Before tying the knot, know which marriage license suits you.
Standard license for couples meeting age and eligibility requirements. Valid for 33 days after issuance. There is a mandatory three-day waiting period, though some counties allow a waiver for an additional fee. Both parties must apply in person at the county clerk's office.
Head to your county’s official website to fill out the marriage license application or apply at the county clerk’s office in person.
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Head to your county’s official website to fill out the marriage license application or apply at the county clerk’s office in person.
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Head to your county’s official website to fill out the marriage license application or apply at the county clerk’s office in person.
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Head to your county’s official website to fill out the marriage license application or apply at the county clerk’s office in person.
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Michigan residents must apply for a marriage license in the county where either applicant resides. The license is valid throughout the state.
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Non-residents must apply for a marriage license in the county where the marriage ceremony will take place. The license is valid only in that county.
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Both applicants must appear in person at a Michigan county clerk’s office to apply for the marriage license; remote applications are not permitted.
No matter where you’re located, Courtly simplifies the process, helping you secure your online marriage license easily and legally.
Marriage licenses in most states expire within 30–90 days. Make sure to check your state’s rules to avoid last-minute stress.
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Processing times can vary. Applying early helps you avoid delays, especially if your wedding is on a weekend or during peak season.
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Some states allow same-day issuance, while others require a waiting period. Plan ahead to meet your wedding timeline.
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Most offices issue licenses immediately, though some may take a few days. Confirm whether you’ll need to pick it up or if a digital copy is available.
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If your license expires before your wedding, you’ll need to reapply—and repay the fees again. Stay on top of the deadline to avoid extra hassle.
Both applicants must provide valid government-issued photo identification, such as a driver’s license, state ID, or passport, to verify identity and age.
Applicants are required to provide their Social Security numbers on the application. If an applicant does not have a Social Security number, they must inform the county clerk’s office when applying.
Michigan residents must apply in the county where they reside. If both parties are Michigan residents but live in different counties, they may apply in either county. The license is valid throughout the state. Out-of-state applicants must apply in the county where the marriage ceremony will take place.
If either applicant has been previously married, they may need to provide the date of divorce or death of the former spouse. Specific documentation requirements can vary by county, so it’s advisable to check with the local county clerk’s office.
While not universally required, some counties may request birth certificates to verify certain information during the application process. It’s recommended to check with the specific county clerk’s office for their requirements.
Both applicants must complete and sign the marriage license application form. This form is typically available at the county clerk’s office or may be available online for pre-filling.
The marriage license fee is $20 for Michigan residents and $30 for out-of-state applicants. Payment methods vary by county, so it’s best to check with your specific county clerk’s office for accepted payment methods.
There is a mandatory three-day waiting period after submitting the application before the license can be picked up. This waiting period can be waived for an additional fee in some counties.
The marriage license is valid for 33 days from the date of application. It’s important to note that specific requirements may vary by county, so it’s advisable to contact the county clerk’s office where you plan to apply for the most accurate and up-to-date information.
Certain cases need more paperwork
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Make sure your IDs, forms, and application details are accurate to avoid delays.
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Some states offer fee reductions for completing a course—check if it applies to you.
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Avoid last-minute stress by applying in advance and consulting a specialist if needed.
Detailed step by step application process
Or, skip the courthouse entirely!
Apply for a U.S. marriage license entirely online and have your ceremony officiated by
a licensed professional—all from the comfort of your home.
