What Are Michigan Marriage Records?

Michigan marriage records offer a detailed account of a couple's marital union. These records are maintained by various designated authorities. Two main types of documents comprise marriage records: marriage licenses and marriage certificates.

A marriage license is a legal document obtained before the marriage ceremony and grants the couple to marry as mandated by Michigan Compiled Laws (MCL) Section 551.101. A marriage certificate, on the other hand, is the legal record confirming the marriage has taken place.

Marriage records usually include the couple's full names, ages at marriage, birthdates, addresses, and the wedding date and location.

These records are essential for various reasons. Individuals can use them to verify marital status, facilitate legal name changes, and obtain spousal benefits like health insurance or Social Security. Government agencies rely on these records for demographic studies, statistical analysis, and legal proceedings, such as divorce cases or inheritance claims.

Are Marriage Certificates Public Records?

Marriage certificates in Michigan are considered public records, as stated by the Michigan Freedom of Information Act (FOIA). This act allows public access to vital records unless legal provisions or court orders restrict access.

Marriage records are considered public, but access to them is restricted to protect sensitive information. To maintain privacy and ensure the accuracy of the information, government agencies often issue marriage verification letters instead of original certificates.

These letters confirm the details of the marriage while safeguarding the personal data of the individuals involved.

How To Look Up Marriage Records in Michigan?

Marriage records in Michigan are maintained by both the state and the county where the license was issued. The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) Vital Records Office holds records from 1867 to the present. For records predating 1867, individuals should contact the county clerk's office in the county where the marriage occurred.

To obtain copies of marriage records, requestors must furnish specific details, including:

• Full names of both parties involved in the marriage (including middle names)
• Month, day, and year of marriage
• City or county where the marriage was recorded
• Number of copies needed
• Applicant's relationship to the persons named on the record
• Applicant's full name and address
• A valid government-issued photo ID (e.g., diverse license, passport) for verification purposes

The general process of searching for or obtaining copies of marriage records involves the following steps:

• Determine whether to contact the state Vital Records Office or a specific county clerk's office based on where the marriage occurred.
• Collect the required information mentioned above.
• Choose a search method. Marriage records can typically be searched online, by mail, or in person.
• Fill out the appropriate application form and submit it along with any required identification and payment of fees.
• Once the request is processed, a copy of the marriage record will be sent, or a notification will be sent if no record is found.

Fees for obtaining copies of marriage records vary depending on the agency and the method of request.

How To Search Marriage Certificates?

Michigan maintains two types of marriage records: certified copies and informational copies. A certified copy serves as an official document recognized for legal purposes such as name changes or benefit applications. Informational copies, while containing the same information, lack legal standing and are intended for personal or genealogical research.

To obtain a certified copy of a marriage certificate in Michigan, individuals can choose from the following methods:

Online

Marriage certificates can be requested online via the official third-party vendor, VitalChek. This service allows for secure online ordering using a major credit or debit card.

The process involves completing an online form, providing payment details, and selecting a delivery method. VitalChek charges a $14 processing fee in addition to the $34 base fee for the certificate.

In-Person

In-person requests require a valid government-issued photo ID and a scheduled visit to the MDHHS office located at 333 S. Grand Ave., Lansing, MI 48933. Appointments are available on Tuesdays and Thursdays between 10:00 am and 2:00 pm.

By Mail

Applicants can request a marriage certificate by mail using the U.S. Postal Service. The process requires a completed Marriage Certificate Application form, a photocopy of a valid ID, and payment sent to:

The fee must be paid via check or money order made payable to the "State of Michigan". If the exact year of marriage is unknown, an additional $12 is charged for each extra year searched.

By Phone

Call VitalChek at 866-443-9897 to order by phone. Prepare the necessary information and payment details.

Drop Box

A drop box is available in the main lobby of the address listed above for in-person requests. It is accessible Monday through Friday, from 7:00 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.

Applicants should place their completed application, along with the fee and any necessary documentation, in a sealed envelope before depositing it in the drop box.

Will Call

Will-call pick-up is available for orders placed through VitalChek. After ordering online, applicants can pick up their records within 2-5 business days. Will-call hours are limited to Tuesdays and Thursdays, from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.

The individual who placed the order must be the one to pick up the record with a valid ID and email confirmation upon arrival.

Marriage records before 1867 are kept by the county clerk's office in the county of issuance. The appropriate office can be contacted via phone or email to determine the methods available for certificate requests.

How To Search Marriage Licenses?

In Michigan, the county clerk's office manages and files marriage licenses within their respective counties. Some counties provide online search tools or services like the Wayne County Clerk's Office, while others may require requests to be made by mail or in person.

