Wedding the day after Thanksgiving

Question:

Hello, I am an Airman First Class and I was reading your helpful article on how to get your marriage license in Minnesota, and I just have a few questions.

My fiance and I, both being in the US Air Force, plan on getting married so we can be stationed together.  The only problem is, the next time we will see each other is over Thanksgiving weekend.  Now i understand Thanksgiving is on a Thursday, but being in St. Paul for the entirety of the weekend, will the courthouses be open on that Friday? And what is the deal with witnesses, would be be able to have the legal marriage finished completely within the courthouse in one day, as long as we have our two witnesses? I'm of course new to this whole action, so I thank you for your time. Please write back soon and in as much detail as possible, since time is of the essence.

Respectfully,

A1C

Answer:

Dear A1C,

Congratulations on your engagement!  Wow, it's so difficult for soldiers, isn't it?  Here's answers:

>>Will the courthouses be open on that Friday?
Unfortunately, no, both Hennepin and Ramsey counties call that Friday "Thanksgiving Friday", and they're closed on that day (sorry).  Here's the link for the Hennepin County holidays, and the other county's holidays are pretty much the same.

>>And what is the deal with witnesses
That's easier - you need two witnesses (but anyone can serve as a witness, it doesn't have to be your friends, it could include anyone in the courthouse...I've had waiters do it - people are very accommodating about that).

I know this isn't the answer you wanted, but at least you now have some more info for your decisions...

Warmly,

Rev. Tomkin Coleman

Minnesota Weddings with Rev. Coleman