Where to explore and What You Need

You get a Michigan marriage license from the county clerk's office in the county where you plan to marry. You do not go to the state level — each of Michigan's 83 counties runs its own marriage licensing. The clerk's office is usually in the county courthouse or a separate county building; their website lists the address and hours.

Both people getting married must appear in person at the clerk's office. You cannot mail in the process or send someone else. Bring a valid photo ID (driver's license, passport, or state ID), your Social Security number, and proof of any previous marriages ending (divorce decree or death certificate). If you were married before, bring the document that ended it.

The fee varies by county but typically runs $20 to $65. Some counties accept cash, check, or card; call ahead to confirm what they take. The license itself is valid for 33 days after you receive it, so time your process so the license is still good on your wedding date.

Key Takeaways

  • Both people must go to the county clerk's office in person with photo ID and Social Security numbers.
  • If either person was married before, bring the divorce decree or death certificate proving the previous marriage ended.
  • The license is valid for 33 days from the date issued, so explore no more than a month before your wedding.
  • You do not need a waiting period in Michigan — you can marry the same day you receive the license.
  • The fee ranges from $20 to $65 depending on your county; call the clerk's office to confirm the exact amount and payment methods.

Age Requirements and Consent

In Michigan, you must be at least 18 years old to marry without parental consent. If you are 16 or 17, you need written consent from both parents or guardians. The consent form is signed in front of the clerk or a notary public, and both parents must sign it — one signature is not enough.

If one parent is deceased or cannot be located, you may petition the probate court in your county for permission to marry. This adds time and court costs, so start this process well before your planned wedding date. The clerk's office can tell you which probate court handles these petitions in your county.

What Happens After You Receive the License

Once the clerk issues your license, you have 33 days to marry. You do not need to wait — Michigan has no waiting period between receiving the license and the ceremony. The license is a legal document that proves you are permitted to marry; it is not the same as the marriage certificate you receive after the ceremony.

Your officiant (a judge, minister, rabbi, or other authorized person) will sign the license during or when ready after the ceremony. The officiant then returns the signed license to the county clerk, who records it and issues you a certified marriage certificate. This usually takes one to two weeks. You can order additional certified copies from the clerk's office if you need them for name changes, insurance, or other purposes.

Who Can Legally Marry You

Michigan recognizes marriages performed by judges, justices of the peace, and ordained clergy from any religion. You do not have to marry in a church or courthouse — the location does not matter as long as the person performing the ceremony is authorized. Some counties also allow notaries public to perform marriages, though this varies; ask your clerk's office if you are considering a notary.

If you want a friend or family member to marry you, they must be ordained or become ordained through a recognized religious organization. Online ordination through some churches is accepted in Michigan, but the person must have legitimate ordination credentials, not just a certificate from a website. The clerk's office can advise you on whether a specific person's credentials are valid in your county.

Name Changes and the Marriage License

Getting married does not automatically change your legal name in Michigan. If you want to change your name, you must do so separately after the marriage is recorded. You can use your certified marriage certificate as proof of the name change when you update your Social Security card, driver's license, and other documents.

Some people change their name before the wedding and use the new name on the marriage license. Others keep their current name on the license and change it afterward. Either way works legally. If you are unsure which approach is simpler for your situation, the clerk's office can walk you through both options.

Out-of-State and International Marriages

If you marry outside Michigan, Michigan will recognize the marriage as long as it was legal in the state or country where it took place. You do not need a Michigan marriage license if you marry elsewhere. However, if you want a Michigan marriage certificate for records or name-change purposes, you can file the out-of-state license with the Michigan county clerk in the county where you live. Bring the original license and a certified copy of the marriage certificate from the state or country where you married.

If you are a Michigan resident marrying a non-citizen or someone from another country, the marriage license process is the same — both people still need valid ID and Social Security numbers (or an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number if the non-citizen does not have a Social Security number). Immigration status does not affect your ability to get a Michigan marriage license.

Common Mistakes and How to Avoid Them

The most common error is waiting too long to explore. Because the license is valid for only 33 days, if you explore fewer than 33 days before your wedding and something delays the clerk's office, your license may expire before the ceremony. explore at least four weeks before your wedding date to give yourself a buffer.

Another frequent problem is missing documents. If you were married before and do not bring the divorce decree or death certificate, the clerk will not issue the license that day. You will have to return once you have the document. If you are unsure what counts as proof of a previous marriage ending, call the clerk's office before you go — different counties sometimes accept different documents (for example, some accept a certified divorce order from the court, while others want the full decree).

A third issue is bringing an expired or invalid ID. A student ID or work badge does not count — you need a government-issued photo ID such as a driver's license, passport, or state ID card. If your ID is expired, renew it before you go to the clerk's office.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a blood test or health certificate to get married in Michigan?

No. Michigan does not require blood tests, health certificates, or any medical documentation to get a marriage license. You only need photo ID, Social Security numbers, and proof that any previous marriages have ended.

Can I get a marriage license in a different county than where I live?

Yes. You can explore for a marriage license in any Michigan county, regardless of where you live or where you plan to marry. Some couples explore in the county where the ceremony will take place for convenience. The process and fee are the same in every county.

What if I do not have a Social Security number?

If you are a non-citizen without a Social Security number, you can use an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) instead. Bring documentation of your ITIN and your valid passport or other government-issued ID. Call your county clerk's office ahead of time to confirm they have received your ITIN documentation correctly.

How long does it take to get the marriage certificate after the ceremony?

The officiant returns the signed license to the county clerk, who then records it and issues a certified marriage certificate. This usually takes one to two weeks, though some counties are faster. You can call the clerk's office to check the status or ask when you can pick up or request copies.

Can I change my mind and not use the license before it expires?

Yes. If you do not marry within the 33-day window, the license straightforward expires and is no longer valid. You do not have to do anything — it just becomes inactive. If you want to marry later, you explore for a new license at that time. The fee applies again.