How do I get a marriage license?

County Clerk (county level - each of Michigan's 83 counties)

Step by Step

How to do it

Most counties offer an ONLINE APPLICATION that starts the 3-day waiting period upon submission; check your county clerk's website for the online portal; this is the most efficient approach
After submitting online (or appearing in person), the 3-day waiting period begins (day of application does NOT count; weekends and holidays count but the license cannot be PICKED UP on weekends or holidays in most counties)
Typically, only ONE party needs to appear in person to complete the application; bring ID for BOTH parties and all required information; some counties require both parties or at least one in person at pickup - call ahead
Pay the fee when picking up the license (typically due at pickup, not at online application)
Pick up the license on or after the 3rd business day; the license is typically NOT available for pick-up on weekends or legal holidays - plan accordingly
License valid for 33 days from the date of application; hold the ceremony within this window
Officiant completes the marriage certificate and files it with the county clerk (or state vital records) after the ceremony
WAITING PERIOD WAIVER: County clerk may waive the 3-day waiting period for "good and sufficient cause"; fees vary widely by county ($5 Oakland County to $100 Ingham County); license expires in 30 days (not 33) if waiver is used

Details

What you need to know

Required Docs

Valid government-issued photo ID for both parties (Michigan driver's license or state ID preferred for residency confirmation; also passport, military ID, or other government ID)
Social Security numbers for both parties (Social Security card may be required in some counties)
Birth certificates or passports in some counties (Oakland County requires birth certificates or passports)
Full name, address, date of birth, and place of birth for each party
If previously married: date, place, and how prior marriage ended (divorce/death)
Both must be 18 years old (no exceptions in Michigan - child marriage eliminated; minimum age is 18)

Fee

Resident fee: typically $20; out-of-state non-resident fee: $30; waiver fee varies ($5-$100 by county - call your county clerk); certified copy of marriage certificate typically $10-$25 separately

Waiting Period

3 calendar days after application (day of application excluded); waiver available for good cause at county clerk's discretion; additional fee applies LICENSE VALIDITY: 33 days from date of application (30 days if waiting period waived)

Online Option

Many Michigan counties offer online application (starts the 3-day waiting period); check your county clerk's website

Where to Go

County Clerk in the county where either party resides (for residents); County Clerk in ceremony county (for out-of-state applicants)

County-specific variations apply

Michigan's 83 county clerks each have their own procedures, fees, and online portals. Wayne County (Detroit), Oakland County (Pontiac), Macomb County (Mount Clemens), Kent County (Grand Rapids), and Washtenaw County (Ann Arbor) have well-developed online systems. In-person requirements vary - some require only one party; some (Oakland County) require birth certificates or passports; others only require driver's licenses. Waiver fees vary dramatically by county ($5 in Oakland to $100 in Ingham - confirm with your county). License not available for pick-up on weekends or holidays.

Michigan Notes

Important state-specific details

Online application available in most Michigan counties - strongly recommended as it starts the waiting period without requiring an in-person trip.
Michigan eliminated child marriage in 2023 - minimum age is now 18 with no exceptions.
License valid statewide for Michigan residents; out-of-state applicants: license only valid in the issuing county.
No blood test required.
Witnesses: requirements vary by county - some require witnesses at the ceremony; check with your officiant and county.
License void if not used within 33 days (30 days with waiver).

Official Source

State office contact

State Office

Michigan MDHHS Division of Vital Records (for certified copies of marriage records) - michigan.gov/mdhhs/vitalrecords | (517) 335-8666; County Clerk (varies by county)