Getting ready to tie the knot in Michigan? Here’s a friendly guide to help you navigate the process of applying for your marriage license.

In Michigan, anyone 18 years or older can apply for a marriage license. You’ll need to provide proof of age, such as a birth certificate or another valid document. Your marriage license will be valid for 33 days from the application date. I recommend that my couples start looking for an appointment with the county clerk about 45-50 days before their wedding but schedule the appointment within a 28-day window.

You might wonder, why 60 days? Since the pandemic, county clerks' offices have been short-staffed and overworked. SO, it’s better not to wait until the last minute to book an appointment! If you’re my client, I’ll send you a reminder email to help you stay on track.

When you’re ready to make your appointment, you will apply in the county where you, or your soon-to-be spouse live. If you live in two different counties, pick the one that will work best for the two of you. Just search for “COUNTY marriage license application” online and follow the instructions.

If you’re from out of state but getting married in Michigan, you will apply in the county where you are getting married.

Both parties must provide a valid driver’s license or state ID showing your current address, a birth certificate or valid passport, and Social Security numbers. If your birth certificate isn’t in English, have it translated beforehand. Only one person is required at the initial visit when you are submitting the information to the clerk’s office.

Requirements and fees vary a little bit by county, so check the county website for details to ensure that you bring the right type of payment. After applying, you’ll need to return to the clerk’s office to pick up your marriage license. There’s a 3-day waiting period, but this can often be waived for a fee, reducing the license validity to 30 days.

Make sure you have the right type of payment as well; you don’t want to have an American Express and find out when you get there that it’s the one card they don’t take!

I suggest a 28-day window to allow for any last-minute hiccups, like forgetting the license at home. If that happens, we will have to make arrangements to sign the license after the ceremony. Please be aware that Michigan law prevents me from declaring your union legally binding. http://www.legislature.mi.gov/(S(y44vwpclgzlnm5ue1fvvhkg2))/mileg.aspx?page=getobject&objectname=mcl-551-106

So, without the license present, we’ll have to get crafty with our wording. But don’t worry, I’ll make sure that the ceremony goes smoothly without your guests noticing any issues, and we’ll handle the paperwork later.

When picking up the license, bring your valid IDs, Social Security numbers, and birth certificates or passports. Both of you will need to be present to pick up the license so the clerk can have you affirm that the information is true and correct. Before leaving the courthouse, look over the license. If there are any errors or misspellings, get them corrected then, before the ceremony takes place.

Please don’t write on the license before giving it to me. Keep it exactly as you received it until we sign it after the ceremony. Since it’s a legal document, I’ll need to witness the signatures.

If you have any questions, don’t hesitate to call me!

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