Michigan Marriage License Requirements 2026
Everything you need to legally marry in Michigan: $20 license fee, 3 days waiting period, 33 days validity, minimum age 18, 2 witnesses witnesses required. Apply at the County Clerk.
Michigan Marriage License: Quick Facts
How Much Is a Marriage License in Michigan?
A marriage license in Michigan costs $20. This is the standard fee charged by the County Clerk when you submit your application in person. The fee covers the license itself, recording, and one certified copy of the marriage certificate in most counties.
Payment is typically accepted in cash, card, or check, though policies vary by county. Some counties charge extra for additional certified copies, which you may need for name changes, passport applications, or insurance updates after the wedding. Call your county clerk in advance to confirm accepted payment methods and total cost with additional copies.
Compared to the national average of $60-$80, Michigan's fee is lower than most US states - one of the more affordable options.
How to Get a Marriage License in Michigan
Gather required documents
Both partners need a valid government-issued photo ID. If you have been previously married, bring the final divorce decree or your former spouse's death certificate. Michigan does not require proof of residency.
Visit the County Clerk
Both applicants must appear in person at the County Clerk in any Michigan county. You can typically apply in the county where you plan to marry or the county where you live - check your specific county for any local rules.
Complete the application and pay the fee
Fill out the marriage license application and pay the $20 fee. Be ready to provide both Social Security numbers (or visa numbers for non-citizens), your parents' full names, and your places of birth.
Wait 3 days
Michigan has a mandatory 3 days waiting period between application and ceremony. Plan your application visit at least a week before your ceremony to allow buffer time.
Hold the ceremony within the validity window
The license is valid for 33 days from the date of issue. The ceremony must be officiated and the license signed within this window. Authorized officiants in Michigan: Ordained ministers, priests, rabbis, and other clergy. Judges of any court, district court magistrates, and mayors. County clerks can also perform civil ceremonies in Michigan.
Return the signed license for recording
After the ceremony, the officiant signs the license along with any required witnesses. The signed license must be returned to the County Clerk (often by the officiant) within the timeframe specified by Michigan law. The county then issues your official marriage certificate.
Special Situations in Michigan
Previously married
Bring the final divorce decree or death certificate of your former spouse. Some Michigan counties require the decree be from within a certain number of months - check with the County Clerk.
Out-of-state couples
Michigan has no residency requirement, making it a popular state for destination weddings. Both partners just need to appear in person at the County Clerk with valid ID.
Same-sex marriages
Same-sex marriages are fully legal in Michigan following Obergefell v. Hodges (2015). The requirements are identical to opposite-sex marriages with no additional steps.
Non-citizens
Foreign nationals can marry in Michigan on a tourist visa with a valid passport. The marriage itself does not change immigration status. You may need certified translations of any foreign documents.
Important Michigan Notes
Who Can Officiate in Michigan
Ordained ministers, priests, rabbis, and other clergy. Judges of any court, district court magistrates, and mayors. County clerks can also perform civil ceremonies in Michigan.
Good to Know
Michigan has one of the lowest license fees in the country at $20. The 3-day waiting period can be waived by a judge, and the license is valid for only 33 days, so plan your timing carefully.
Michigan Marriage License Document Checklist
- Valid government-issued photo ID for both applicants (passport, Michigan drivers license, state ID, military ID)
- Birth certificates if requested by the County Clerk
- Social Security numbers for both partners (visa numbers acceptable for non-citizens)
- Divorce decree or death certificate if either partner was previously married
- Marriage license fee of $20 - confirm accepted payment methods with your county
- Out-of-state couples are welcome - no residency required
- 2 witnesses for the ceremony, each at least 18
After the Michigan ceremony, collect every guest photo
Once you have your license and your ceremony is set, make sure no moment gets missed. Guests scan a QR code and upload photos straight to your shared album - no app download required.
Try Pix Wedding FreeMarriage License Requirements in Other States
Related Michigan Wedding Guides
Michigan Marriage License FAQ
Everything you need to know about our free tools and how they help your wedding day.
A Michigan marriage license costs $20. The fee is paid at the County Clerk when you apply. Some counties may charge slightly more for processing or a certified copy of the marriage certificate. Payment methods vary by county - call ahead to confirm whether the office accepts cash, card, or check only.
Yes. Michigan requires a 3 days waiting period between applying for and using your marriage license. Michigan has one of the lowest license fees in the country at $20. The 3-day waiting period can be waived by a judge, and the license is valid for only 33 days, so plan your timing carefully.
A Michigan marriage license is valid for 33 days from the date of issue. The ceremony must be performed within this window or you will need to reapply and pay the fee again. Keep the dates in mind when scheduling your application visit.
Michigan accepts valid government-issued photo ID for both applicants. Acceptable forms include a US passport, state driver's license or state ID card, US military ID, permanent resident card, or foreign passport. Both partners must present ID in person at the County Clerk.
Yes. Michigan requires 2 witnesses for the ceremony. Witnesses must usually be at least 18 and capable of signing the marriage license. Most couples ask the maid of honor and best man, but anyone meeting the legal age requirement can serve.
No. Michigan does not require residency to obtain a marriage license. Out-of-state couples can apply at any County Clerk as long as both partners are present and bring the required ID. This makes Michigan a popular destination wedding state.
Explore more free wedding tools
Everything you need to make your wedding day stress-free and unforgettable.
AI Vow Generator
Write "banger" vows in seconds.
AI Speech Pro
Banger toasts for Best Man & more.
QR Sticker Designer
Design custom print-ready stickers.
Seating Chart Planner
Plan your reception seating visually.
Guest List Manager
Track RSVPs and dietary needs.
Cost Calculator
Compare wedding costs by city.
Timeline Builder
Plan your entire wedding day.
Countdown Timer
Count down the days to your big day.
Photo Sharing QR
The best way to collect guest photos.
Hashtag Generator
Create unique wedding hashtags.
Wedding Checklist
Month-by-month planning checklist.
Thank You Notes
Generate personalized thank you notes.
Dress Style Quiz
Find your perfect dress silhouette.
Invitation Wording
Perfect wording for your invitations.
How to Collect Guest Photos
5 methods ranked by participation rate and ease.
Get Photos After the Wedding
Message templates to gather guest photos post-wedding.
Share Wedding Photos with Guests
Compare every sharing platform by ease and participation.
Best Way to Get Guest Photos
The single method with the highest participation rate.
How to Make a Shared Wedding Album
Step-by-step setup for every platform.
Alternative to Disposable Cameras
Better, cheaper options than disposable cameras.
Alternative to Wedding Photo Booth
5 cheaper alternatives to a $1,000+ photo booth rental.
Alternative to Wedding Guest Book
15 creative alternatives guests actually enjoy.
Alternatives to Hiring a Photographer
Save $2,000+ with these proven photography alternatives.
Cheap Alternative to Videographer
Capture wedding video without the $2,500 bill.