Sterling Heights Michigan Marriage License
A marriage license in Sterling Heights is issued by the Macomb County Clerk, not the City of Sterling Heights itself. The city does not handle marriage license applications. Couples living in Sterling Heights must visit the Macomb County Clerk's office in Mount Clemens to apply, pick up their license, and request certified copies of their marriage record after the ceremony.
Sterling Heights Overview
Macomb County Clerk Office for Sterling Heights
Sterling Heights residents apply for marriage licenses at the Macomb County Clerk's office in Mount Clemens, the county seat. There is no branch office in Sterling Heights. The drive from Sterling Heights to Mount Clemens is about 15 miles. Wednesday evening hours help working couples who cannot get away during the regular workday.
| Office | Macomb County Clerk |
|---|---|
| Address | 120 N. Main Street, Mount Clemens, MI 48043 |
| Phone | (586) 469-5205 |
| Hours | Monday-Friday 8:00 AM - 4:15 PM; Wednesday until 6:45 PM |
| Website | macombgov.org |
You can also start your application online through the Macomb County Clerk's website before your in-person visit. Pre-filling the form saves time at the counter. You still need to appear in person to finish the process and pay the fee.
How to Apply for a Marriage License in Sterling Heights
The first step is to gather your documents and head to the Macomb County Clerk's office in Mount Clemens. One applicant can go alone if they bring all required documents for both parties. Both can go together if that is easier. The clerk's staff will review your paperwork, enter the information, and collect the fee.
After you apply, the three-day waiting period begins. This is a state requirement under MCL 551.103. The license is not issued until after those three days. Once issued, the license is valid for 33 days. If you need the license sooner, ask about a waiting period waiver.
Macomb County charges $10 for a waiver of the waiting period. That is among the lower waiver fees in Michigan. Waivers are processed at the time of application. Call (586) 469-5205 ahead of time if you have questions about whether a waiver applies to your situation. Plan your ceremony date so it falls within the 33-day validity window after the license is issued.
Required Documents for Sterling Heights Residents
Bring these items to the Macomb County Clerk's office when you apply:
- Valid photo ID with a Macomb County address (driver's license or state ID)
- Social Security numbers for both parties
- Government-issued birth certificate (helpful, not strictly required)
- If previously married: certified copy of each divorce decree or death certificate
- Names and birth states of both parties' parents
Your ID must show your current Macomb County address. If your license lists a different address, bring a piece of mail or utility bill that shows your Sterling Heights address. This helps confirm that you qualify for the resident fee of $20 rather than the $30 non-resident fee.
Both parties must be at least 18 to apply without parental consent. If one applicant is 16 or 17, a parent or guardian must consent. No one under 16 may get a marriage license in Michigan. Make sure all prior marriages are documented before you go, since undocumented prior marriages can delay the application.
Fees and Waiting Period
Macomb County charges $20 for a resident marriage license. Non-residents pay $30. At least one applicant must live in Macomb County to qualify as a resident. The $10 waiting period waiver is separate and optional.
Certified copies of the marriage record cost $15 for the first and $5 for each additional copy ordered at the same time. Order at least two when you pick up after the ceremony. You will likely need one for the Social Security Administration and one to keep on file.
State-level copies from MDHHS cost $34 for the first and $16 for each additional, with a $12 rush fee. The county copies are usually faster and cheaper. Go to the county first for copies you need right away.
Courthouse Ceremony Options in Sterling Heights
Sterling Heights has a district court available for civil marriage ceremonies. The 41A District Court has a Sterling Heights division at 40111 Dodge Park Road, Sterling Heights, MI 48313. Contact the court directly for ceremony availability, scheduling, and fees.
The Sterling Heights Mayor is also authorized to perform wedding ceremonies in Macomb County under MCL 551.7. If you want a civil ceremony with a local official, the Mayor's office may be able to accommodate you. Contact City Hall to ask about availability and scheduling.
Under MCL 551.7, anyone who can legally perform a marriage in Michigan includes judges, magistrates, mayors, county clerks, and ordained ministers. You are not limited to a courthouse. Many independent officiants serve the Sterling Heights area, and local religious congregations of all denominations are common throughout Macomb County.
Certified Copies and Marriage Records
After your ceremony, the officiant must return the signed marriage license to the Macomb County Clerk within 10 days. MCL 551.104 sets this deadline. Once the county files the license, the marriage is an official public record. You can then request certified copies.
Macomb County certified copies cost $15 for the first and $5 for each additional. MDHHS in Lansing also holds state records going back to 1867. The MDHHS address is 333 S. Grand Ave, Lansing, MI 48933. Phone: (517) 335-8666. State copies cost $34 and $16 each additional, with a $12 rush option.
You can order state records online through VitalChek. Detailed instructions are at michigan.gov/mdhhs. For historical searches, Michiganology.org has free digitized records from Michigan counties including Macomb.
Michigan Marriage Laws
The laws that govern marriage in Michigan are in MCL Chapter 551. MCL 551.101 says that county clerks issue marriage licenses. MCL 551.103 sets the three-day waiting period. MCL 551.104 gives the officiant 10 days to return the signed license after the ceremony.
MCL 551.7 lists who can perform a legal ceremony: judges, magistrates, mayors, county clerks, and ordained ministers. Two witnesses aged 18 or older must be at the ceremony. The ceremony must take place within Michigan and within 33 days of the license issue date.
Michigan has no residency requirement to get a license, but you must apply in the county where at least one party lives. The state does not recognize common law marriage formed in Michigan after 1957. The Michigan Courts website has self-help tools if you have legal questions.
Name Change After Marriage in Sterling Heights
A name change after your Sterling Heights wedding starts with the Social Security Administration. This step is free. Bring your certified marriage certificate to your local SSA office or mail in the form. The SSA typically updates your record within a few days.
After SSA, visit a Michigan Secretary of State branch. The Michigan SOS website shows branch locations in Sterling Heights and nearby cities. Bring your updated SSN documentation and your certified marriage certificate. The SOS will update your driver's license or state ID.
After your IDs are updated, work through your bank accounts, insurance, employer records, and any other accounts that use your legal name. There is no legal deadline for these, but the sooner you do them, the less chance of name mismatches causing delays on tax forms or other official documents.
Nearby Cities
Other qualifying cities in Macomb County where residents also use the Macomb County Clerk:
- Warren - Macomb County
Macomb County Marriage License
Sterling Heights is in Macomb County. All marriage license applications for Sterling Heights residents go through the Macomb County Clerk. Visit the county page for full details on fees, requirements, and records.