Blog PostHow to Get a Certified Copy of Your Marriage License in MichiganOnce you're married, having a certified copy of your marriage license is crucial for various legal and personal reasons. Whether you need it for name changes, insurance purposes, or just for your records, here's a step-by-step guide to obtaining a certified copy of your marriage license in the state of Michigan.
Step-by-Step Guide to Getting a Certified Copy
Step 1: Identify the County Clerk’s OfficeThe first step in obtaining a certified copy of your marriage license is to identify the County Clerk’s Office where your marriage license was originally filed. In Michigan, marriage licenses are filed in the county where the marriage took place. You can usually find this information on your marriage certificate or by contacting the clerk’s office directly.

• Tip: Visit the official website of the county where you were married to find the contact details and office hours of the County Clerk’s Office.

Step 2: Prepare Necessary InformationBefore you request a certified copy, gather all the required information and documents. Typically, you will need:

• Full names of both spouses
• Date of the marriage
• Place of the marriage (city and county)
• Valid identification (e.g., driver’s license, state ID, or passport)

Some counties might require additional details, so check their specific requirements online.
Step 3: Submit Your RequestYou can request a certified copy of your marriage license in person, by mail, or in some cases, online. Here’s how:

• In-Person: Visit the County Clerk’s Office and fill out a request form. Make sure to bring your ID and any required fees.
• By Mail: Download and fill out the request form from the county’s website. Include a copy of your ID, the required fee (usually a check or money order), and a self-addressed stamped envelope for the return.
• Online: Some counties offer online services where you can submit your request and pay fees electronically. Check the county’s website for availability.

Step 4: Pay the FeesThere is a fee associated with obtaining a certified copy of your marriage license. This fee varies by county but is generally around $10-$20 for the first copy, with additional copies costing slightly less. Payment methods typically include cash, check, money order, or credit card, depending on how you submit your request.
Step 5: Receive Your Certified CopyOnce your request and payment are processed, you will receive your certified copy. The processing time can vary:

• In-Person: You may receive it the same day.
• By Mail: Expect to wait a few days to a couple of weeks, depending on the mail service and processing speed.
• Online: Online requests may be processed faster, but it still depends on the county’s system.

Additional Tips and Considerations

• Double-Check Information: Ensure all names and dates are correct on your application to avoid delays.
• Expedited Services: Some counties offer expedited services for an additional fee if you need the certified copy urgently.
• Keep Copies Safe: Store your certified copies in a secure place, such as a safe or a locked drawer, to prevent loss or damage.

ConclusionObtaining a certified copy of your marriage license in Michigan is a straightforward process if you follow these steps. Keep your certified copy safe and accessible, as it is an important document for various legal and personal matters. If you have any questions or need assistance, contact your County Clerk’s Office for more information.

What are you looking forward to in 2021? I find myself stuck in trepidation and halted joy. My realist optimistic personality is at war with my heart. I want to do so many things in 2021, travel, gather, perform weddings in front of hundreds of loved ones, but alas I just don't know if any of those will happen. I'm holding out hope that at least this summer will be filled with back yard outdoor hangs with family and friends and that weddings will still go on! 

2020 was a unique year for weddings, to say the least. While Covid had us all turned upside down and making changes on the fly, each couple found a way forward that fit them, yes there were tears involved in many cases, I mean it just plane sucks to reschedule the day you had been planning for so long. 

Ceremonies were postponed and maybe postponed again and gosh darn it postponed one more time! And I swear to you if 2021 doesn't allow us all the big beautiful weddings I'm gonna loose it...well, not actually, I mean we'll figure it out again but I'm just as frustrated as you are. 

Some couples chose to elope today and party sometime in the future. 

A lot of couples chose to do a signing, just do the thing and get married! 

Let's look at the numbers. In a typical year I perform an average of 100 wedding's. This year, 2020 I did: 

9 full Ceremonies - we know these were all March and before! 
60 Elopements
115 Signings 

For a grand total of 184 weddings done in 2020! 

