Michigan Marriage Records

The formal and systematic keeping of marriage records at the state level began in 1867 in Michigan. Before this, each county maintained records of marriages within its jurisdiction. Marriage rates in Michigan are lower than the national average per recent data from the National Center for Health Statistics. Per the report, the state has a marriage record rate of 5.0 per 1,000 residents, 19% lower than the national average of 6.2 marriages per 1,000 people.

Marriage records serve as the official documentation of legal unions that have occurred within the state. Michigan marriage records include information that can be useful in verifying identities, tracking family lineage, and establishing marital status for legal purposes. Marriage records in the state comprise marriage licenses and marriage certificates, which serve distinct purposes in the marriage process.

• Marriage Licenses: A marriage license is a document issued by a county clerk that authorizes a couple to get married. Marriage licenses obtained before the wedding signify a couple's legal eligibility to get married. Marriage licenses typically contain the full names of both applicants, dates of birth and ages, place of birth, residency information, officiant information, the issuance and expiration date, and the county where the license was issued.
• Marriage Certificates: A marriage certificate is an official document issued after the marriage has been solemnized, signed by the officiant, and recorded by the county clerk. It serves as legal proof that the marriage took place. Marriage certificates contain information on the full names of the spouses, marriage date, place of marriage, officiant's name, witness names, registration number, date and county the marriage was officially recorded, and the official seal of the issuing authority.

How To Look Up Marriage Records in Michigan?

You can look up marriage records in Michigan through:

• The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) keeps a centralized database of vital records, including marriage records from 1867 to the present.
• The County Clerk's Offices keep marriage licenses and certificates of unions recorded within their respective jurisdictions.

You can order marriage certificates from the MDHHS by mail or in person. In-person orders are typically available through appointment only. Walk-in requesters may schedule an appointment for Tuesdays to Thursdays from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. To order the record in person or by mail, complete the Application for a Certified Copy-Michigan Marriage Record form. Mail the request at:

Alternatively, visit the specific County Clerk's Office or website to order a certified copy of Michigan marriage records. Fill out the relevant application form available on the county's website or at the county clerk's office. Most counties require an appointment for an in-person request of marriage records.

All marriage record requests may include the relevant information to locate the record and supporting documents, including:

• The full names of both parties at the time of marriage
• Date of marriage
• The county or city where the marriage occurred
• Government-issued photo identification card

Are Marriage Records Public in Michigan?

Generally, most marriage records are public records in Michigan, and anyone can request copies of the record from the County Clerk's Office or the MDHHS. However, some marriage records are restricted from the public. Michigan treats most marriage records as public as soon as they are officially recorded, unlike some states where marriage records become public after a certain number of years.

Despite the state's position on marriage records as open records, some marriage records are unavailable to the public. Likewise, sensitive information on marriage records may be redacted to protect privacy.

How Much Do Michigan Marriage Records Cost?

Certified copies of marriage records ordered at the MDHHS cost $34 if the exact marriage year is known and an additional $12 if the marriage year is unknown. There is a $16 fee for additional copies of the records and a $12 fee for expedited "Rush" processing. Marriage records cost differ by county. Generally, expect to pay between $15 to $25 for the first copy and between $3-10 for additional copies.

The standard processing time for marriage records processed at the MDHHS is approximately 4 to 6 weeks. If you need the record faster, you can opt for expedited processing, which typically takes between 2 to 3 weeks. Most counties offer expedited services for in-person requests of marriage records, where you might be able to pick up the document the same day. Some counties offer overnight delivery if you want the document delivered quickly.

Is It Possible to Make Your Marriage Records Confidential in Michigan?

Yes. Michigan law provides an option for couples who wish to keep their wedding details private. The law permits individuals to apply for a marriage license without public disclosure of some details, such as the marriage date.

