Weddings In Michigan: What You Need To Know

Michigan is a popular place for weddings, with its natural beauty, bustling cities, and thousands of miles of freshwater coastline. The state has clear laws and requirements for marriage, which include obtaining a marriage license and having the wedding solemnized by an authorized person.

Who can officiate a wedding in Michigan?

Michigan is a great spot for your nuptials, with its natural beauty and bustling cities. But what about the officiant? Who can legally marry you in the Great Lake State?

In Michigan, several persons are granted the power to solemnize a wedding. This includes:

• Mayors
• Judges (federal, probate, district, and municipal)
• Clerks
• Magistrates
• Ministers of the gospel or clerics
• Religious practitioners

The Michigan Statutes also have a provision that allows marriages to "be solemnized in the manner heretofore used and practiced in their respective societies or denominations." This means that ministers and clerics of any religion are afforded equal rights in Michigan.

Requirements for Officiants in Michigan

While Michigan law does not require marriage officiants to register with any government office, there are some requirements that must be met. Officiants must be ordained by a religious organization and be able to provide proof of ordination. This can include an ordination credential, wallet credential, or a letter of good standing from the religious organization on official letterhead.

Additionally, officiants must be at least 18 years old and produce their letters of good standing and ordination credentials to the county clerk before the ceremony.

So, if you're planning a wedding in Michigan, be sure to choose an officiant who meets these requirements to ensure your special day goes off without a hitch!

What are the requirements for a valid marriage license?

To obtain a valid marriage license in Michigan, couples must meet several requirements.

Firstly, both parties must be at least 18 years old to marry without parental consent. If either individual is 16 or 17 years old, they must have consent from a parent or legal guardian to proceed with the marriage. Anyone under the age of 16 cannot enter into a marriage contract.

Secondly, the couple must secure a marriage license from the county clerk's office. Michigan residents must apply for this license in the county where they reside, and they can use the license anywhere in the state. On the other hand, non-residents intending to marry in Michigan must obtain their license from the county where the wedding will take place, and the license will only be valid in that specific county.

Thirdly, both parties must complete an application form and provide various documents. These typically include valid identification, such as a driver's license, state ID, or passport, and a birth certificate. Some counties may also require a Social Security Number. It's important to note that hospital and baptismal certificates are generally not accepted as valid forms of identification. For international residents, all documents must be originals and either in English or with a certified and notarized English translation.

Additionally, there is usually a fee associated with obtaining a marriage license. The cost varies depending on the county and the residency status of the applicants. For example, in Wayne County, the fee is $30 if one or both applicants are residents, and $40 if both parties are non-residents.

After submitting the application, there is typically a three-day waiting period before the license can be used. The license is generally valid for 30 days after it becomes valid. However, some counties may waive the waiting period for an additional fee.

Finally, it's important to note that Michigan does not recognize self-uniting marriages, so the couple will need to secure an officiant to perform the ceremony. The officiant does not need to register with the state, and it can be an out-of-state celebrant or a friend ordained online.

Once the ceremony is complete, the officiant and two additional witnesses over the age of 18 must sign the marriage license. The license then needs to be returned to the county clerk's office within ten days of the ceremony.

What is the waiting period for a marriage license?

Michigan is a great place for a wedding, with its natural beauty and bustling cities. If you're planning to get married in Michigan, there are a few things you need to know about the waiting period for your marriage license.

Firstly, you must obtain your marriage license from the county clerk of the county in which either you or your partner resides. If you are both out-of-state residents, you must apply in the county where the marriage ceremony will take place. The license is valid for 33 days in the county in which it was issued. However, there is a mandatory three-day waiting period after submitting your application before the license can be issued and picked up. This waiting period does not include the day you submit your application. This means that you should not plan to get married on the same day that you apply for your license. The three-day waiting period can be waived by the county clerk in special cases, but this usually requires an additional fee.

To apply for a marriage license, you must be 18 years of age or older. If you are 16 or 17 years old, you may marry with the consent of at least one parent or guardian. When applying, you will need to present a written application, your birth certificates, and your driver's license or another form of ID to the county clerk. Both parties must also provide their social security numbers. If you are a foreign national, you must provide original documents in English or with a certified and notarized English translation.

So, to summarise, there is a three-day waiting period for obtaining a marriage license in Michigan, and the entire process of applying for and receiving your license can take up to around a month. Be sure to plan accordingly and enjoy your special day!

What are the age requirements for marriage in Michigan?

Michigan is a great spot for weddings, with its natural beauty and bustling cities. The state has various requirements for marriage, including age requirements. So, what are the age requirements for marriage in Michigan?

In Michigan, the age at which a person can legally marry without a parent or guardian's consent is 18. While no person under the age of 16 can enter into a marriage contract, individuals aged 16 or 17 may marry with the consent of at least one parent or guardian. The legal age for marriage is 18, and no one under the age of 16 can legally marry. If an individual is at least 16 years old but younger than 18, the consent of at least one parent of the underage party is required to validate the marriage.

Michigan has specific laws regarding who can and cannot marry. For example, a woman cannot marry her father, brother, or cousin of the first degree. These restrictions apply to both opposite-sex and same-sex marriages, as same-sex couples have the legal right to wed in all states.

It is important to note that Michigan views marriages as civil arrangements and does not permit couples to solemnize a union through a purely religious or private ceremony. Therefore, all couples must obtain a marriage license and have their wedding solemnized by an authorized officiant.

Overall, Michigan has clear age requirements for marriage, and it is essential to meet these requirements to ensure a legal and valid marriage in the state.

What are the residency requirements for a marriage license?

If you are a Michigan resident, you must apply for a marriage license in the county where you live. If both parties are Michigan residents, you may apply in either county. The license is valid throughout the state.

If both parties are out-of-state residents, you must apply for a marriage license in the county where the wedding will take place. The license is only valid in that county.

If you are a Michigan resident wishing to marry another Michigan resident, but you live in different counties, you may apply in either county. The license will be valid throughout the state.

If you are a Michigan resident marrying an out-of-state resident, you must apply for a marriage license in the county where you live. The license will be valid throughout the state.

If you are an out-of-state resident marrying a Michigan resident, you must apply for a marriage license in the county where your future spouse lives. The license will be valid throughout the state.

If you are an out-of-state resident marrying another out-of-state resident, you must apply for a marriage license in the county where the wedding will take place. The license is only valid in that county.

If you are a minor (under the age of 18) and a Michigan resident, you will need parental consent to obtain a marriage license. Your parents must appear with their own identification and, if a custodial parent, proof of their custody. If you are 15 or younger, you will need both parental consent and the approval of the probate court.

If you are a minor and an out-of-state resident, the same rules apply as for Michigan residents.

Frequently asked questions