I could not be more happy then when standing with a couple and uniting them in marriage, it's exciting, I get butterflies every single time! Yes even the simple signing of the marriage license is exciting to me. I see the smiles, and giggles, the joy that radiates and I am honored to stand with each couple. 

Cheers 2020, don't mind if I just push on forward to better days. 

xo, 

​Nichole 

How to Apply for Your Marriage License in Michigan: A Guide by Nichole Bertucci of A Simple I DoGetting ready to tie the knot in Michigan? One of the first steps to making your union official is applying for a marriage license. Here, Nichole Bertucci of A Simple I Do, a seasoned wedding officiant, provides a comprehensive guide to help you navigate the process smoothly.
Why a Marriage License is EssentialA marriage license is a legal document issued by the county that authorizes you and your partner to get married. Without it, your marriage won’t be recognized legally. Here’s how to apply for your marriage license in Michigan.
Step-by-Step Guide to Applying for a Marriage License in Michigan
Step 1: Determine Your EligibilityBefore you apply, ensure that you meet Michigan’s marriage license requirements:

• Age: Both parties must be at least 18 years old. If you’re 16 or 17, you’ll need parental consent.
• Identification: Both parties must present valid identification, such as a driver’s license, state ID, or passport.
• Residency: At least one applicant must be a resident of Michigan. If neither party is a resident, you must apply in the county where the marriage will take place.

Step 2: Gather Necessary DocumentsPrepare the following documents to streamline your application process:

• Valid photo ID (driver’s license, state ID, or passport)
• Birth certificates (optional but helpful for confirming details)
• Social Security numbers (required for both parties)

Step 3: Visit the County Clerk’s OfficeYou’ll need to apply for your marriage license at the County Clerk’s Office. Here’s how:

• Find Your County Clerk’s Office: Locate the office in the county where you or your partner reside, or where the marriage will occur if neither of you is a Michigan resident.
• Visit Together: Both parties must appear in person to apply.
• Complete the Application: Fill out the marriage license application form provided by the Clerk’s Office.

Step 4: Pay the Application FeeThere is a fee for applying for a marriage license in Michigan. The cost varies by county but generally ranges from $20 to $50. Payment methods may include cash, check, or credit card, depending on the county.
Step 5: Wait for the Processing PeriodOnce you’ve submitted your application and paid the fee, there is a mandatory three-day waiting period before the license is issued. Some counties offer a waiver for this waiting period for an additional fee if you need the license sooner.
Step 6: Pick Up Your Marriage LicenseAfter the waiting period, return to the County Clerk’s Office to pick up your marriage license. Make sure to check the office hours and any additional requirements for collection.
Step 7: Use the License Within 33 DaysYour marriage license is valid for 33 days from the date of issuance. Ensure your wedding ceremony occurs within this period. After the ceremony, your officiant (such as Nichole Bertucci of A Simple I Do) will sign the license, and it must be returned to the Clerk’s Office for official recording.
Why Choose Nichole Bertucci of A Simple I DoChoosing the right officiant is crucial to making your wedding day special. Here’s why Nichole Bertucci of A Simple I Do is the perfect choice for your ceremony:

• Personalized Ceremonies: Nichole works closely with couples to create a ceremony that reflects their unique love story.
• Experienced and Professional: With years of experience, Nichole ensures a seamless and heartfelt ceremony.
• Warm and Friendly: Known for her approachable and warm demeanor, Nichole makes every couple feel comfortable and cherished.

For more information about Nichole Bertucci and A Simple I Do, visit A Simple I Do.
ConclusionApplying for a marriage license in Michigan is a straightforward process if you follow these steps. Remember, having a knowledgeable and compassionate officiant like Nichole Bertucci of A Simple I Do can make all the difference in your wedding ceremony. If you’re planning your wedding, don’t hesitate to reach out for expert guidance and a beautifully personalized ceremony.
For more details and to start planning your wedding, contact Nichole Bertucci at A Simple I Do.

