Marriage License in Dickinson County

Dickinson County marriage licenses are issued by the County Clerk in Iron Mountain, serving couples who live in the county or plan to marry here. The application is straightforward, and most couples finish the process in one visit.

Dickinson County Clerk's Office

The Dickinson County Clerk's office in Iron Mountain is where you go to apply for your marriage license. Both applicants must show up together. You cannot apply for someone else, and mail applications are not accepted.

Call ahead if you have questions about accepted forms of payment or want to confirm that your documents will be sufficient. Staff can also answer questions about the waiting period and license validity before your visit.

How to Apply

Both people getting married must go to the clerk's office at the same time. You complete the application together and hand over your documents for review. The clerk will check everything and collect the fee. If all documents are in order, you leave with a marriage license that day.

There is a 3-day waiting period after you apply. That count begins on the day you submit your application. So if you apply on a Wednesday, the first day you can legally marry is Saturday. The 3 days include weekends and holidays. Plan your ceremony date with that in mind, and give yourself a buffer if travel is involved.

The license stays valid for 33 days. Use it before it expires. If your ceremony doesn't happen within that window, the license is void and you have to start over, pay the fee again, and wait another 3 days. Note: A judge or magistrate can waive the waiting period for good cause, but that requires a separate request and fee.

Documents You Need

Both applicants must bring all of the following items. Missing even one document can delay your application.

• Government-issued photo ID that shows your current address
• Government-issued birth certificate (original or certified copy, not a hospital record)
• Social Security number (know it; bring your card if you have it)
• If previously married: a certified copy of each divorce decree or death certificate
• Parents' full legal names and the states where each parent was born
• If you are 16 or 17: a parent or legal guardian must come with you and consent in writing

If your photo ID does not list your current address, bring a recent utility bill or bank statement to confirm where you live. Non-residents of Michigan may apply here if the ceremony will take place in Dickinson County. The fee for non-residents is $30.

Fees and the Waiting Period

Michigan residents pay $20 for a marriage license in Dickinson County. Non-residents pay $30. Fees are set by state law under MCL 551.101. The fee is paid at the time of application and is not refunded for any reason, including if you change your plans.

The 3-day waiting period is a state requirement. Most counties in Michigan, including Dickinson, follow this rule without exception unless a judge grants a waiver. If you need to waive the wait, you must petition the local circuit court. There is a fee for that, and approval is not guaranteed. It is much simpler to account for the 3 days when you book your venue.

Getting Certified Copies

After your ceremony, the person who performs it must return the signed license to the Dickinson County Clerk within 10 days. This is required by MCL 551.104. The clerk records the marriage, and the record becomes part of the permanent county files as well as the state's vital records system.

To get a certified copy from the state, contact the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) at 333 S. Grand Ave, Lansing, MI 48933. Phone: (517) 335-8666. The first certified copy is $34. Extra copies ordered at the same time are $16 each. Rush service costs an extra $12 and takes 2 to 3 weeks. Standard processing takes 4 to 5 weeks. You can order through the MDHHS website via VitalChek, or visit in person by appointment on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 10:00 AM to 2:00 PM.

You can also request a copy directly from the Dickinson County Clerk. County copies can be faster and cheaper for local records. Call the office for current pricing and turnaround times.

Michigan Marriage Law Overview

All Michigan marriage licenses are governed by state statute. MCL 551.101 covers the application process and the 3-day waiting period. MCL 551.102 handles where you apply based on residency. Residents apply in their home county. Non-residents apply in the county where the ceremony will be held.

People who can legally perform marriages in Michigan include judges, magistrates, mayors, county clerks, and ordained ministers. Two witnesses aged 18 or older must be present at the ceremony. The officiant signs the license after the ceremony and must return it to the county clerk within 10 days per MCL 551.104.

The age of consent to marry is 18. Those ages 16 or 17 may marry with parental consent. No one under 16 may marry in Michigan under any circumstances.

Name Change After Your Ceremony

If you plan to change your name, your certified marriage license is the main proof you will need. Start with the Social Security Administration (no fee), then update your Michigan driver's license at a Secretary of State office. After that, notify your bank, employer, insurance providers, and any other accounts. Most places will want a certified copy of the marriage record.

State Records Resources

The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services Division for Vital Records maintains state marriage records since 1867 and processes certified copy requests.

Michiganology.org offers free online access to historical Michigan vital records, including marriage records, for genealogy and family history research.

Nearby Counties

Dickinson County sits in the central Upper Peninsula. These neighboring counties follow the same Michigan marriage license rules and process applications through their own county clerks.