Marriage Licenses

Michigan
Jason VanderStelt
County Clerk
  • 1087 Newell St, PO Box 885
    White Cloud, MI 49349
    M-F 8am-5pm
  • (231) 689-7235
    (231) 689-7241

Marriage license applications can only be processed until 4:15 P.M. Monday – Friday

Requirements to obtain a marriage license

Men and women 18 years of age and older may contract marriage in Michigan without parental consent.

Persons 16 and 17 years of age may contract marriage in Michigan with written consent of one parent or legal guardian who must appear at the time of application. If parents are divorced, the parent must prove custodianship.

If one or both persons is a Michigan resident – apply in the county where either applicant lives. The license is valid throughout the state.

If both persons are out-of-state residents – must apply in the county where the marriage will be performed. The license is valid in that county only.

The following is required of BOTH PERSONS at the time of application:

· Valid Driver’s license/state-issued ID

· Birth Certificate (officially translated if issued outside the U.S.)

· Social Security Number

Also required is a true copy of the divorce judgment for any person who has been divorced within the last year. The fee per couple is $20.00 for Newaygo County residents and $30.00 for out-of-state residents. At least one of the applicants must appear to apply for the marriage license. If only one applicant is present, he/she must have documentation (a copy of the front & back of the driver’s license and the birth certificate), and must be able to supply the social security number for the other person.

See instructions for completing the Newaygo County Marriage License under Page Resources below.

Important Information

There is a 3-day waiting period before the license can be released. Pursuant to MCL 551.103a, the county clerk, for good and sufficient cause shown, MAY waive the 3-day waiting period. The established fee for the 3-day waiver is $30.00.

· The marriage must be solemnized within 33 days of application and the license is valid for 30 days. Pursuant to MCL 551.7(4), if the County Clerk solemnizes a marriage, the established fee is $20.00.

· The issued license may be picked up at the County Clerk’s office. It may be mailed upon request if more than 1 week is allowed for mail service.

Pursuant to PA 578 of 2006, the witnesses to the marriage must be 18 years of age or older.