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.
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.
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.
If either you or fiancé is a resident of Michigan, apply for a marriage license in either's county of legal residence.
If neither of you live in Michigan, you must apply for a marriage license in the county where the marriage ceremony will be held.
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.
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.
If you're not submitting your marriage license application online, then you must apply in person and together.
Adults aged 18 and over can marry as long as they're able to enter into a legal contract.
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.
Fifteen year olds and younger can't lawfully marry in Michigan.
The premarital counseling requirement was abolished on January 1, 2001.
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.
The county clerk can waive the waiting period for good cause and $10.
Some counties will allow you to pick up the marriage license alone, provided you bring the missing person's ID.
Your marriage license will expire 33 days after you submit your application.
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.
Minors between the age of 16 and 17 must bring a certified copy of their birth certificate. For some counties, it's 21 years.
Non-English ID must be accompanied by a certified and notarized translation. Non-English passports must be coupled with an I-94 form.
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.
If you're divorced, you don't have to bring a copy of your divorce decree as proof.
If your prior spouse passed away, you don't have to present proof of death.
Two adult witnesses aged 18 or over must attend your marriage ceremony. Afterward, their names and residences must be recorded on the marriage license.
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.
Your completed marriage license must be returned to the issuing county clerk to be recorded within 10 days after your marriage ceremony.
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.
Michigan will only recognize a common-law marriage that was established before January 1, 1957.
You can't lawfully marry your first cousin in Michigan.
You cannot have someone else—the proxy—stand in for you during the marriage ceremony. You must be there.
Contact the magistrate court to schedule your civil ceremony. The civil marriage fee is $10–20.
Where will you apply?
Share your questions or comments
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?
Editor says: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. D says:
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?
Editor says: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. Emily S. says:
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.