YOUR MARRIAGE LICENSE
A Little Paperwork. One Important Step
Getting married in Michigan comes with a little paperwork.
The good news is that you don't have to figure it all out on your own.
I'll help you understand the marriage license process and make sure the necessary
paperwork is handled after your ceremony.
THE PROCESS
01 / APPLY
The county clerk issues your marriage license.
If at least one of you is a Michigan resident, you generally apply through the county where that resident lives. If both of you are Michigan residents and live in different counties, you may apply in either county.
If neither of you is a Michigan resident, you'll generally apply in the Michigan county where your ceremony will take place.
Because county procedures can vary, the best place to begin is with the official marriage-license page for your county.
02 / PREPARE
Your county clerk will tell you exactly what documents and information you'll need when you apply.
Requirements can vary, so it's important to check with your county before you begin the application process.
Don't guess. Check your county's current requirements.
03 / GET MARRIED
Once your license is issued, bring it with you to your ceremony.
I'll handle the officiant portion and make sure we collect the necessary signatures.
Your marriage license is an important part of the ceremony, but it doesn't have to become something you worry about on your wedding day.
04 / I'LL HANDLE THE FILING
After your ceremony, I'll take care of the required filing of your completed marriage license with the appropriate county.
You can get back to celebrating.
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TIMING MATTERS
3 DAYS
Michigan generally has a three-day waiting period between applying for your marriage license and when the license can be used.
A county clerk may waive the waiting period, subject to the applicable requirements and fee.
33 DAYS
Your marriage license is generally valid for 33 days from the date of application.
Your ceremony needs to take place within that window. When you apply matters.
WHEN SHOULD WE
APPLY?
Timing depends on your county's application process and the date of your ceremony.
Because Michigan generally has a three-day waiting period and a 33-day validity period, I recommend checking your county's requirements before applying rather than simply applying as early as possible.
If you're unsure, ask me.
I'm happy to help you figure out the timing.
YOU DON'T HAVE TO FIGURE THIS OUT ALONE
Marriage-license requirements can feel like a lot of little details, especially when you're already planning everything else that comes with a wedding.
I'll help you understand what needs to be done, when it needs to happen,
and what happens after your ceremony.
The paperwork matters. But it doesn't have to be stressful.
FIND YOUR COUNTY CLERK
For the most current requirements, fees, application instructions, and appointment information, go directly to your county's official marriage-license page.
MACOMB COUNTY
Marriage License Information →
WAYNE COUNTY
Marriage License Information →
WASHTENAW COUNTY Marriage License Information →
OAKLAND COUNTY
Marriage License Information →
LIVINGSTON COUNTY
Marriage License Information →
GENESEE COUNTY
Marriage License Information →
County requirements and fees can change. These links take you directly to the official source for the most current information.