Michigan Marriage Records

We are glad you came here for help with Michigan Marriage Records. Our aim is to give you the best facts. We hope this page makes your search easy. Find the key data you need right here.

If you want to begin your search for Michigan Marriage Records now, you can visit https://michiganofficialrecords.com/marriage-records/. This service helps people find official records. It provides access to search tools that can help locate marriage details filed within the state. Starting your search there might speed up the process if you have the needed names and dates ready for your inquiry into Michigan Marriage Records.

Understanding Michigan Marriage Records

What Information is on a Michigan Marriage Record?

A Michigan marriage record is the state's official file of a marriage. It proves a marriage took place. Most records show key facts. You will often find the full names of both spouses. Their names before the marriage are key. The date the marriage took place is listed. The city or town and county are shown too. The name of the person who led the rites is there. Names of the witnesses are also part of the file. Sometimes, parents' full names are on the record. This data makes it a vital document.

Why You Might Need a Copy

People need copies for many reasons. A common use is for a legal name change. You need it for Social Security updates. Driver's licenses often require it too. Passports may need proof of marriage. It is used for health perks or job perks. Adding a spouse to insurance needs this proof. It helps with loans or bank needs. Some legal tasks need it. It is key for family tree research too. Knowing your past is easy with these files. A certified copy acts as legal proof.

Obtaining Michigan Marriage Records: State vs. County

You can get Michigan marriage records from two main sources. The state keeps records. Each county clerk also keeps records. Where you go depends on the year and your needs.

Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS)

The MDHHS Vital Records office holds many records. They have files for marriages since 1867. Keep in mind some early records might not be filed with the state. This office is good for statewide searches. It works if you do not know the exact county.

How to Request from MDHHS

You can ask for records by mail or online. Phone orders may also be an option.

• Mail: Send a request form to: Vital Records Requests P.O. Box 30721 Lansing, MI 48909

• Phone: Call (517) 335-8666. Press option 1 for application info. Press option 3 to talk to staff.

• Online: Visit the MDHHS Vital Records website. They have forms and details. Online orders may have extra fees.

Information Needed for MDHHS Request

You must give specific facts. Include the full names of both people. Include the wife's maiden name. Give the exact date of the marriage. If you don't know the exact date, give the year. Knowing the city or county helps too. The state needs this to find the right file. Fill out the form with care. Missing facts can slow things down.

MDHHS Fees and Costs

The cost for a Michigan marriage record search at the state level is set.

• First Certified Copy: $34.00 (includes search fee).

• Each Added Copy (same record, same time): $16.00.

• Extra Search Fee: If you do not know the exact year, it costs $12.00 for each extra year searched.

• Rush Fee: An added $12.00 fee for faster service. Make checks or money orders payable to "State of Michigan". Fees cover the search cost even if no record is found.

Who Can Request from MDHHS?

Michigan marriage records are mostly public. This means almost anyone can ask for a copy. There are some limits. Records for young people married by a judge might be private. Only the couple can get those copies. For most records since 1867, access is open. You do not need to be named on the record.

County Clerk Offices

Each Michigan county has a Clerk's office. They keep records of marriage licenses issued in that county. If the couple lived in Michigan, they applied in their home county. If they lived out of state, they applied where they got married. Knowing the county is key for this search. County records can sometimes be older than state files. They may have records the state does not. Access methods and fees change by county.

Finding the Right County Clerk

You must contact the clerk in the county where the license was issued. If unsure, try the county where the marriage ceremony took place. A directory of Michigan County Clerks can help you find contact information.

How to Request from a County Clerk

Most county clerks offer ways to ask for records.

• In Person: Visit the County Clerk's office. You can often get same-day service. Bring ID and payment.

• By Mail: Download a request form from the county website. Mail it with payment and needed ID copies.

• Online: Many counties now offer online ordering. Check the specific county clerk's website. There might be extra service fees.

County Clerk Fees and Examples

Fees differ quite a bit from one county to the next. Here are some examples:

• Wayne County: Contact the Wayne County Clerk at 400 Monroe St., Suite 610, Detroit, MI 48226. Offers online, mail, and in-person requests. Check their site for current fees.

• Oakland County: Visit 1200 North Telegraph Road, Dept 413, Pontiac, MI 48341. Phone: 248-858-0571. Hours: M-F 8:30 am-4:30 pm (Pontiac); Troy office M/W/F by appointment. Fees: $15 (1st copy), $5 (each additional). Use the Marriage Request Form. Online orders available for records after 1941. Records before 1942 need mail or in-person request. Accepts cash, money order, credit cards (Visa, MasterCard, Discover) in person. Mail needs form, payment (check, money order, or credit card details with ID copy), and self-addressed stamped envelope.