To facilitate the search, providing certain details is necessary, such as the full names of the couple, the approximate date of marriage, and the location of the marriage. A valid government-issued photo ID might be necessary, especially for in-person requests.

There is typically a fee associated with obtaining a copy of a marriage license. Individuals are advised to review the specific requirements of each county, as procedures and fees may differ among Michigan county clerks.

How To Search Marriage Records Online?

In addition to the MDHHS and county clerk's websites, individuals can utilize online resources like the Michigan State Archives to access historical marriage records. Though its online catalog may have a limited number of records, it offers finding aids and links to facilitate searches.

Third-party services such as RecordsFinder and Michigan Genealogical Council also offer resources and databases that include marriage records. They provide valuable information for individuals researching family history or seeking related data.

To conduct a search, details such as the parties' full names, the approximate marriage date, and the county where the marriage occurred are typically needed. Some platforms may require additional details and fees to access or obtain copies of records.

Note that copies of marriage records from other sources are considered unofficial and uncertified. Individuals requiring certified copies should contact the MDHHS Vital Records Office or the relevant county office.

When Can You Access Confidential Marriage Records?

Michigan law allows for a unique type of marriage known as a 'confidential marriage,' where the date and details of the marriage are kept secret under MCL Sec. 551.201.

The probate judge also holds the authority to issue an order nunc pro tunc, which retroactively establishes the date to appear on the marriage license. This further protects the actual date of the marriage from becoming public knowledge.

Couples opt for this type of marriage for varied reasons. Some seek to avoid public scrutiny or potential legal complications, particularly when an individual is under 18. Others choose it to protect their privacy due to sensitive circumstances like domestic violence or high-profile careers.

Access to confidential marriage records in Michigan is strictly limited. Only the two individuals involved in the marriage can obtain copies of the record, and no one else can access these records without a court order. This strict confidentiality protects the privacy of couples who choose this option.

How Do You Apply for a Marriage License?

In Michigan, the county clerk's office is responsible for issuing marriage licenses. Applicants can apply in the county where either party lives. The license is valid for 33 days from the application date and is applicable throughout the state.

The marriage license application process requires a completed application form and the applicable fee. Applicants should note the following:

• Age Requirements: Individuals who are 16 or 17 years old may marry with the consent of a parent or legal guardian. Otherwise, both parties must be 18 years of age or older to marry.
• Residency: At least one must be a Michigan resident. If both are residents, they can apply in either county of residence. Out-of-state residents must apply in the county where the ceremony will occur.
• Identification Required: Both applicants must present valid photo identification, such as a driver's license, state-issued ID card, or passport.
• Social Security Number: Both applicants must provide their Social Security numbers.
• Waiting Period: There is a mandatory three-day waiting period after the application date before the license can be issued.

Michigan does not require a blood test for marriage licenses, and proxy marriages are not permitted. For further information, couples can contact their local county clerk's office.

How Do I Correct a Mistake on My Marriage Certificate?

In Michigan, individuals can correct errors on a marriage certificate according to MCL Sec. 551.111. These errors may include:

• Incorrect or misspelled names
• Incorrect dates of birth
• Mistakes in the marriage location
• Mistakes in the officiant's details

To correct a marriage certificate error, individuals should contact their county clerk's office. The office will provide the specific procedures and required documentation, which generally involves several steps.

First, individuals must present evidence to establish the need for the amendment. This evidence may include the original marriage certificate, an affidavit, and other supporting documents with the correct information.

The evidence must then be approved by a circuit court's ex-parte order. Once the court order is obtained, the local registrar will amend the marriage record and forward a copy of the corrected record to the Michigan Vital Records Office.

Finally, the state office will issue replacement copies of the corrected marriage certificate to the individual.

Are Marriage Records Under the Michigan Address Confidentiality Program (ACP) Accessible?

The Michigan Address Confidentiality Program (ACP) offers a vital service to individuals facing threats due to domestic violence, sexual assault, stalking, human trafficking, or those who fear harm if their physical address were public. It provides a substitute address and mail forwarding service to help keep participants' locations confidential.

Michigan marriage records are public information and not protected by the ACP. Individuals enrolled in the ACP who are concerned about the accessibility of their marriage records should seek legal advice to explore options such as requesting a court order to seal the records.

Michigan Marriage Statistics and Trends

U.S. marriage rates have declined, with 53% of adults currently married compared to 58% in 1995. These rates vary by race and education, with Asian (63%) and white adults (57%) having the highest rates. Those with a bachelor's degree or higher are also more likely to be married (66%).

In Michigan, marriage statistics and trends, as shown below, differ from these national patterns.

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