Michigan marriage license: cost and requirements
You apply in the county where either of you lives. You must wait 3 days and you need 2 adult witnesses.
Michigan summary
Official source Reviewed Nov 4, 2026 · Official source, with details that may vary.
- Cost
- $20; $30 if neither lives in Michigan (MCL 551.103). Some large counties may set a different amount by ordinance.
- Waiting period
- 3 days counting the day of the application (MCL 551.103a). The clerk may issue it sooner for good cause, with an extra charge set by the county.
- Validity
- 33 days from the application (Kent County; archived text of the licensing law).
- Witnesses
- 2 witnesses age 18 or older, besides the officiant (MCL 551.9; Michigan Judicial Institute).
How much is a marriage license in Michigan?
$20; $30 if neither lives in Michigan (MCL 551.103). Some large counties may set a different amount by ordinance.
What do you need to get the license?
- ID: Birth certificate or other proof of age, if the clerk asks for it (MCL 551.103).
- Minimum age: 18, with no exceptions (MCL 551.103, current).
- Other requirements: The officiant returns the certificate to the county clerk within 10 days (MCL 551.104).
Where do you get it, and who issues it?
County clerk where either of you lives; if neither lives in Michigan, the clerk of the county where the wedding will take place (MCL 551.101).
Where it is valid: In Michigan; if neither of you is a resident, only in the county that issued it.
Is there a waiting period, and does it expire?
- Waiting period: 3 days counting the day of the application (MCL 551.103a). The clerk may issue it sooner for good cause, with an extra charge set by the county.
- Validity: 33 days from the application (Kent County; archived text of the licensing law).
How many witnesses, and who can marry you?
- Witnesses: 2 witnesses age 18 or older, besides the officiant (MCL 551.9; Michigan Judicial Institute).
- Who can officiate: We couldn't confirm this at the official source. Ask the office.
Michigan counties with an AltarPlan guide
We haven't published Michigan county guides yet: we verify them one by one against the official source. In the meantime, these rules apply statewide and the office can confirm the exact fee.
Other counties couples often look up
We haven't verified these counties yet. The Michigan rules on this page apply; the fee and the office depend on the county, so confirm them on the official website.
- Wayne County (Detroit)State rule No guide of its own yet.
How to get a marriage license in Michigan
- Confirm where to apply: County clerk where either of you lives; if neither lives in Michigan, the clerk of the county where the wedding will take place (MCL 551.101).
- Gather your ID: Birth certificate or other proof of age, if the clerk asks for it (MCL 551.103).
- Get your payment ready: $20; $30 if neither lives in Michigan (MCL 551.103). Some large counties may set a different amount by ordinance.
- Count the waiting period: 3 days counting the day of the application (MCL 551.103a). The clerk may issue it sooner for good cause, with an extra charge set by the county.
- Marry within the validity period: 33 days from the application (Kent County; archived text of the licensing law).
- Before you go, confirm everything with the office that issues the license: fees and hours change.
Frequently asked questions
Is a Michigan marriage license valid anywhere in the state?
In Michigan; if neither of you is a resident, only in the county that issued it.
What is the minimum age to marry in Michigan?
18, with no exceptions (MCL 551.103, current).
Does AltarPlan issue the license?
No. AltarPlan is not a government office and does not issue licenses. This information is a general guide, not legal advice: confirm with the office.
Sources and review date
- Michigan Legislature, MCL 551.103 (opens in a new tab) Accessed Nov 4, 2026.
- Michigan Legislature, MCL 551.103a (opens in a new tab) Accessed Nov 4, 2026.
- Michigan Judicial Institute, Marriage Ceremony Checklist (updated 9/1/22) (opens in a new tab) Accessed Nov 4, 2026.
- Kent County Clerk, Get a Marriage License (opens in a new tab) Accessed Nov 4, 2026.
Reviewed Nov 4, 2026. If you spot an error, write to us.
AltarPlan is not a government office and does not issue licenses. General information, not legal advice. Confirm with the county office.