how to apply for your marriage license

How to apply for your marriage license 

Did you know you need a license to get legally married in the state of Michigan? You do! In order to legally get married in the state of Michigan you are required to apply for a marriage license. Allow me to explain how to do apply for your marriage license. 

You will begin at your local county clerk's office. What county do you reside in and is represented on your drivers license or residency; this is the county clerk's office you will apply for your marriage license with.

​If you live out of state and are coming to Michigan to get married than you will apply with the county clerk's office in which your ceremony will take place. 

1. Visit your county clerk's website for their specific instructions on how to apply for your Marriage license. With covid each county altered the way they issue marriage license's. Some are requiring you to complete your marriage license application online and then make an appointment to pick it up. Some counties are allowing you to simply walk in and apply. Once you have determined your counties marriage license application process you will need to gather your information to go with the license.
2. Most county clerk's offices require you to show picture ID, drivers license and your original birth certificate or certified copy of the original and/or a passport for each person applying. 

Couple things to keep in mind: 

• YOUR MARRIAGE LICENSE IS VALID FOR 33 DAYS FROM DATE OF APPLICATION
  
• You will receive multiple copies of your marriage license - all of these need to be signed
  
• You need an Officiant to sign your marriage license. This person is ordained and able to perform your ceremony and make your marriage legal. 
  
• Once your marriage license is signed it must be returned to the clerk's office within 10 days for filing by your Officiant. 
  
• You must request a certified legal copy of your marriage license after your marriage. It does not come automatically to you. You can request this by visiting the same clerk's office that issued the license to you. Please wait 2 weeks after your wedding to request this certified legal copy.