Your Guide to Getting Married in Michigan: Laws, Requirements & Tips

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Michigan is filled with enchanting landscapes and charming venues — from majestic lakeshores to rustic countryside backdrops. But before you choose your dream ceremony spot, it’s wise to understand the state’s marriage laws. Here's a clear breakdown of what couples and officiants need to know to make their Michigan wedding legally binding.

1. The Basics of Marriage in Michigan

• No proxy marriages allowed. Both parties must be present. ulc.org

• A minister (or other authorized officiant) must be present. The couple needs to declare t

  heir intention to wed in front of the officiant and at least two witnesses of legal adult age (18+) must also be present. ulc.org

• No rigid ceremony format required. The law doesn’t prescribe specific vows or rituals — the key is the declaration before an authorized person and witnesses. ulc.org

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2. Who Can Marry — Requirements for the Couple

Age

• Minimum age: 18 years, no guardian or parent consent needed. ulc.org+1

• Ages 16–17: Marriage is allowed only with written consent of at least one parent or legal guardian. ulc.org

• Under 16: Marriage is not permitted — such unions are void. ulc.org

  
  

Residency / Citizenship

• No residency requirement. If one or both parties reside outside Michigan, they can still marry in the state. ulc.org

  
  

Kinship Restrictions & Equality

• Michigan law prohibits marriages between close relatives (parents, siblings, first cousins, etc.). ulc.org

• While older state statutes historically forbade same-sex marriage, federal law (as of 2015) ensures same-sex couples have the right to marry nationwide, including in Michigan. ulc.org

  
  

3. Becoming an Officiant in Michigan

If you’re planning to officiate weddings in Michigan, here’s what you need to know:

• Minimum age: 18 years. ulc.org

• Residency: Not required — you may be from another state. ulc.org

• Credentials required:

  • Proof of ordination (or authorization)

  • Letter of good standing: these must be submitted to the county clerk before the ceremony. ulc.org

• Who can officiate: Judges, magistrates, mayors, county clerks (in some cases), and duly ordained ministers or religious practitioners. ulc.org

  
  

4. Marriage License & Ceremony Timeline

Applying for the License

• A couple must apply to the county clerk in the county where at least one person resides (or, if both are nonresidents, in the county where the marriage will take place). ulc.org

• Required documents:

  • Application

  • Birth certificates or proof of age

  • Valid identification

• If either party was previously married, proof of divorce may be requested. ulc.org

• Fee: Typically $20, though additional county-level fees may apply. ulc.org

  
  

Waiting Period, Validity & Submission

• Three-day waiting period between application and issuance of the license. However, this waiting period may be waived for “good and sufficient cause,” usually for an extra fee. ulc.org

• Once issued, the license is valid for 33 days — the ceremony must occur within that window. ulc.org

• After the ceremony, the officiant must fill out the marriage certificate (with date, place, witnesses, etc.) and return the original to the issuing county clerk within 10 days. ulc.org

• The couple should receive a duplicate or copy for their records. ulc.org

  
  

5. Final Thoughts & Tips

• Always check with your local county clerk — some counties may have slight variations or additional requirements beyond the state’s baseline laws.

• If you’re using a minister ordained online (such as through ULC or similar), make sure your credentials and “letter of good standing” are up-to-date and acceptable to local authorities.

• Don’t wait until the last minute to apply for your license — factor in the waiting period, possible fee for waiver, and the 33-day validity window.

• Keep a record for yourself (photocopy of the completed marriage certificate) — it’s wise in case paperwork gets lost or questions arise later.