So, you’ve accepted that marriage proposal and now you start your wedding planning. Congratulations!! In the first of my series of posts about your wedding planning, I’d like to talk about your marriage license. While not the first step, obtaining your marriage license is something you do in the month just before your wedding day.

In Michigan, it takes approximately three days to get your license and the license is then good for 30 days. This means that you should not apply for your license if your wedding date is more than 33 days away.

Basically, both parties must be 18 years of age, unless you have a parent or guardian willing to give signed permission for you to marry at age 16 or 17. You must both have a valid driver’s license or state ID with current address. You must also show your birth certificate or a current passport.

You can apply in person or online at your county’s government website, (since you apply in the county where at least one of you resides). In Michigan, the fee for your marriage license is $20 if you’re a Michigan resident and $30 if you aren’t.

After your ceremony, whoever performed your wedding will fill in their required information and then have you and your new spouse sign the appropriate places on the license, as well as get the signatures of your two adult witnesses. You will then get a “souvenir” copy of the license, (which is not an Official copy…you must get those for another small fee at the County Clerk’s Office). Then the Officiant/Minister/Priest usually handles sending the license in to the County Clerk’s Office for recording. This is because the Officiant/Minister/Priest is required to make a photocopy of the license for his or her records.

For all the state’s info on marriage licenses, follow this link to my Marriage License & FAQ’s page.

Dr. Stephan J. Smith is an ordained, non-denominational wedding officiant who has been marrying loving couples in Livingston, Genesee, Oakland and surrounding Michigan Counties for more than 10 years. With a calming and caring demeanor, Dr. Smith strives to make his weddings unique and beautiful. His custom ceremonies, attention to detail and the perfect balance of mood creates an environment of serenity and bliss that you’ll treasure for all time. You can contact him for questions and availability by email or phone using the “Contact Dr. Smith” tab above.