Nichole Bertucci, A Simple I Do, LLC - 
​NAMED TO THE KNOT BEST OF WEDDINGS HALL OF FAME 2021 
9th Annual Hall of Fame Awards Honor the Top Wedding Vendors Across America

January 2, 2021 Nichole Bertucci, owner of A Simple I Do, LLC is pleased to announce that she has been inducted into The Knot Best of Weddings Hall of Fame from The Knot, a leading wedding planning and registry brand and app. Exceptional wedding professionals who have earned four or more of The Knot Best of Weddings awards are inducted into the prestigious The Knot Best of Weddings Hall of Fame.

Despite COVID-19 interrupting many 2020 weddings and social events, wedding professionals around the nation continued to support to-be-weds throughout their wedding planning journeys. From adjusting future schedules to make way for postponed weddings, to helping couples host socially distanced weddings following state and local guidelines and restrictions with an increased focus on health and safety, wedding pros—and the industry as a whole—rallied together in 2020, ultimately helping couples continue to celebrate life and love. The Knot 2021 Best of Weddings recognition honors the vendors who went above and beyond to help to-be-weds navigate the global pandemic. 

In its fifteenth annual year, The Knot continues its long-standing tradition of supporting local wedding vendors with The Knot Best of Weddings 2021, an annual by-couples, for-couples guide to the top wedding professionals across the country. To determine the winners, The Knot analyzed its millions of user reviews across various vendor categories—including venues, musicians, florists, photographers, caterers and more—to find the highest rated vendors of the year. These winners represent the best of the best wedding professionals that engaged couples should consider booking for their own unique weddings. 

This year, The Knot Best of Weddings winners represent the top five percent of local wedding vendors listed on The Knot. There were 1,422 new inductees into The Knot Best of Weddings Hall of Fame for 2021, out of hundreds of thousands of local vendors featured on The Knot.

“I am so proud to be part of this elite group of wedding professionals. Working hard each year to assure every couple has a stress free and loving wedding ceremony is what makes my heart so happy.” Nichole Bertucci, A Simple I Do, LLC

The Knot has inspired 25 million couples (and counting!) to plan a wedding that’s uniquely theirs. With a rich history of providing high-quality content and inspiration, The Knot makes it easy for couples to connect with and book just the right wedding professionals to create their perfect wedding day. On The Knot Marketplace, couples can connect with any of the hundreds of thousands of local wedding professionals across the country. The Knot Best of Weddings gives couples the confidence to find and book the best local vendors to bring their wedding visions to life. In combination with years of trusted content, The Knot’s innovative technology simplifies wedding planning, inspiring couples to plan a wedding unique to their love story and personalities. 

Wedding professionals who win The Knot Best of Weddings are members of WeddingPro, the leading B2B wedding brand. As the largest marketplace and community for wedding professionals, WeddingPro connects businesses with more than 13 million unique monthly visitors who are planning weddings on The Knot and WeddingWire, as well as with hundreds of thousands of pros in the industry. Through its online marketplaces, educational programs and community-building events, WeddingPro is dedicated to helping wedding professionals build relationships with couples and pros that grow their businesses.
For more information about The Knot Best of Weddings and this year’s winners, please visit https://www.theknot.com/vendors/best-of-weddings.

About Nichole Bertucci, A Simple I Do, LLC 
Nichole is a wedding Officiant in southeast Michigan who serves all couples. Nichole writes and delivers a heart warming, personal and loving wedding ceremony that is catered to each couples wedding day wants and needs. Providing seamless wedding Officiating service from day one and professional and personal delivery is what Nichole does best. 

About The Knot
The Knot is one of the nation’s leading multi-platform wedding resources offering a seamless, all-in-one planning experience—from finding inspiration and local vendors to creating and managing all guest experiences, wedding registries and more. The trusted brand reaches a majority of engaged couples in the US through the #1 iOS and Android mobile app The Knot Wedding Planner, the #1 wedding planning website TheKnot.com, The Knot national and local wedding magazines, and The Knot book series. Since its inception, The Knot has inspired approximately 25 million couples to plan a wedding that’s uniquely them. Visit The Knot online at Facebook.com/TheKnot and @TheKnot on Instagram, Twitter and Pinterest.