Macomb Township Michigan Marriage License

Macomb Township does not issue marriage licenses. To get a marriage license as a Macomb Township resident, you apply at the Macomb County Clerk's office in Mount Clemens. The county clerk is the issuing authority for all marriage licenses in Macomb County, including residents of Macomb Township. Both applicants must go together in person, bring the required documents, and wait out a three-day period before the license becomes valid. The process is the same for all Macomb County residents.

Macomb County Clerk Office for Macomb Township Residents

The Macomb County Clerk handles all marriage license applications for Macomb Township residents. The main office is in Mount Clemens, the county seat, roughly 20 miles southwest of central Macomb Township.

The extended Wednesday hours are a real help for couples who work standard weekday schedules. If you can't get there by 4:15 PM on most days, Wednesday gives you until 6:45 PM. Call ahead to confirm hours haven't changed before making the trip.

Both applicants must appear at the same time. You cannot split up the visit, send someone else, or apply by mail for a new license. This is a state requirement under Michigan law, not just a county policy.

Note: Apply in the county where at least one of you lives. If your partner lives in another county, you can still apply in Macomb County as a resident, but your partner may pay a higher non-resident fee.

How to Apply for a Marriage License in Macomb Township

The steps are simple. Both of you go to the Macomb County Clerk, complete the application, present your documents, and pay. After that, you wait. Michigan law under MCL 551.101 sets a three-day waiting period before the license becomes valid. So you apply, wait three days, and then you can hold your ceremony.

The license is valid for 33 days. If your ceremony falls outside that window, the license is no good and you'd need to reapply. Most couples apply about a week before their ceremony to give themselves flexibility without risking expiration.

After the ceremony, the officiant must return the completed and signed license to the Macomb County Clerk within 10 days. That's the law under MCL 551.104. Two witnesses at least 18 years old must also sign at the time of the ceremony. Make sure your officiant knows these rules before you finalize your plans.

Required Documents

Both applicants must bring the complete set of documents. Missing anything means a second trip to Mount Clemens.

• Valid government-issued photo ID with your current Macomb Township address (Michigan driver's license or state ID)
• Certified birth certificate from a government vital records office (not a hospital-issued birth record)
• Social Security number for each applicant
• If previously married: certified divorce decree or certified death certificate for the former spouse
• Full names and birth states of both of your parents

A lot of people run into trouble with the birth certificate. The hospital copy many parents keep doesn't count. You need the certified copy issued by the vital records office of the state where you were born. This applies to both applicants. Michigan-born residents can request one from the Michigan MDHHS. Everyone else needs to contact the relevant state's vital records office.

Don't wait until the last minute to order your birth certificate. Some states take a month or longer to process requests. If you were born in Michigan and need a replacement, you can order through the MDHHS online portal or by phone at (517) 335-8666.

If you were previously married, bring a certified copy of your divorce judgment or your ex-spouse's death certificate. Regular photocopies are often not acceptable. Check with the Macomb County Clerk at (586) 469-5205 to confirm what format they require.

Note: Applicants between 16 and 17 need parental consent in writing. Everyone applying must be at least 16; Michigan law does not allow licenses for anyone younger.

Fees and Waiting Period

Macomb County charges $20 for residents. To qualify as a resident, at least one applicant must live in Macomb County. Macomb Township residents qualify for this rate. If your partner lives outside Macomb County, they will pay $30 as a non-resident.

Payment is typically made at the counter when you apply. Call the clerk at (586) 469-5205 to confirm accepted payment methods, since not all county offices accept credit cards.

The three-day waiting period counts from the application date. If you file on Monday, Thursday is the first day you can legally hold your ceremony. Count carefully if your venue date is already set. Missing by even one day means the license isn't yet valid.

If your timeline is urgent, you can petition a judge to waive the waiting period. In Macomb County, the waiver fee is $10. A judge must agree to grant it, so approval isn't guaranteed. Your total cost with a waiver would be $30 for a resident couple ($20 license + $10 waiver).

Certified copies of the marriage record cost $15 for the first copy and $5 for each additional copy from the Macomb County Clerk. Order extras when you first apply since you'll likely need several.

Courthouse Ceremony Options in Macomb Township

Macomb Township residents who want a civil ceremony have a few options close to home.

The 41A District Court - Shelby Township Division at 52420 Van Dyke, Shelby Township, MI 48316, phone (586) 739-7500, is the nearest district court to Macomb Township. Contact the court directly to ask about civil ceremony availability, scheduling, and any associated fees. Availability varies, so call well ahead of your planned date.

The Macomb Township Supervisor is also authorized to perform civil marriages. As a charter township, Macomb Township's supervisor has this authority under Michigan law. The Township offices are at 54125 Broughton Road, Macomb, MI 48042, phone (586) 992-0710. Call the supervisor's office to ask about scheduling.

Michigan law under MCL 551.7 allows judges, magistrates, mayors, county clerks, charter township supervisors, and ordained ministers to perform ceremonies. Confirm your officiant qualifies before you make final plans.

Note: Civil ceremony spots are limited. Do not wait until the last minute to schedule, especially if your wedding date falls on a popular weekend.

Getting Certified Copies of Your Marriage Record

You'll need certified copies for name changes and other legal tasks after the ceremony. There are two main sources.

From the Macomb County Clerk, certified copies cost $15 for the first and $5 for each additional copy. You can request them in person at 120 N. Main Street, Mount Clemens, or by phone at (586) 469-5205. The county record is usually available within a few days of the officiant filing the license.

Michigan MDHHS handles certified marriage record requests for Macomb Township and Macomb County residents, with state records dating back to 1867. The MDHHS is at 333 S. Grand Ave, Lansing, MI 48933, phone (517) 335-8666. State certified copies cost $34 for the first and $16 for each additional. Rush orders add $12. Order through VitalChek online or go in person by appointment on Tuesdays and Thursdays.

See the MDHHS vital records page for current information and ordering options.

Michigan Marriage Laws

Michigan marriage licenses fall under Chapter 551 of the Michigan Compiled Laws. MCL 551.101 is the main statute and covers the license requirement, the waiting period, and who can apply. It requires both parties to appear at the county clerk and sets 16 as the minimum age (with parental consent).

Michiganology.org provides free access to historical Michigan vital records, useful for researching marriage records from Macomb Township and Macomb County.

Name changes after marriage follow a set order. Start with the Social Security Administration (free). Then go to the Michigan Secretary of State for your driver's license. After that, update your bank accounts, insurance, and employer records.

Nearby Cities

Other Michigan cities near Macomb Township where residents can find marriage license information:

• Warren (Macomb County)
• Sterling Heights (Macomb County)
• Clinton Township (Macomb County)

Macomb County Marriage License

Macomb Township is in Macomb County. All marriage license applications for Macomb Township residents go through the Macomb County Clerk. Visit the county page for full fees, requirements, and how to get certified copies of marriage records.

View Macomb County Marriage License