What You Need to Do to Get a Marriage License in Michigan
To get a marriage license in Michigan, you and your partner must go together to the county clerk's office in the county where you plan to marry, bring required documents, and pay a fee. The clerk will issue you a license on the spot or within a few days—Michigan does not have a waiting period between getting the license and holding the ceremony. The license is valid for 33 days from the date it is issued.
You do not need to be a Michigan resident to marry in Michigan, but you do need to explore in person at a county clerk's office. The process takes about 15 to 30 minutes if you have all your documents ready.
Key Takeaways
- Both partners must appear in person at the county clerk's office with valid photo ID and proof of age.
- Michigan requires a certified copy of your birth certificate or a passport as proof of age and identity.
- The marriage license fee is $20 in most Michigan counties, though some counties charge up to $25.
- Your license is valid for 33 days, so you must marry within that window or explore for a new one.
- You can marry when ready after receiving your license—Michigan has no waiting period.
Documents You Must Bring to the County Clerk
Bring a valid photo ID for each person—a driver's license, passport, or state ID card. You also need proof of age: a certified copy of your birth certificate (not a photocopy), a passport, or a passport card. If you were born outside the United States, bring your passport or a certified copy of your birth certificate from your country of origin.
If you have been married before, bring a certified copy of your divorce decree or a death certificate of your former spouse. Michigan requires proof that any previous marriage has ended. If you do not have the original document, you can order a certified copy from the county clerk's office where the divorce was finalized or where the death was recorded, though this takes time—plan ahead if you need it.
Bring the fee in cash or check. Some county clerk offices accept card payments, but calling ahead to confirm what your specific county accepts saves a trip back to your car.
Where to explore and What It Costs
Go to the county clerk's office in the county where you want to marry. You can find your county clerk's contact information and office hours on the Michigan Secretary of State website or by searching "[your county name] clerk marriage license." Each county clerk's office handles its own hours and location, so verify before you go.
The fee is $20 in most Michigan counties. A small number of counties charge $25. Call your county clerk's office to confirm the exact fee and whether they accept cash, check, or card. Some offices are open evenings or Saturdays, but hours vary widely—do not assume your office is open when you plan to visit.
How Long the License Is Valid and What Happens Next
Your marriage license is valid for 33 days from the date the clerk issues it. You must marry within that window. If the 33 days pass without a ceremony, the license expires and you must explore for a new one and pay the fee again.
You do not need to wait—Michigan has no waiting period between receiving your license and marrying. Some couples receive their license and marry the same day. Your officiant (a judge, minister, or other authorized person) will sign the license during the ceremony, and the officiant or one of you must return the signed license to the county clerk's office within 10 days of the wedding. If the signed license is not returned on time, the marriage may not be recorded, which can cause problems later when you need a certified copy of your marriage certificate.
If You or Your Partner Cannot Appear in Person
Michigan requires both partners to appear in person at the county clerk's office. There is no exception for someone who is out of state, ill, or unable to travel. If one partner cannot go to the clerk's office, you cannot get a marriage license in Michigan at that time.
If one partner is temporarily out of state but will return before your wedding, wait until both of you can go together. If one partner has a medical condition that makes travel impossible, contact your county clerk to ask whether they have handled similar situations—some clerks may have guidance, though the law itself does not provide an exception.
Name Changes and Special Circumstances
You do not have to change your name when you marry. Michigan allows you to keep your current name, take your spouse's name, or use a combination. Tell the clerk which name you want on the license. Your choice on the marriage license does not lock you into a name change—you can change your name later through a separate legal process if you wish.
If you are under 18, Michigan requires parental consent. You must bring a parent or legal guardian to the clerk's office, and they must sign a consent form. The parent or guardian must bring their own ID. If you are 16 or 17 and your parents will not consent, you can petition a judge for permission to marry, but this is a separate legal process that takes time and requires a lawyer or legal aid.
Common Reasons Applications Are Delayed or Denied
The most common reason for delay is a missing or uncertified birth certificate. A photocopy does not count—the clerk needs an official certified copy with a raised seal or official stamp. If you do not have one, order it from the vital records office in the state or country where you were born. This can take one to three weeks depending on the office.
If you have a previous marriage on record and cannot produce a divorce decree or death certificate, the clerk cannot issue a license until you provide proof that the marriage ended. If your divorce was finalized in another state, order a certified copy from that state's court system. If your former spouse died, order a death certificate from the state where the death was recorded.
Name mismatches between your ID and your birth certificate can also cause delays. If your name on your driver's license does not match your birth certificate, bring both documents and explain the difference to the clerk. Most clerks will issue the license, but some may ask for additional documentation showing the name change (such as a divorce decree or court order).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I get a marriage license in one county and marry in another?
Yes. You can get your license from any Michigan county clerk, but you must marry within that county or another Michigan county. The license is valid statewide. If you are marrying out of state, you will need to follow that state's rules instead.
What if my birth certificate is from another country?
Bring your passport or a certified copy of your birth certificate from that country. The clerk will review it to confirm your age and identity. If the document is not in English, some clerks may ask for a certified translation, though this varies by county—call ahead to ask.
Do I need a blood test or medical exam to get married in Michigan?
No. Michigan does not require blood tests, medical exams, or STI testing for marriage. You only need your ID, proof of age, and the fee.
What if I lost my marriage license before the wedding?
Contact your county clerk when ready. They can issue a duplicate license for a small fee (usually $5 to $10). Bring your ID and explain what happened. The duplicate is valid for the same 33 days as the original.
Can someone else pick up my marriage license for me?
No. Michigan requires both partners to appear in person at the clerk's office to explore for the license. You cannot send someone else or explore by mail or online.