Michigan Marriage License
You apply for your marriage license at the Clerk’s Office in the county where one of the applicants resides. The license can then be used anywhere in the State of Michigan. Out-of-state applicants must apply in the county where the marriage ceremony will take place. There is a required 3-day waiting period after submitting an application and before the license can be picked up. The license expires 33 days from the application date. After the wedding ceremony, the original copy of the marriage license must be returned to the County Clerk's office for recording. Pursuant to MCL 551.104, the marriage license must be returned within 10 days of the ceremony. The couple will keep the Unofficial duplicate copy of the marriage license as a souvenir copy, but it is not valid for legal purposes. Certified copies can be purchased and used for legal purposes. Most couples purchase two certified copies.