Apply for a Marriage License in Ann Arbor
Ann Arbor residents apply for a marriage license through the Washtenaw County Clerk, not through the City of Ann Arbor. The city does not issue marriage licenses. The Washtenaw County Clerk's office is located in downtown Ann Arbor and handles all applications for Washtenaw County residents, including those living in Ann Arbor. The process is fairly quick once you have your documents together.
Ann Arbor Overview
Washtenaw County Clerk Office for Ann Arbor
The Washtenaw County Clerk is conveniently located in the heart of Ann Arbor. Ann Arbor is the county seat of Washtenaw County, so you do not need to drive to a separate town. The office is on the first floor of the county building at 200 N. Main Street. It is open Monday through Friday during regular business hours.
| Office | Washtenaw County Clerk |
|---|---|
| Address | 200 N. Main Street, Suite 100, Ann Arbor, MI 48104 (mailing: P.O. Box 8645, Ann Arbor, MI 48107-8645) |
| Phone | (734) 222-6730 |
| Hours | Monday-Friday, regular business hours |
| Website | washtenaw.org |
One important note for Ann Arbor couples: Washtenaw County does not require both parties to appear together. If one person has all the necessary documents for both applicants, they can apply alone. This can be convenient if one partner has a work conflict or lives out of state.
How to Apply for a Marriage License in Ann Arbor
Go to the Washtenaw County Clerk's office on N. Main Street in Ann Arbor with your documents. The clerk's staff will review your materials, enter the application, and collect the fee. After you apply, the three-day waiting period under MCL 551.103 begins. The license is not ready until after those three days. Once issued, the license is valid for 33 days.
Washtenaw County allows photocopies and cell phone photos of documents. That is helpful if you do not have the original on hand, though original or certified documents are always preferred when possible. Check with the clerk's office if you are unsure whether your specific document copies will be accepted.
The waiting period waiver in Washtenaw County is $50. This is notably higher than many other Michigan counties. If you need the license in less than three days, plan to pay this fee. It is not automatically granted; the clerk's office decides whether the waiver applies to your situation. Call (734) 222-6730 before applying if time is tight.
Required Documents for Ann Arbor Residents
Washtenaw County is clear about what to bring. Here is the list:
- Proof of address in Washtenaw County (driver's license, state ID, or county-issued ID)
- Government-issued birth certificate (official copies; hospital copies not accepted)
- Social Security numbers for both parties
- If previously married: certified copy of divorce decree or death certificate for each prior marriage
- Names and birth states of both parties' parents
Washtenaw County also accepts photocopies or photos of documents taken on a cell phone, which is unusual. Most counties require original or certified copies. Even so, bring the real documents if you have them. Photocopies may be accepted at the clerk's discretion.
Both parties must be at least 18 years old to apply on their own. A 16 or 17 year old needs written parental consent. No one under 16 may marry in Michigan. Make sure all prior marriages are documented before you apply, since any unresolved prior marriage can hold up the application.
Fees and Waiting Period
The marriage license fee in Washtenaw County is $20 for residents. Non-residents pay $30. The waiting period waiver is $50, which is the highest in the immediate area. Plan ahead if you want to avoid that extra cost.
Your license is valid for 33 days from the issue date. Do not apply too early. If your wedding is more than five weeks away, wait a bit longer before applying. An expired license means starting over and paying the fee again. The 33-day window is enough time for almost any ceremony timeline.
Washtenaw County does not list certified copy fees prominently online, so check when you pick up your license. State-level copies from MDHHS cost $34 for the first and $16 for each additional, with a $12 rush option. MDHHS is at 333 S. Grand Ave, Lansing, MI 48933. Phone: (517) 335-8666.
Courthouse Ceremony Options in Ann Arbor
The 15th District Court in Ann Arbor can perform marriage ceremonies through its magistrate. Contact the court at (734) 222-6720 to ask about current availability and scheduling. Ceremonies are not always available on demand, so call ahead. You must have a valid Washtenaw County marriage license before scheduling a courthouse ceremony.
Under MCL 551.7, people who can legally perform a wedding in Michigan include judges, magistrates, mayors, county clerks, and ordained ministers. Ann Arbor has a large and active community of independent officiants, religious leaders, and secular celebrants. There is no shortage of options for any style of ceremony.
If you want an outdoor ceremony in one of Ann Arbor's parks, contact Ann Arbor Parks and Recreation for permit information. Larger events may require a permit and liability coverage. The city's parks are popular ceremony venues, especially in warmer months.
Certified Copies and Marriage Records
After your ceremony, the officiant must return the signed license to the Washtenaw County Clerk within 10 days. MCL 551.104 requires this. Once filed, the marriage becomes part of the official county record. You can then order certified copies from the county clerk.
MDHHS in Lansing maintains state marriage records going back to 1867. Their office is at 333 S. Grand Ave, Lansing, MI 48933, and the phone is (517) 335-8666. State certified copies cost $34 for the first and $16 for each additional. Rush copies add $12. Order online through VitalChek or by mail using the forms at michigan.gov/mdhhs.
Older Michigan records are free to search on Michiganology.org. The site has digitized historical vital records from many Michigan counties, including Washtenaw. It is a good starting point for genealogy research or locating older marriage records.
Michigan Marriage Laws
Michigan marriage statutes are in MCL Chapter 551. MCL 551.101 requires couples to apply at the county clerk's office where one or both parties live. MCL 551.103 sets the three-day waiting period. MCL 551.104 requires the officiant to return the license within 10 days of the ceremony.
Under MCL 551.7, legal officiants in Michigan include judges, magistrates, mayors, county clerks, and ordained ministers. Two witnesses aged 18 or older must be present. The ceremony must take place in Michigan and within 33 days of the issue date.
Michigan requires that both parties be single at the time of application. If there is a prior marriage, the divorce or death must be legally finalized and documented. The Michigan Courts website has self-help resources. Legal aid is available for Ann Arbor residents who have low income and need help navigating complex marriage-related legal questions.
Name Change After Marriage in Ann Arbor
After your Ann Arbor wedding, start the name change process at the Social Security Administration. Bring your certified marriage certificate to an SSA office or mail in the form. This step is free. Get your new SSN card before you visit the Secretary of State.
With your updated SSN documentation in hand, go to a Michigan Secretary of State branch to update your driver's license or state ID. The Michigan SOS website shows office locations in Ann Arbor with wait time estimates. Bring your certified marriage certificate and your updated SSN documentation.
Once your IDs are in order, update your bank accounts, employer payroll records, insurance policies, and other accounts. Some institutions want a government-issued photo ID with the new name before they will make the change. Getting SSA and SOS done first keeps everything else moving smoothly.
Washtenaw County Marriage License
Ann Arbor is in Washtenaw County. All marriage license applications for Ann Arbor residents go through the Washtenaw County Clerk. Visit the county page for full details on fees, requirements, and records.