What You Need to Do to Get a Michigan Marriage License
To marry in Michigan, you must obtain a marriage license from your county clerk's office before the ceremony. You and your partner both need to appear in person with valid identification and proof of age. The process takes about 15 minutes, costs between $20 and $65 depending on your county, and the license is valid when ready — you do not have to wait.
Michigan does not require blood tests, premarital counseling, or a waiting period. Once you have the license, any authorized officiant — a judge, minister, rabbi, or other person authorized under Michigan law — can perform the ceremony. The officiant signs the license after the ceremony and returns it to the county clerk to make the marriage official.
Key Takeaways
- Both partners must go to the county clerk's office in person with a valid photo ID and proof of age (birth certificate, passport, or state ID).
- The license costs $20 to $65 depending on which county you are in, and it is valid to use when ready after you receive it.
- Michigan has no waiting period, blood test requirement, or mandatory counseling before you can marry.
- After your ceremony, the officiant must sign the license and return it to the county clerk within 10 days to record the marriage.
- You can marry in any Michigan county, not just the one where you live.
Where to Go and What Documents to Bring
Visit the county clerk's office in the county where you want to marry. You do not have to live in that county — you can obtain a license in any Michigan county. Both you and your partner must be present. Bring a valid photo ID (driver's license, passport, or state ID) and proof of your date of birth. A birth certificate, passport, or state ID showing your birthdate all work.
If you have been married before, bring a copy of your divorce decree or the death certificate of your former spouse. Michigan requires this to confirm your previous marriage ended. If you do not have the document with you, the clerk can sometimes look it up through state records, but bringing it saves time.
Bring a check or cash for the fee. Most county clerks accept both, but a few accept only cash. Call your county clerk's office ahead to confirm what they take and the exact fee for your county — it varies.
The process Process at the County Clerk's Office
When you arrive, tell the clerk you want to obtain a marriage license. You will fill out a form together — the clerk will ask you and your partner questions about your names, dates of birth, parents' names, and whether either of you has been married before. The form is straightforward and takes a few minutes.
The clerk will verify your identification and birthdate, collect the fee, and hand you the license. You can use it when ready. The license is a single document that both you and your officiant will sign during the ceremony. Keep it safe until your wedding day.
If you are unsure about any question on the form — for example, if you do not know your parent's maiden name — ask the clerk. They handle these questions every day and can help you work through it.
How Long the License Is Valid and What Happens After Your Ceremony
Your Michigan marriage license does not expire. You can use it whenever you are ready to marry — there is no important date. This means you can obtain it months in advance without worry.
After your ceremony, your officiant must sign the license and return it to the county clerk within 10 days. The clerk records the marriage and files the license. You will receive a certified copy of your marriage certificate in the mail, usually within two to four weeks. This certificate is the official proof of your marriage and you will need it for changing your name, updating insurance, or other legal purposes.
If your officiant does not return the license on time, contact the county clerk's office. They can follow up and make sure the paperwork gets filed. Do not assume it happened — confirm it yourself a few weeks after your wedding.
Name Changes and What Comes Next
Michigan allows you to change your name as part of the marriage process. On the marriage license form, you can write your new name in the space provided. When the license is filed, your legal name change is recorded. You do not need a separate court order.
Once you have your certified marriage certificate, you can use it to update your name with the Secretary of State (for a new driver's license or state ID), Social Security Administration, banks, insurance companies, and your employer. Bring the certified copy — a photocopy usually is not accepted for official documents.
Special Situations: Previous Marriages, Name Corrections, and Officiant Questions
If you were married before, you need proof that the marriage ended. A divorce decree, annulment order, or death certificate all work. If you cannot find the document, the county clerk can sometimes retrieve it from state records, but this may take longer. Call ahead and ask whether the clerk can look it up for you.
If you need to correct information on a license you already obtained — for example, a misspelled name — return to the county clerk's office with your license. They can issue a corrected one. There is usually no additional fee.
Any person authorized to perform marriages in Michigan can sign your license. This includes judges, magistrates, ministers, rabbis, and other clergy. Some counties also allow notaries public to perform ceremonies. If you are unsure whether your chosen officiant is authorized, ask the county clerk when you obtain the license — they can confirm it.
County Clerk Office Hours and How to Find Your County Clerk
County clerk offices are usually open Monday through Friday during business hours, though some offer limited Saturday hours. Hours vary by county. Search online for "[your county name] Michigan clerk marriage license" to find the office address, phone number, and hours.
You can also visit the Michigan Secretary of State website, which lists all county clerks and their contact information. Call ahead if you have questions about documents, fees, or whether you need an appointment. Some counties require appointments; others take walk-ins. A quick phone call saves a trip.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can we marry in a county where neither of us lives?
Yes. Michigan does not require you to obtain a license in your home county. You can go to any county clerk's office in the state. Some couples choose a county where they want to marry or where family lives.
What if one of us cannot go to the county clerk's office in person?
Both partners must appear in person. Michigan law does not allow one person to obtain the license alone or by proxy. If one partner is out of state or unable to travel, you will need to reschedule or choose a different date when both can be present.
Do we need witnesses to sign the license?
No. Michigan does not require witnesses for the marriage license itself. Your officiant signs it after the ceremony, and that is all that is needed. Some ceremonies include witnesses for personal or religious reasons, but they are not legally required.
How much does a marriage license cost?
The fee ranges from $20 to $65 depending on your county. Call your county clerk's office to find out the exact cost. Most accept cash or check, though a few accept only cash.
What if we change our minds after we obtain the license?
If you do not use the license, it straightforward expires when you do not file it. There is no penalty or refund. If you want to cancel it formally, contact the county clerk's office and they can mark it as void.