Michigan Marriage License

If you're getting married in Michigan, you must first apply for a marriage license.
It'll cost you $20.00 to $30.00 (based on residency), and you'll have to use it within 33 days.

See FAQ Offices

Where to Apply

Where must I go to get a marriage license?

You can apply for a Michigan marriage license at the county clerk's office, but be aware of the complex residency requirements spelled out further below.

Costs

How much will my marriage license cost me?

If either you or your fiancé is a resident of Michigan, the marriage license will cost $20. If neither of you are residents, it costs $30.

Note: If you can't afford the license fee, the probate court can waive it.

Residency

Are you or your fiancé a resident of Michigan?

If either you or fiancé is a resident of Michigan, apply for a marriage license in either's county of legal residence.

Is neither of you a resident of Michigan?

If neither of you live in Michigan, you must apply for a marriage license in the county where the marriage ceremony will be held.

Usage

Where in Michigan can I get married?

If you or your soon-to-be spouse is a resident of Michigan, you can marry anywhere in the state. Otherwise, you'll have to marry in the county where you purchased the marriage license.

Application

What information will the application ask for?

You'll be asked to provide your name, gender, residence, date and place of birth, total prior marriages, social security number, phone number, and parents' birth names and birthplaces.

Attendance

Must we both apply together?

If you're not submitting your marriage license application online, then you must apply in person and together.

Age Requirements

How old do I have to be to marry?

Aged 18 and over?

Adults aged 18 and over can marry as long as they're able to enter into a legal contract.

Aged 16 and 17?

If you're 16 or 17 years old, your custodial parent or guardian must submit a county clerk provided consent form. Proof of parenthood or guardianship is required.

Aged 15 and under?

Fifteen year olds and younger can't lawfully marry in Michigan.

Premarital Education

Am I required to get premarital counseling?

The premarital counseling requirement was abolished on January 1, 2001.

Waiting Period

When will I get my marriage license?

Your marriage license will be available for pick up three days after you apply, excluding weekends. For instance, apply Monday to pick up on Thursday.

Can the waiting period be waived?

The county clerk can waive the waiting period for good cause and $10.

Do we have to pick up the license together?

Some counties will allow you to pick up the marriage license alone, provided you bring the missing person's ID.

Expiration

How long will my marriage license last?

Your marriage license will expire 33 days after you submit your application.

Identification

What type of ID must I show?

Bring unexpired photo ID to confirm your age and residence, such as a driver's license, passport, state-issued ID card, or military ID card.

Is my birth certificate required?

Minors between the age of 16 and 17 must bring a certified copy of their birth certificate. For some counties, it's 21 years.

Is non-English identification acceptable?

Non-English ID must be accompanied by a certified and notarized translation. Non-English passports must be coupled with an I-94 form.

Blood Test

Do I have to get a blood test?

The blood test requirement hasn't been in effect since January 1, 2001. Instead, you'll be given information on HIV, STDs, and prenatal care.

Divorced

Do I have to bring proof of divorce?

If you're divorced, you don't have to bring a copy of your divorce decree as proof.

Widowed

Do I have to prove I'm a widow or widower?

If your prior spouse passed away, you don't have to present proof of death.

Witnesses

Are witnesses required at my ceremony?

Two adult witnesses aged 18 or over must attend your marriage ceremony. Afterward, their names and residences must be recorded on the marriage license.

Name Change

How do I change my name after marriage?

Your marriage certificate allows you to undergo a name change after marriage with the SSA, Michigan SOS, and other institutions. You can use an online name change service that assists in completing the necessary paperwork before or after marriage.

License Return

When does my license need to go back?

Your completed marriage license must be returned to the issuing county clerk to be recorded within 10 days after your marriage ceremony.

Marriage Certificate

How do I get copies of my marriage certificate?

You can buy certified copies of your marriage certificate in person or by mail for $15-34 from the county clerk or state vital records office.

Common-law Marriage

Can I enter into a common-law marriage?

Michigan will only recognize a common-law marriage that was established before January 1, 1957.

Cousin Marriage

Am I allowed to marry my cousin?

You can't lawfully marry your first cousin in Michigan.

Proxy Marriage

Can I have a proxy marriage?

You cannot have someone else—the proxy—stand in for you during the marriage ceremony. You must be there.

Civil Ceremony

Where can I get married in a civil ceremony?

Contact the magistrate court to schedule your civil ceremony. The civil marriage fee is $10–20.

Office Locations

Where will you apply?

Comments

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  1. I don't have a driver's license, and I just applied for a state ID so the only ID I have currently is a temporary personal ID card, besides my passport. Can I use a temporary Michigan ID card to get married?

    1. Can I use a temporary Michigan ID card to get married?

      Maybe. You'll have to contact the county clerk's office to get approval.

  2. I am a resident of Kalamazoo and I would like to marry my Czech partner. What does she need (documents, anything else)? Are there any special rules we should know?

    1. What does she need (documents, anything else)? Are there any special rules we should know?

      She just needs to bring ID. There are no other special requirements for non-citizens.

