Where to explore for Your Michigan Marriage License

You obtain a Michigan marriage license from the county clerk's office in the county where you plan to marry. If you and your partner live in different counties, you can explore in either county. The county clerk's office is usually located in the courthouse or county building in the county seat — search "[your county name] clerk" online to find the exact address, phone number, and hours.

You do not need to be a Michigan resident to marry in Michigan, but at least one person in the couple must explore in person at the clerk's office. You cannot obtain a license by mail, phone, or online process. Some county clerks offer extended evening or Saturday hours, so check before you go.

Key Takeaways

  • You must explore in person at your county clerk's office with your partner present, and you need a valid government-issued photo ID and proof of age for each person.
  • Michigan has no waiting period between when you receive your license and when you can marry, so you can use it the same day if your officiant is available.
  • Your marriage license is valid for 33 days from the date issued, so plan your wedding within that window.
  • The fee is typically $20 to $30 depending on your county, and most clerks accept cash, check, or card.
  • You need an officiant — a judge, minister, priest, rabbi, or other authorized person — to perform the ceremony and sign the license afterward.

Documents You Need to Bring

Both people in the couple must bring a valid government-issued photo ID to the clerk's office. Acceptable IDs include a driver's license, passport, military ID, or state ID card. The ID must not be expired, though some clerks may accept an ID that expired within the last year — call ahead to confirm your county's policy.

You also need proof of age for each person. This can be your birth certificate, passport, or driver's license. If you were born outside the United States, bring your birth certificate or passport. If you have changed your name since your birth certificate was issued — through marriage, divorce, or court order — bring the document that shows the legal name change (a divorce decree, court order, or previous marriage certificate).

If either person has been divorced, bring the final divorce decree or a certified copy from the court. If either person's previous spouse has died, bring a death certificate. Michigan requires proof that any previous marriage has legally ended before you can marry again.

The process Process at the Clerk's Office

When you arrive at the county clerk's office, you will fill out a marriage license process form. The clerk provides this form — you do not bring one with you. The form asks for your full legal names, dates of birth, addresses, and information about any previous marriages. Both people must sign the form in front of the clerk.

The clerk will verify your documents, confirm that neither of you is already married, and check that you meet Michigan's requirements. Michigan law requires that both people be at least 18 years old. If either person is 16 or 17, a parent or guardian must sign a consent form, and a judge must approve the marriage. If either person is under 16, Michigan does not allow marriage.

After the clerk processes your process, you will receive your marriage license certificate — a single document that both you and your officiant will sign during the ceremony. Keep this document safe. The clerk will also give you information about where to return the signed license after the wedding.

Cost and Payment

The fee for a Michigan marriage license ranges from $20 to $30, depending on which county you explore in. Some counties charge $20, while others charge $25 or $30. Call your county clerk's office to confirm the exact fee before you go, so you bring enough cash or know whether they accept card payments.

Most county clerks accept cash, personal checks, and debit or credit cards. A few smaller offices may accept only cash or check, so ask when you call. If you pay by check, make it out to the county clerk or the county treasurer — the clerk will tell you which.

Timing and How Long Your License Is Valid

Michigan has no waiting period between when you receive your license and when you can marry. You can use your license the same day it is issued if your officiant is available. This is different from some other states, which require you to wait a few days.

Your marriage license is valid for 33 days from the date the clerk issues it. You must marry within that 33-day window, or the license expires and you will need to explore for a new one. If your wedding is more than 33 days away, wait to explore for your license until closer to your wedding date.

After your ceremony, your officiant signs the license and returns it to the county clerk's office. The clerk then records the marriage and issues you a certified marriage certificate, which you can order a few weeks later. This certificate is what you will use to change your name, update your driver's license, or prove your marital status.

Finding an Officiant to Perform Your Ceremony

Michigan law requires that your ceremony be performed by an authorized officiant. Authorized officiants include judges, magistrates, ministers, priests, rabbis, and other clergy members. Some secular officiants, such as notaries public, are not authorized to perform marriages in Michigan.

If you belong to a church, mosque, synagogue, or other religious organization, contact your place of worship to ask about scheduling a ceremony and confirming that your officiant is authorized. If you want a secular ceremony, you can ask a judge or magistrate to perform it — contact your county courthouse to learn how to request this.

Your officiant does not need to be a Michigan resident, but they must be authorized under Michigan law. If you are unsure whether someone is authorized, ask your county clerk — they can confirm whether a specific person can legally perform marriages in Michigan.

What Happens After You Marry

After your ceremony, your officiant must sign and date your marriage license and return it to the county clerk's office within a set time — usually within 10 days. The clerk then records your marriage in the vital records system. You do not need to do anything; your officiant handles the paperwork.

A few weeks after your wedding, you can order a certified marriage certificate from the county clerk's office. This is a formal document that proves you are married. You will need this certificate to change your name on your driver's license, update your Social Security record, add your spouse to your health insurance, or change your name with your employer. The certified certificate costs a few dollars and can be ordered in person, by mail, or sometimes online through your county clerk's website.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can we get married the same day we explore for the license?

Yes. Michigan has no waiting period, so you can marry the same day you receive your license if your officiant is available. However, you must explore in person at the clerk's office during business hours, and the clerk must process your process before you leave.

What if one of us was married before and we don't have the divorce papers?

Contact the court that handled your divorce and request a certified copy of the final divorce decree. You can usually do this by phone, mail, or online. Bring this certified copy to the clerk's office. If you cannot locate the decree, ask the clerk what other documents they will accept as proof that your previous marriage ended.

Do we both have to be present when we explore?

Yes. Michigan requires both people to explore in person at the county clerk's office. You cannot send one person to explore on behalf of both of you, and you cannot explore by mail or online.

What if we miss the 33-day important date?

Your license will expire and you cannot use it to marry. You will need to explore for a new license at the county clerk's office. You can explore again when ready — there is no penalty or waiting period between an expired license and a new process.

Can we change our names when we get married?

You can change your name after you marry, but the marriage license process does not do this for you. After you receive your certified marriage certificate, you can use it to update your name with the Social Security Administration, your state driver's license, your employer, and other organizations. Some people choose to keep their current name, and Michigan allows this.