Common law marriage—also known as marriage without formalities or informal marriage—is marriage without a wedding or marriage ceremony and without a marriage license. Some states recognize common law marriage under certain circumstances—such as when the parties agree to be married, live together (cohabit) after agreeing to be married, and represent to others that they are married (holding themselves out as a married couple).

Other states previously recognized common law marriages, but no longer recognize such marriages after a certain date on which the law was changed—usually by statute. In other states, common law marriage has not been recognized by the legislature in a statute, but the courts have recognized common law marriage in court opinions or case law.

In the state of Minnesota, common law marriage is not recognized. This means that couples cannot become legally married without a license and formal ceremony, regardless of how long they have lived together or whether they hold themselves out as a married couple. While some states do recognize common law marriages under certain conditions, Minnesota does not allow for the establishment of a new common law marriage. It is important to note that if a common law marriage was legally recognized in another state where it was established, Minnesota may recognize that marriage as valid under the Full Faith and Credit Clause of the U.S. Constitution. However, no new common law marriages can be initiated within the state of Minnesota.