It's a question I hear time and time again, Nichole I don't even know where to begin! 

Well let's start at the beginning of how to get married legally in the state of Michigan. Hi, I'm Nichole, owner of A Simple I Do Wedding Officiants and were a group of legally ordained wedding officiants/ministers who serve all couples in southeast Michigan. We concentrate on small intimate weddings - we'll meet you at a local cafe to sign your license and make it legal or at a park or venue - the key is keeping it simple, stress free and all about your love. 

To get legally married in the state of Michigan, you need to follow these steps:

Apply for a marriage license: The first step to getting legally married in Michigan is to apply for a marriage license at a County Clerk's office. You and your partner must appear in person to complete the application, and you'll need to bring your government-issued photo identification (e.g., driver's license, passport, or state ID) and your social security numbers. The fee for a marriage license varies by county.

Wait for the waiting period: In Michigan, there is a three-day waiting period after you apply for a marriage license. This means that you cannot get married until at least three days after you apply for the license. However, some counties may waive the waiting period for an additional fee.
Have a ceremony: You and your partner must have a ceremony to get legally married. The ceremony can be performed by a judge, a magistrate, a county clerk, a mayor, or a member of the clergy. You'll need to have two witnesses present during the ceremony.

File the marriage license: After the ceremony, the person who performed the ceremony will sign your marriage license. You must then return the signed license to the County Clerk's office within 10 days of the ceremony.

Get a marriage certificate: After your signed marriage license has been received and processed by the County Clerk's office, you can obtain a certified copy of your marriage certificate. You'll need this certificate to change your name and for other legal purposes.
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It's important to note that the above steps are for a standard civil marriage in Michigan. If you're planning a religious ceremony, you may need to meet additional requirements. Additionally, Michigan does not recognize common law marriage, so you must have a ceremony to be legally married.

Eloping in Michigan: A Romantic Adventure
There's something about eloping that makes it feel like the ultimate romantic adventure. And when it comes to eloping in Michigan with A Simple I Do, the possibilities for a dreamy, intimate wedding are endless.
Picture this: you and your partner standing on the shores of a lake in Michigan, surrounded by the stunning natural beauty of nature. The waves lapping at your feet, the soft rustling of leaves in the wind, and the quiet stillness around you. It's just the two of you, your photographer and witnesses, basking in the beauty of nature and each other.
Or maybe you're more of a city couple, drawn to the eclectic charm of Detroit. Imagine strolling hand in hand through the historic Eastern Market, taking in the sights and sounds of the bustling marketplace. Then, exchanging your vows an your elopement ceremony in front of the iconic Spirit of Detroit statue, with the city skyline as your backdrop.
No matter your style, Michigan an the team at A Simple I Do has something to offer for your elopement. From the picturesque lakes and trails to the quaint towns like Holly, there are endless possibilities for a romantic and intimate celebration.
And perhaps the best part of eloping in Michigan? You'll have the chance to explore this beautiful state with your partner and create lasting memories together. You can indulge in local delicacies, like a Michigan cherry pie or a Coney dog, and visit charming small towns like Holly, Davisburg and Clarkston. And you'll have the opportunity to connect with each other in a way that might not be possible in a larger, more traditional wedding.
So, if you're dreaming of an intimate wedding that's all about you and your partner, consider eloping in Michigan with A Simple I Do. It's the perfect destination for a romantic adventure, and a celebration that you'll remember for a lifetime.

When I received their email letting me know they were going to plan a big wedding this year but decided that didn't suit their love and they wanted to elope now I was elated! 

I began A Simple I Do with the intention to serve couples in any way that suites them. And with the cost of an average wedding beginning at $20k I am seeing more couples choose to elope or host intimate ceremonies and I just love this!! 

Elopement and intimate wedding's are really special, the focus never leave the couple and their love. When you chose to elope you have freedom. You are free to have a ceremony or simply sign your marriage license. You are free to wear blue jeans or dress up in a wedding suit or dress. Choosing an elopement free's you from making thousands of little decisions and allows you to focus on what you truly want to do, where you want to do it and who you want to be there. Not to mention all the money you can save - I mean you could buy a new house or a fancy vacation or just not go in debt. 

But the stress, the anxiety and the desire to simply your wedding, to elope means you followed your heart. 

For this couple, they chose to ditch the big, big day and simply elope in downtown Holly. We scheduled the date and as fate would have it, we ended up with the most beautiful snow all. They gathered their people and hired an amazing photographer Nicole to capture their simple I do's. 

They were so sweet and you could feel the love they have for each other. I am grateful that they landed on my page and chose to work with me. It was an honor to say I do with you! 

In January 2023 I gathered with the beautiful bride and groom and their sweet little in downtown Holly for their elopement and signing. They hired the amazing photographer Shelby of Monnette Co to capture their sweet and simple elopement. 

They contacted me and wanted a sweet and simple moment in downtown Holly to share their elopement ceremony with their sweet daughter, mother and brother and sister. 

We gathered at the Battle Alley Coffee Shop to sign their marriage license, taking care to direct each person where to sign to make this simple I do legal. Once the marriage license was signed we stepped into Battle Alley to share a brief exchange of vows and rings. 

Eloping in downtown Holly allows you the picturesque moment in a hallmark town, don't be surprised if some local folks cheer and clap for you to wish you well as you enter into marriage. 

Hiring a professional photographer to capture you elopement is always a good idea, no matter how brief and simple an elopement is a true professional will capture the details and allow you to have a keepsake of your elopement forever. 

How to elope in downtown Holly Michigan: 

• Apply for and obtain your marriage license - be mindful as it expires 30 days after you receive it. 
• Set a date with me, Nichole Bertucci as your Officiant. 
• Gather your closest friends or family 
• Meet with me to sign the license and exchange your wedding vows. 

Keep in mind we have lots of suggestions for locations and you can even add on to your elopement experience - flowers, cake pops and photography! 

Waterford plays backdrop to many weddings in Michigan and at A Simple I Do we specialize in all things Waterford. All 3 Officiants grew up in Waterford Michigan and can attest to the many attributes it can offer for your wedding. 

Let's talk about a few favorite locations to host your elopement or simple ceremony within Waterford Michigan. 

We always suggest finding your favorite spot at a local park like Pontiac Lake where you can stand by the lake or on a beautiful spot near a walking trail and host your intimate wedding, elopement or simple signing. Let us not forget the many restaurants that are just waiting to play host to your Waterford elopement, such as The Lions Den, Fourth Tavern of Waterford or Fork and Pint. 

Gather up your closest friends and family and hire us to officiate your Waterford wedding. 

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