The process of making your marriage record confidential involves submitting a formal application under oath for a "private" marriage license with a fee. The marriage is conducted by authorized individuals, and all documents are kept in a private file at the Probate Court and the state MDHHS office. Per state law, only the couple and persons with a court order may order or view confidential marriage records.

How Do I Verify the Authenticity of Michigan Marriage Records?

Verifying the authenticity of a marriage record is essential for many reasons. Whether you are traveling internationally, applying for immigration benefits, researching your family tree, claiming tax or insurance benefits, establishing inheritance rights, changing your name, handling divorce proceedings, or updating your social security records, you need a reliable certified document that proves your marriage.

You may verify the authenticity of Michigan marriage records at the County Clerk's Office, where the marriage license was issued. You may also obtain certified copies of marriage records at the MDHHS. A certified marriage record in Michigan has distinguishing features, including detailed information about the record holder, an embossed seal, and official signatures that attest to its authenticity. Similarly, certified copies of marriage records are printed on special security paper designed to prevent tampering or unauthorized reproduction.

Can I Find Michigan Marriage Records Online for Free?

Official, certified copies of marriage records usually come with a fee when ordered from state or county agencies in Michigan. However, there are non-governmental resources that let you search for marriage records for free.

• FamilySearch.org: FamilySearch.org is a free genealogical website that offers digitized records, including marriage records from Michigan. The platform provides free access to marriage indexes and digitized documents dating back many decades and offers a search tool to filter records by name, county, and year.
• Michigan State Archives: The Michigan State Archives provides free online access to historical records, including marriage indexes and older marriage records. The records on this platform date back to the 19th century and provide a searchable online database that can be accessed without a fee.
• Third-Party Platforms: Third-party websites, such as PublicRecords.us, aggregate public records, including marriage records. The platform provides access to searchable databases across multiple states, including Michigan. While many search features are free, some detailed information on marriage records might require a subscription and a small fee.

What Is Required to Get a Michigan Marriage License?

Applicants must meet specific requirements to obtain marriage licenses in Michigan:

• Both applicants must be at least 18 years old.
• Michigan residents may apply in the county where at least one applicant resides. The license is valid statewide.
• Out-of-state residents must apply in the county where the marriage ceremony will take place. The license is valid only in that county.
• A valid government-issued ID card showing your current address.
• Copies of previous marriage certificate or death certificate if either parties were previously married.
• The marriage license fees of $20 for residents and $30 for non-residents.

There is a mandatory 3-day waiting period after the license can be issued. Applicants may request a waiver for the 3-day waiting period for a $35 fee. The marriage license is valid for 33 days from the date of application, including the 3-day waiting period.

Can You Amend Marriage Records in Michigan?

Yes. You may amend errors on your marriage records in Michigan. However, the process and the type of corrections allowed depend on whether the record is a marriage license or a marriage certificate.

You may correct clerical errors, such as misspelled names, incorrect birth dates, or wrong location, on marriage licenses. You may also correct inaccuracies in information, like home addresses provided at the time of application. Similarly, you may amend your marriage certificate. The state permits the correction of clerical or typographical mistakes such as misspellings, incorrect dates, or locations on marriage certificates. Also, incorrect or incomplete information, such as recorded names not matching the supporting documents.

Amending Michigan Marriage License

Since marriage licenses are issued at the county level, the first step in amending the record begins by contacting the County Clerk's office where the license was obtained. Usually, each county has its procedure for amending marriage licenses. Some counties require you to submit a records correction form available on their website to their office. You will typically need to provide a state-issued ID and supporting documents to correct the error.

Amending Michigan Marriage Certificate

Correcting an error in your Michigan marriage certificate typically requires obtaining a court order. To amend the certificate, reach out to the County Clerk's office where the marriage certificate was issued. Fill out an affidavit or motion to correct the marriage record. Prepare certified documents substantiating the correct information, including the court order or birth certificate. Mail the application to the appropriate court and pay the fees. Marriage certificate corrections cost up to $50.