Michigan Wedding Laws
What to expect when officiating a wedding.
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Wedding Ceremony Requirements
- Marriage By Proxy: Not Allowed
- Minister Presence: Required
- Witnesses Required: Two (must be 18 years or older)
- Couple’s Consent: Required
- Pronouncement: Required
Michigan allows couples to customize their ceremonies, provided they include the declaration of consent by both parties and the pronouncement by the officiating minister. The presence of two adult witnesses is mandatory for the ceremony to be valid.
Requirements for the Couple
- Minimum Age: 18 years (16 with Guardian Consent)
- Residency: Not Required (non-residents must apply in the county of the wedding)
- Kinship Restrictions: Second Cousins
- Marriage Equality: Yes
Couples in Michigan must be at least 18 years old to marry. Minors aged 16 and 17 may marry with written consent from a parent or legal guardian. The state prohibits marriages between close relatives, including first cousins, with limited exceptions for cousins once removed.
Marriage License Requirements
- Who Picks Up: The Couple
- Where Valid: County of Issuance (state-wide for Michigan residents)
- Pick-Up: In Person
- Cost: $20 (additional fees may vary by county)
- Accepted ID: Driver’s License, Birth Certificate, or State-Issued ID
- Proof of Divorce: Varies by County
- Blood Test: Not Required
Couples must apply for a marriage license in person at the appropriate county clerk’s office, providing valid identification. Some counties may require proof of divorce if applicable. Virtual or mail services may be available depending on the county.
Marriage License Facts
- Ceremony Type: Religious or Civil
- Mandatory Waiting Period: 3 Days
- License Validity: 33 Days
- Submission Deadline: Within 10 Days of Ceremony
Marriage licenses in Michigan require a three-day waiting period after application, unless waived for an additional fee. Once issued, licenses are valid for 33 days and must be returned to the issuing county clerk within 10 days of the wedding.
Requirements for the Minister
- Minimum Age: 18 years
- Residency: Not Required
- Documents Required: Ordination Credential and Letter of Good Standing
- Online Ordination Recognized: Yes
- Registration Office: County Clerk
Ministers officiating weddings in Michigan must be at least 18 years old. They must present their ordination credentials and a letter of good standing to the county clerk before performing the ceremony. Universal Life Church ministers are recognized as legal officiants in the state.
Final Steps
- Officiant’s Title on Marriage License: Minister
- Church/Ordaining Body: Universal Life Church Ministries
- Address of Church: Minister’s Home Address
After the ceremony, the officiant must complete the marriage certificate, including the date, location, names, and addresses of the witnesses. The officiant must return the original license to the issuing county clerk within 10 days of the ceremony. Michigan law also requires ministers to maintain a record of all marriages they solemnize.
Wedding Ceremony Requirements
- Marriage By Proxy: Not Allowed
- Minister Presence: Required
- Witnesses Required: Two (must be 18 years or older)
- Couple’s Consent: Required
- Pronouncement: Required
Michigan allows couples to customize their ceremonies, provided they include the declaration of consent by both parties and the pronouncement by the officiating minister. The presence of two adult witnesses is mandatory for the ceremony to be valid.
Requirements for the Couple
- Minimum Age: 18 years (16 with Guardian Consent)
- Residency: Not Required (non-residents must apply in the county of the wedding)
- Kinship Restrictions: Second Cousins
- Marriage Equality: Yes
Couples in Michigan must be at least 18 years old to marry. Minors aged 16 and 17 may marry with written consent from a parent or legal guardian. The state prohibits marriages between close relatives, including first cousins, with limited exceptions for cousins once removed.
Marriage License Requirements
- Who Picks Up: The Couple
- Where Valid: County of Issuance (state-wide for Michigan residents)
- Pick-Up: In Person
- Cost: $20 (additional fees may vary by county)
- Accepted ID: Driver’s License, Birth Certificate, or State-Issued ID
- Proof of Divorce: Varies by County
- Blood Test: Not Required
Couples must apply for a marriage license in person at the appropriate county clerk’s office, providing valid identification. Some counties may require proof of divorce if applicable. Virtual or mail services may be available depending on the county.
Marriage License Facts
- Ceremony Type: Religious or Civil
- Mandatory Waiting Period: 3 Days
- License Validity: 33 Days
- Submission Deadline: Within 10 Days of Ceremony
Marriage licenses in Michigan require a three-day waiting period after application, unless waived for an additional fee. Once issued, licenses are valid for 33 days and must be returned to the issuing county clerk within 10 days of the wedding.
Requirements for the Minister
- Minimum Age: 18 years
- Residency: Not Required
- Documents Required: Ordination Credential and Letter of Good Standing
- Online Ordination Recognized: Yes
- Registration Office: County Clerk
Ministers officiating weddings in Michigan must be at least 18 years old. They must present their ordination credentials and a letter of good standing to the county clerk before performing the ceremony. Universal Life Church ministers are recognized as legal officiants in the state.
Final Steps
- Officiant’s Title on Marriage License: Minister
- Church/Ordaining Body: Universal Life Church Ministries
- Address of Church: Minister’s Home Address
After the ceremony, the officiant must complete the marriage certificate, including the date, location, names, and addresses of the witnesses. The officiant must return the original license to the issuing county clerk within 10 days of the ceremony. Michigan law also requires ministers to maintain a record of all marriages they solemnize.