How to Officiate a Wedding in Pope County, Minnesota
Get Ordained Today — $20
Instant certificate. Valid for life. Legally recognized in Minnesota.
Get Ordained NowPope County by the Numbers
- Population
- 11,400
- Since 2020
- +0.7%
- Households
- 4,958
- Median Age
- 45.3
- Median Household Income
- $76,220
- Weddings / Year (est.)
- ≈ 55
- Same-Sex Couple Households
- 17
Best months for an outdoor ceremony here: June, July & August (avg 69°F)
Scenic settings for a ceremony: Abrahamson Lake, Alice Lake & Amelia Lake
Source: U.S. Census Bureau — 2023 Population Estimates, ACS 5-year estimates & 2020 Census. Wedding estimate: population × Minnesota's 2023 CDC marriage rate. Ceremony months: NOAA county climate normals, 1995–2024. Places: USGS Geographic Names Information System. Photos: Wikimedia Commons (click a photo for credit & license).
Same-sex couples have married legally in Minnesota since 2013. The story of marriage equality in Minnesota →
Eloping in Pope County?
Plan ahead5 days (may be waived by judge) waiting period after getting the license · 2 witnesses must sign
Officiant Requirements
✓
Online ordination accepted
⚠
Registration required
Documents typically requested:
- Ordination certificate
- Photo ID
Minnesota requires filing ordination credentials with the court administrator in the county where the ceremony will take place.
Minnesota State Law
Minnesota allows ordained ministers and other religious officials to solemnize marriages. The minister must file credentials with the local court.
Minnesota Stat. § 517.04Marriage License Info
Verified- Waiting Period
- 5 days (may be waived by judge)
- License Valid For
- 6 months
- Witnesses Required
- 2
- Blood Test Required
- No
County Clerk Contact
Step-by-Step Guide
1
Get Ordained
Get ordained online through the Church of Pride for $20. Your ordination is instant, valid for life, and recognized under First Amendment protections. Confirm local requirements with the Pope County County clerk before officiating.
2
Confirm Requirements
Call (320) 634-7840 and confirm that Pope County accepts your online ordination. Ask about any documents you’ll need to present.
3
Prepare Your Documents
Have your ordination certificate, photo id ready for the ceremony and to present to the clerk if asked.
4
Perform the Ceremony
Officiate the wedding ceremony. Make sure both parties and any required witnesses sign the marriage license. Keep the tone personal and celebratory — this is their day.
5
Return the License
Return the signed marriage license before the deadline — confirm timing with the clerk’s office. This is a critical step — the marriage isn’t official until the license is filed.
Resources
Pope County Officiant FAQ
Is online ordination accepted in Pope County, Minnesota?
Yes — Pope County accepts online ordination for wedding officiants. Minnesota requires filing ordination credentials with the court administrator in the county where the ceremony will take place.
Do officiants need to register with Pope County before the ceremony?
Yes. Register with the county clerk. Bring: Ordination certificate, Photo ID.
How many witnesses are required at a Pope County wedding?
2 witnesses must sign the marriage license.
How do I contact the Pope County clerk?
Pope County Clerk's Office — 130 E Minnesota Ave, Glenwood, MN 56334 — phone (320) 634-7840.
Other Minnesota Counties
Ready to Officiate?
Get ordained with the Church of Pride. $20, instant certificate, valid for life.
Get Ordained — $20Disclaimer: This page is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Marriage laws change frequently and can vary by county. Always verify current requirements with the local county clerk's office before officiating any ceremony. Information was last reviewed 2026-02-20.