Beltrami County Judges Offer Free Weddings Feb. 12 and 13

Beltrami County district judges will offer free wedding ceremonies on Thursday, Feb. 12 and Friday, Feb. 13 to celebrate Valentine’s Day, providing a low-cost option for couples across the region. Ceremony times are limited and appointments are required; no walk-ins will be allowed.

The program is part of a broader effort this year in which 10 Minnesota counties are participating. Couples do not need to be residents of Beltrami County to take part, but they must hold a valid marriage license in the county where they plan to be married before the wedding can take place. To register in Beltrami County, callers should contact (218) 888-5060. Ceremonies will be held at the Beltrami County Judicial Center, 600 Minnesota Ave. NW, Suite 108, Bemidji.

Free officiation by district judges removes one cost barrier to marriage and can have immediate practical effects for households. Legal marriage can change access to employer or government benefits, clarify next-of-kin and hospital visitation rights, and simplify paperwork for health insurance and shared medical decision-making. For couples facing tight budgets, waiving ceremony fees can reduce financial strain and create a pathway to formal recognition without the cost of private officiants.

The limited schedule and appointment-only format mean planning ahead is essential. Judges' offices typically set fixed time slots for these events, so early registration will help couples secure preferred times. Because a valid marriage license is a prerequisite, couples should arrange for the license in the appropriate county before their scheduled ceremony; residency in Beltrami County is not required to use the judicial center for the ceremony.

This offering also reflects community values around access and equity. By providing free officiation, Beltrami County district judges lower a structural barrier that can disproportionately affect low-income residents, young people starting families, and others for whom ceremony costs are prohibitive. The county-level participation alongside nine other Minnesota counties expands options for couples who may travel to Bemidji from neighboring areas.

For residents planning to tie the knot around Valentine’s Day, the immediate next step is to secure a marriage license in the county where the wedding will occur and call (218) 888-5060 to register for a ceremony time at the Beltrami County Judicial Center. With limited slots available, early action will ensure couples take full advantage of this free service and the legal protections that formal marriage provides.