State guide
Michigan
Michigan marriage licenses are issued by county clerks, with residency rules tied to the county of residence for Michigan residents and to the ceremony county for nonresidents. State law imposes a 3-day waiting period, requires two adult witnesses, and expressly allows county clerks to solemnize marriages in their county. ([zeus-milenia.legislature.mi.gov](https://zeus-milenia.legislature.mi.gov/documents/mcl/pdf/MCL-551-7.pdf?utm_source=openai))
Checked against official sources on October 4, 2026. Rules and links change; confirm with the office listed before you act.
- Who issues licenses
- county clerk
- Waiting period
- 3 days
- License valid for
- 33 days after application
- Witnesses
- 2 required (18+)
- License fee
- $20 statewide; +$10 if both parties are nonresidents of Michigan; expedited waiver fee set locally
Official resources in Michigan
Primary statewide source for license issuance, waiting period, witness rules, and validity. ([legislature.mi.gov](https://www.legislature.mi.gov/documents/mcl/pdf/mcl-chap551.pdf?utm_source=openai))
Large-county official page showing application steps, local fees, and office practice. ([waynecounty.com](https://www.waynecounty.com/elected/clerk/marriage-licenses.aspx?utm_source=openai))
Large-county official page with current county fee examples and waiver information. ([macombgov.org](https://www.macombgov.org/departments/clerk-register-deeds/marriage-licenses?utm_source=openai))
Official county page with fee examples, pickup timing, and witness-age practice. ([kentcountymi.gov](https://www.kentcountymi.gov/804/Get-a-Marriage-License?utm_source=openai))
Key facts for Michigan
- Michigan residents apply in the county where one applicant resides; nonresidents apply in the county where the marriage will be performed. ([courts.michigan.gov](https://www.courts.michigan.gov/4a258d/siteassets/publications/benchbooks/dcmm/dcmmresponsivehtml5.zip/DCMM/Ch_8_Marriage/License_Requirements-.htm?utm_source=openai))
- Waiting period: 3 days including the application date; the clerk may release it immediately for good cause. ([legislature.mi.gov](https://www.legislature.mi.gov/documents/mcl/pdf/mcl-chap551.pdf?utm_source=openai))
- A Michigan license is void unless the marriage is solemnized within 33 days after application. ([legislature.mi.gov](https://www.legislature.mi.gov/documents/mcl/pdf/mcl-chap551.pdf?utm_source=openai))
- Two witnesses must sign, and the witnesses must be age 18 or older. ([legislature.mi.gov](https://www.legislature.mi.gov/documents/publications/Mpla/2004/PA2004/2004%20pgs%202051-2100%20PA%20495-514.pdf?utm_source=openai))
- State law sets a $20 marriage-license fee, plus an additional $10 if both parties are nonresidents of Michigan. ([legislature.mi.gov](https://www.legislature.mi.gov/documents/mcl/pdf/mcl-chap551.pdf?utm_source=openai))
- County clerks are authorized officiants in their county; in counties over 1,500,000 population, a designated clerk employee may also solemnize marriages. ([zeus-milenia.legislature.mi.gov](https://zeus-milenia.legislature.mi.gov/documents/mcl/pdf/MCL-551-7.pdf?utm_source=openai))
Courthouse ceremonies in Michigan
| County | Details |
|---|---|
| Wayne | Wayne County Clerk offers private marriage ceremonies; page says the office provides two witnesses. ([waynecounty.com](https://www.waynecounty.com/elected/clerk/marriage-ceremonies.aspx?utm_source=openai)) |
| Kent | Kent County offers courthouse wedding ceremonies through the 63rd District Court; valid Michigan license and two 18+ witnesses required. ([kentcountymi.gov](https://www.kentcountymi.gov/1023/Marriage?utm_source=openai)) |
| Oakland | Oakland County district courts publish wedding ceremony pages tied to an Oakland County marriage license. ([oaklandcountymi.gov](https://www.oaklandcountymi.gov/government/courts/district-courts/52nd-district-court-division-3/civil/weddings?utm_source=openai)) |
What to do next
- Apply more than 3 days before the ceremony unless you have a good-cause reason to request immediate issuance. ([legislature.mi.gov](https://www.legislature.mi.gov/documents/mcl/pdf/mcl-chap551.pdf?utm_source=openai))
- Bring or arrange two adult witnesses before a courthouse ceremony; some clerk offices provide them only if their policy says so. ([legislature.mi.gov](https://www.legislature.mi.gov/documents/mcl/pdf/mcl-chap551.pdf?utm_source=openai))
- Check the county clerk's own fee page, because local nonresident and rush/waiver charges can differ by county. ([macombgov.org](https://www.macombgov.org/departments/clerk-register-deeds/marriage-licenses?utm_source=openai))
Helpful guides
- How to get married at the courthouse
- What to bring when you apply for a marriage license
- Marriage license waiting periods and expiration dates
- Do you need witnesses for a courthouse wedding?