After the ceremony and celebrations are over, you might be wondering what happens with the marriage license. This is a common question, and as your favorite Michigan Wedding Officiant at Ceremonies by Sabra, I'm here to guide you through the process.

Once you, your two witnesses, and me, your officiant, have signed the marriage license, the next steps are important. Here's what you need to know:

1. Keepsake Copy for You:

You'll receive one copy of the marriage license for your personal records. This keepsake copy is a great memento of your special day, and it’s also handy to have a copy for reference.

2. Submitting the License:

The marriage license is my responsibility to submit. I'll take it home, record the necessary information for my records, and then prepare to send it to the correct county clerk’s office. It's my duty to ensure everything is handled properly, which includes scheduling a reminder email for you to order your certified copies. This email will have all the pertinent details, links to the county office, and helpful resources like NameChangeKit.com.

3. Hand-Delivering to the Post Office:

I personally hand-deliver the marriage license to the post office, ensuring it goes through the proper channels. For Wayne or Genesee counties, it’s sent via Certified Mail for added security. You’ll receive a photo of the receipt for tracking purposes, giving you, and me, peace of mind.

4. Follow-Up Communication:

In my follow-up email, I’ll inform you of the exact date and location the license was mailed. This helps keep you informed and reassured that everything is on track.

5. Handling Questions:

If the county clerk's office has any questions, I include my business card in the envelope. This ensures they can reach out directly to me, sparing you from any additional hassle.

6. Legal Responsibilities:

While some clerks might suggest you can submit the license yourself, it’s legally the officiant's duty to handle this task. It’s a responsibility I take seriously, as failing to do so can have serious consequences. Rest assured; I’ve got this covered for you.

Sage-Green-Flowers-Keego- Harbor-Signing-the-Marriage-License

What If the Marriage License is Lost?

Thankfully, this has never happened to me (knock on wood). However, if you encounter any issues when ordering your certified copies, contact the court immediately. They might be behind on processing, or the mail might have lost your envelope. Your keepsake copy will be valuable in these situations. The court might accept it, or they may reissue the license, requiring us to re-sign it. If this is the case, we’ll coordinate something together.

Getting Your Certified Copies:

Once you have received your certified copies, you can start the name-change process. Begin by making an appointment at your local Social Security office and filling out form SS-5. Here’s the link to the Social Security Administration. After updating your Social Security records, head to the Secretary of State to update your driver’s license.

Updating Everything Else:

Next, update your bills, credit cards, memberships, and more. For additional guidance, check out this helpful article.

Or, if you prefer professional assistance, consider using Easy Name Change, a fantastic service for managing all your name-change needs.

By following these steps, you'll have a smooth transition from your wedding day to your newlywed life. At Ceremonies by Sabra, I'm happy to help in making this process as easy and stress-free as possible for you. If you have any questions or need further assistance, don't hesitate to reach out.

Book a complimentary consultation