Marriage License Fees

Michigan · 2026

Michigan Marriage License: Cost and Requirements

A marriage license in Michigan costs $20–$30, depending on the county, and you wait 72 hours before the ceremony. The license is good for 33 days.

Michigan marriage license fees by county

Fees for the 9 counties we have verified, largest first. Each row links to a county page with where to apply and the official clerk link.

CountyLicenseCertified copyCourthouse ceremonyWait
Wayne County$30$24$15072 hours (3 days)
Oakland County$20$15$1072 hours (3 days)
Macomb County$20$15$1072 hours (3 days)
Kent County$20$10$1072 hours (3 days)
Genesee County$20——72 hours (3 days)
Ottawa County$20——72 hours (3 days)
Ingham County$20$30$5072 hours (3 days)
Kalamazoo County$20$20—72 hours (3 days)
Livingston County$20——72 hours (3 days)

— means the figure is not in our data. Check the county's official page.

Michigan marriage license rules

License fee

$20–$30 (MCL 551.103(2))

State law sets a $20 fee and lets certain charter counties add more. Ingham County charges $20; Wayne County charges $30, or $40 when both partners live out of state.

Source: legislature.mi.gov

Premarital course discount

No discount

The statute sets the fee with no premarital-course discount; a probate court can waive the fee only for undue hardship.

Source: legislature.mi.gov

Waiting period

72 hours (3 days)

The license can't be handed over until 3 days after application, counting the application day. The county clerk can release it sooner for good cause.

Source: legislature.mi.gov

How long the license is valid

33 days

The wedding must take place within 33 days after the application.

Source: legislature.mi.gov

Minimum age and parental consent

18

Since 2023, only people 18 or older may marry in Michigan.

Source: legislature.mi.gov

What to bring

Wayne County asks for a driver's license or state ID plus a certified birth certificate; Social Security numbers go on the application.

Source: waynecountymi.gov

Do both of you have to appear?

No

In Wayne County one partner can apply alone with both partners' birth certificates or passports.

Source: waynecountymi.gov

Applying online

Varies by county

Some counties, such as Ingham, take applications online; you still pick up the license in person after the 3-day wait.

Official online application

Source: clerk.ingham.org

Who can officiate

Judges, district court magistrates, certain mayors and county clerks, and ministers or religious leaders may perform weddings.

Source: legislature.mi.gov

Witnesses

2 required

At least 2 witnesses besides the officiant must be at the ceremony.

Source: legislature.mi.gov

Proxy marriage

Not allowed

Both partners must make their declaration in front of the officiant and witnesses.

Source: legislature.mi.gov

Out-of-state couples

Out-of-state couples apply in the county where the wedding will happen; the license is good only in Michigan.

Source: waynecountymi.gov

Who issues the license

County clerk

Apply to the clerk of the county where you live; if both partners live outside Michigan, apply in the county where the wedding will be.

Source: clerk.ingham.org

Not in our data yet: blood test. Ask your county office.

Frequently asked questions

How much is a marriage license in Michigan?

$20–$30, depending on the county. State law sets a $20 fee and lets certain charter counties add more. Ingham County charges $20; Wayne County charges $30, or $40 when both partners live out of state.

Is there a waiting period in Michigan?

Yes, 72 hours (3 days). The license can't be handed over until 3 days after application, counting the application day. The county clerk can release it sooner for good cause.

How long is a Michigan marriage license valid?

33 days. The wedding must take place within 33 days after the application.

How old do you have to be to get married in Michigan?

Since 2023, only people 18 or older may marry in Michigan.

Do you need witnesses to get married in Michigan?

At least 2 witnesses besides the officiant must be at the ceremony.

Sources

Last verified . Fees and rules change; confirm with your county before you go. Spot an error? Report it.

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