  3. My boyfriend and I are both 18 years old and are planning to get married before I enter the military so that after I get out of schooling- the schooling that follows bootcamp- my son I had in a previous relationship- and my boyfriend can come to live with me. I would have to wait about 3-4 years to see my son if we don't get married. He does not have a license, so I have a few questions:

    1. Can he use any other form of ID like his birth certificate or his SS card?
    2. Since we both live in separate states would we be able to definitely get the 3 day waiting period waived for the marriage license?
    3. Is there a way to keep my maiden name and change it after I return from bootcamp?
    4. Do the witnesses also have to provide specific ID?
    5. Is there a way to request the marriage certificate later down the road if we cannot afford it after the marriage fees?
    6. Is there a way to receive the certificate quicker than the period of time needed to wait?

    1. Can he use any other form of ID like his birth certificate or his SS card?

      That's up to the county clerk. They have the option to allow other types. Clear it with them in advance before applying. Get the clerk's name when you do so.

      would we be able to definitely get the 3 day waiting period waived for the marriage license?

      As above, it's up to the clerk. Would they consider that good cause?

      Is there a way to keep my maiden name and change it after I return from bootcamp?

      Yes, do nothing. You're not obliged to take your spouse's name through marriage.

      Do the witnesses also have to provide specific ID?

      It depends on how much of a stickler your officiant is. If your witnesses look clearly over 18 years of age, it probably won't be an issue. If they look youngish, will whoever solemnizes your marriage get touchy about it?

      Is there a way to request the marriage certificate later down the road if we cannot afford it after the marriage fees?

      Yes. You can order it later. The fee is separate from your marriage license cost.

      Is there a way to receive the certificate quicker than the period of time needed to wait?

      Certificate or license? If you're referring to the license, you can contact the county clerk to see if they'll allow your application to be processed by mail, fax, or email. If it's the certificate, you'll want to make sure your officiant returns it as soon as possible for recording.

      Ordering from the county clerk is faster than the state-level vital records office, as the latter depends on the former.

  4. I need to set up an appointment to get a marriage license.

    2. Hi Christine. Do you know which county you'll be applying in? Keep in mind, residency is a factor.

  5. Hello, We would like to have a same sex civil union and live in Barry county. What documents are needed and how do we schedule it?

  6. Hi there, My partner and I live in Chicago but will be getting married in Leelanau County, MI. We will apply for our marriage license in Leelanau County no more than 33 days before the wedding. Do we need to complete any extra steps so that our marriage is recognized in Illinois as well, or does that transfer automatically?

    Also, my dad will officiate the wedding and is looking to be ordained online through the American Fellowship Church. Is this recognized in MI, and are there any other special steps we need to take to comply legally with state marriage requirements? (Other than witnesses, signatures, returning within 10 days to county clerk office…) Thanks!

    1. Do we need to complete any extra steps so that our marriage is recognized in Illinois

      No, your Michigan marriage will be recognized in Illinois without you doing anything extra.

      Is this recognized in MI

      Yes, your ordained father would be recognized.

      and are there any other special steps we need to take to comply

      No, you've got it all sorted out.

  7. I am Marrying a couple from Michigan both residents of the same county, but want to get married in Florida. Do they need a Michigan or Florida marriage license? Also will my ordainment carry over form Michigan to Florida?

    1. Do they need a Michigan or Florida marriage license?

      They'll need a Florida marriage license.

      will my ordainment carry over form Michigan to Florida?

      Yes, there's no residency requirement. You're good to go as long as you're regularly ordained.

  8. Our insurance company wants proof of our marriage. Is it legal for us to scan our MI marriage license?

    1. Hi Michele. Yes, you can scan your marriage license.

  9. Hi. My fiancé has been married previously and divorced. Does he need to show proof of divorce in Michigan or will the county have divorce records on file?

    1. Does he need to show proof of divorce in Michigan

      No, he doesn't.

  10. Can we get married in the Newago county office when we get our license? If so how much is it extra? To wave the wait time and ceremony?

    1. Hi Dee. You can get married in the Newaygo County clerk's office. The civil ceremony fee is $20. The three-day waiting period waiver is $30. You can get your marriage license and ceremony done the same day, assuming you come in early enough and their schedule is clear.

  11. My fiance and I are getting married on July 29. I am a resident of Kent County. Can we make an appointment in advance or do you accept walk-ins? He lives in Tennessee so he will not be here until the Monday before the wedding (July 25). Thank you!

  12. Me and my fiancé are from Tennessee, but his grandparents live in Michigan, and we wanted to get married in Michigan for them to be able to see. would we be able to do that? If so what kind of documents would we need.

    1. his grandparents live in Michigan, and we wanted to get married in Michigan for them to be able to see

      Since neither you or your fiancé lives in Michigan, you must apply for your marriage license in the county where your ceremony will take place. If you want to burden y our grandparents with travel, then apply in the county where they live. Or in a nearby county.

      If so what kind of documents would we need.

      The documents you must bring are the same as everybody else: current photo ID.

  13. If you're already married but want to make an amendment on marriage license, how is that completed. Want to have the witness names changed shown on marriage license. There wasn't a marriage ceremony just the minister signing the certificate and witness names provided.

