “legal custodial” parent(s) must give consent and appeal to the courts for authorization for their child who has reached the age of 16 but is under the age of 18 years of age to marry.
• A person must be 21 years or older in order to perform marriages in MN.
• Persons authorized to perform a marriage ceremony in MN are required to assure that the couple has obtained a Minnesota marriage license and that the individuals appearing before them are the persons named on the marriage license.
• A Minnesota marriage license can only be used within the geographical boundaries of Minnesota.
• Both the bride & groom must apply for the marriage license.
• The social security numbers of the applicants will be collected and if they do not have a social security number they must certify as such.
• A person who has been convicted of a felony is restricted from changing their name unless they follow the procedure outlined in MS 259.13.
• The Educator’s Statement (required with a reduced fee marriage license) must be signed by the established educator, dated, notarized and appear on the educator’s letterhead in order to be accepted.
• Allows Local Registrars to charge a fee of $100 if the officiant fails to file the marriage certificate within five days of the marriage.

There are some other housekeeping issues pertaining to the marriage statute that have changed. If this stuff really interests you, review the entire statute to become familiar with marriage requirements. If you have questions, contact your County Local Registrar who administers Marriage Applications, Licenses and Certificates.

Not So Fast Down the Aisle...

Today's Minneapolis Star Tribune had an interesting article about the now infamous wedding dance down the aisle. It comes from the perspective of clergy in the church.

Is it inappropriate or sacrilegious to boogie down the aisle at the church? I guess it depends on who you ask. Some clergy think this is a great way to express the joy of getting married, while others would never allow this to happen in their church.

The article also brought up a cultural difference that I had not thought about. In the West, there is not typically a connection with worship and dance, at least during a wedding ceremony. While in other parts of the world, dance is more deeply connected with worship.

Personally, I thought the dance was very creative and fun. It matched the style of the couple and they were able to express themselves in a way during their ceremony that few others have done before. I don't think it should replace the typical wedding processional, and I certainly hope that not everyone tries to recreate this at their upcoming weddings.

The spoofs have already started. I watched the "JK Divorce Video" earlier this weekend. I know we have not seen or heard the end of this.