• Washtenaw County: Location: 200 N Main St, Suite 100, Ann Arbor, MI 48104. Phone: 734-222-6720. Hours: M-F 8:30 am-4:30 pm. Check the Washtenaw County Clerk Vital Records page for fees and forms. Accepts cash, check, money order, debit, credit cards.

• Ottawa County: Mail requests to 12220 Fillmore Street, Room 130, West Olive, MI 49460. Phone: (616) 994-4531. Fees: $15 (1st copy), $6 (additional). Use the Application for Certified Marriage Record (PDF). Online ordering and search available via their Marriage Records page. Notes on electronic vs. raised seals available.

• Kalamazoo County: Fees (effective Jan 1, 2025): $20 (1st copy), $7 (additional). See Kalamazoo County Clerk Fee Schedule.

• Berrien County: Offers online index search for death and marriage records back to 1831 via their Search page. Fees: $13 (1st copy), $4 (additional). Phone orders via VitalChek (extra fee applies). Use the Marriage License Copy Request (PDF). Note vital records confidentiality per MCL 333.2895.

• Lenawee County: Temp address: 113 W. Front St., Adrian, MI. Mail: 301 N. Main St., Adrian, MI 49221. Hours: M-F 8 am-12 pm & 1 pm-4:30 pm. Fees: $16 (1st copy), $6 (additional). Check payable to Lenawee County Clerk. Online orders via VitalChek (extra fee). See Certified Vital Records page.

• Clinton County: Fees: $15 (1st copy), $5 (additional). Use Request for Marriage Record Form (PDF). Online search database for records after Jan 1, 1927. See Marriage Records page.

Historical Michigan Marriage Records for Genealogy

Finding older Michigan marriage records is key for family history. Records before 1867 can be harder to find. They may not be at the state office. Check county clerks first for very old records. Other places hold historical data too.

Library of Michigan Resources

The Library of Michigan holds vital records indexes. They have marriage indexes for 1867-1921 and 1950-1969. They also have marriage returns on microfilm (1867-1925). Some registers and license copies are viewable through database access at the library. This is a rich source for state-level historical searches. Their family history section provides guidance. Contact them at P.O. Box 30721, Lansing MI 48909 or call 517-335-8666.

Michiganology (Archives of Michigan)

The state archives website, Michiganology, has some vital records online. While known for death records (1897-1952), it is a key state resource. It digitizes historical Michigan government records. Check their site for available marriage record collections. It is a growing resource for online historical research.

Other Genealogical Sources

• FamilySearch: This large genealogical database has indexed many Michigan marriage records. Their collection "Michigan, Marriages, 1822-1995" is useful but not complete. They also have "Michigan, County Marriages, 1820-1940." These are helpful starting points. See the FamilySearch Michigan Wiki for guidance.

• Local Libraries and Societies: The Detroit Public Library's Burton Historical Collection has deep Wayne County resources. This includes marriage returns (1803-1893) and newspaper notices. Local historical or genealogical societies often have unique indexes or record copies for their area.

Applying for a Michigan Marriage License

Getting married in Michigan involves applying for a license. This is different from getting a copy of an existing record. You apply before the marriage.

Eligibility and Requirements

• Age: Both must be 18 or older. Those 16 or 17 need consent from one parent or guardian. The parent must show proof of custody if divorced. Parent must come in person.

• Residency:

  • If one or both live in Michigan: Apply in the county where at least one person lives. The license is valid anywhere in Michigan.

  • If both live out of state: Apply in the county where the marriage ceremony will occur. The license is valid only in that county.

• Documents Needed: Both persons need:

  • Valid driver's license or state ID with current address.

  • Birth certificate (original or certified copy). A valid passport can substitute, but parents' full names and birth states/countries are still needed.

  • Social Security number (card not always required, but number is, per MCL 551.102).

The Application Process

Apply at the County Clerk's office. Both applicants should try to go in person. If only one goes, they need copies of the absent person's ID and birth certificate. They must know the absent person's Social Security number. There is a 3-day waiting period after applying. The license is then valid for 33 days from the application date. The waiting period can sometimes be waived for a fee (MCL 551.103a). Fees are typically $20 for MI residents, $30 for non-residents. Waiver fees vary ($25-$35). Check with the specific county clerk. For example, Calhoun County Clerk is at 315 West Green Street, Marshall, MI 49068. Phone: 269-781-0718. Hours M-Th 8-5, F 8-12. Allow ample time (45-60 mins) for the application.

Key Michigan Laws Regarding Marriage Records

Some state laws affect how you get and use Michigan marriage records.

• Confidentiality: While mostly public, some records may have restrictions. Berrien County notes MCL 333.2895 and MCL 333.2888 regarding confidentiality and FOIA exemption.

• Electronic Certification: Counties like Ottawa may issue electronically certified records per MCL 565.232. However, some uses (like passports or international matters) might still require a traditional raised seal.

• Witness Age: Witnesses to the marriage ceremony must be 18 years or older (MCL 551.14 appears relevant).

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