    1. want to make an amendment on marriage license, how is that completed

      You'll have to contact the county clerk's office that issued and recorded your marriage license about making an amendment. But it's unlikely to pass unless it's considered an error on your document.

  14. What do we need to bring, to order our marriage license?

    1. Hi. You must bring payment and government-issued photo ID. If you're below the age of 21, you may have to bring a certified copy of your birth certificate. For some counties, the that requirement is set for those 18 and younger.

  15. Can a person be married (religious ceremony) and then obtain the license AND use the original date as the marriage date?

    1. Hi Rose. That wouldn't work, as your marriage ceremony would predate the date your marriage license was issued.

      1. Sort of the same question, but if I get my license first and have a symbolic ceremony after, am I able to get the date changed to the day we had it?

        1. am I able to get the date changed to the day we had it?

          No, you cannot change your solemnization date after your completed marriage license has been recorded by the county clerk.

  16. Do you need to do anything other than get your marriage license for it to be legal? (Justice of the Peace or the like?) We don't want to do anything big, just want to pay the $20 and be done.

    1. Do you need to do anything other than get your marriage license for it to be legal?

      You must hold a marriage ceremony and get married.

      We don't want to do anything big, just want to pay the $20 and be done.

      You don't have to execute any elaborate function. You just need to get your marriage solemnized. It can take one minute on a street corner.

  17. My fiance and I are based in Oakland County. Can we marry without birth certificates? We have Valid driver's License, passports, and SS cards.

    1. Hi Nichelle. The birth certificate standard is focused on minors. For some counties, the requirement goes up to age 21. If you're older, no birth certificate is required.

  18. His name is Walter Vereen. My name is Louise Joplin and he is overseas. Can we still get a license?

    1. Hi Louise. You can contact the county clerk about filing an online application.

  19. Do both my fiancé and I need to come in to apply or can one of us bring all the information in?

    1. Hi Katie. You may be able to apply online, where neither needs to come in. Otherwise, you both must apply in person together.

  20. Getting married in Benzie in June. Will I need witnesses? Do I need to set an appointment?

    1. Hi Cathy. You need two legal adults as ceremony witnesses. Appointment requirements depend on whoever officiates your marriage and the county. You should set an appointment, as not every office works on a first come, first serve basis.

  21. I am getting married on June 4 in Ingham County, but we reside in a different county. Can we get our license in Ingham county?

    How long before the ceremony can we apply for the license? And can a witness return the signed license within the ten-day limit, or must it be me and/or my husband?

    1. we reside in a different county. Can we get our license in Ingham county?

      No, you must apply for your license in the county where either of you lives.

      How long before the ceremony can we apply for the license?

      You should apply at least three business days before you ceremony.

      And can a witness return the signed license within the ten-day limit

      Anyone may return your marriage license.

  22. Me (Michigander) and my girlfriend in The United Kingdom are looking into a marriage visa so she can move to the US. What sort of things would be required from her for a legal marriage besides what's listed here?

    We're worried about things like a British birth certificate being enough, and what to do regarding the SSN requirement (we understand she can apply for one when applying for her visa). Any advice?

    1. What sort of things would be required from her for a legal marriage besides what's listed here?

      You can look into a K-1 visa.

  23. Hi! My fiance and I are having a destination wedding ceremony and 2 week honeymoon. How do I go about obtaining license and returning it in time?

    1. How do I go about obtaining license and returning it in time?

      Some offices may allow online applications. That would save you time. You can return your completed marriage license by mail. This would save you a return trip to the county clerk's office.

  24. My boyfriend & I want to get married on October 3. Would we have to fill out the application on that date or have the ceremony that day? Or do we have to fill it out 3 days prior to Oct 3rd?

    1. Hi Ashley. You must complete the marriage licesnse application no later than three business days before your marriage ceremony. (That's business days, not calendar days.) You can apply up to 33 days before your ceremony. It is a good idea to give yourself as much breathing room as possible by applying well in advance.

  25. We are currently living in Kent City, MI (Kent County). Can we apply online to apply for a marriage license, or do we have to go to the County Administration Building to apply?

  26. I’m a Wayne county resident and my fiancé is a Mexican citizen. Could you please advise what if any extra documentation we may need to get legally married here in Wayne county Michigan?

    Thank you

    1. Hi Mike. There are no extra requirements for applicants with tourist visas.

  27. I'm getting married in Shelbyville MI is that Barry County and do I pick it up from Barry County Court House? When and where do I return my marriage license and how long till I can get copies? Sorry for questions but I can't through on the telephone.

    1. Also can anyone return the marriage license or has it got to be myself?

      1. Hi Ashlea. Anyone may return your completed marriage license.

    2. getting married in Shelbyville MI is that Barry County and do I pick it up from Barry County Court House

      Shelbyville's in Barry County, but you'd only pick it up there if either you or your partner is a resident of the county. Otherwise, get the license in the county where your ceremony will take place.

      When and where do I return my marriage license

      Return your marriage license to the same office where you applied.

      how long till I can get copies?

      You'll have to contact the county clerk for turnaround times.

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