Minnesota judges to offer free Valentine’s Day weddings

St. Paul (Jan. 14, 2026)— Valentine’s Day is a month away and, to celebrate, Minnesota judges plan to offer free weddings throughout the state.

Hennepin County District Court started the free Valentine’s Day wedding tradition and, in recent years, other courts have followed in their footsteps. This year, 10 district courts will offer free Valentine’s Day weddings. Weddings will take place on Thursday, Feb. 12, and Friday, Feb. 13.

“This year will be Hennepin County District Court’s 13^th year of performing free weddings for Valentine’s Day—and we are doing it on Friday the 13^th,” said Judge William Koch, who has organized Hennepin County District Court’s Valentine’s Day weddings since their inception. “We hope to flip the script of negativity around Friday the 13^th: This year’s theme is ‘Lucky in love.’  We want to celebrate our 13^th anniversary with a new group of happy couples.”

“It is such a special day for our couples,” he added, “and everyone here at the courthouse.”

Couples wishing to have a judge marry them on Valentine’s Day should check the list below and follow the directions for registering for a free wedding. Couples do not need to reside in the county in which they plan to marry, but they must have a valid marriage license in that county before a wedding can be performed.