Access Hillsdale County Marriage Records

Hillsdale County marriage licenses are issued by the County Clerk in the city of Hillsdale, serving residents of the county and couples who plan to marry here. Both applicants must appear in person under Michigan law.

Hillsdale County Clerk's Office

All marriage license applications for Hillsdale County go through the County Clerk's office in the city of Hillsdale. Both applicants must show up at the same time. The clerk does not accept mail-in applications or allow one person to apply for both.

Hillsdale County is in southern Michigan near the Indiana and Ohio borders. Non-residents planning to hold their ceremony in the county may apply here. Call the clerk's office before your visit to confirm current hours and payment options.

How to Get Your Marriage License

Both applicants go to the clerk together, fill out the application, and present all required documents. You pay the fee at the same time. The clerk reviews everything and, if it all checks out, issues the license on the spot. Plan for a 20 to 30-minute visit.

Michigan law mandates a 3-day waiting period starting the day you apply. For example, apply on a Monday and the earliest you can marry is Thursday. Weekends and state holidays count toward those 3 days. Build this into your planning when you pick a wedding date.

Your license is valid for 33 days. Don't let it expire. If you do, you must apply again from scratch and pay the fee a second time. Note: A judge can waive the 3-day wait in rare circumstances, but it requires a petition to the Hillsdale County Circuit Court and a court fee.

Required Documents

Each applicant needs to bring the following. This is per person, not per couple. Both people must bring their own documents.

• Government-issued photo ID with your current address (driver's license or state ID)
• Government-issued birth certificate (certified copy, not a hospital record)
• Social Security number (bring the card if you have it)
• Certified divorce decree or death certificate for any previous marriage
• Both parents' full legal names and the state each parent was born in
• If 16 or 17 years old: a parent or legal guardian must appear in person and give written consent

If your ID does not show your current address, bring a utility bill or lease as proof. Non-residents pay $30; Michigan residents pay $20. The clerk may require certain forms of payment, so call ahead if you're unsure.

Fees and the Waiting Period

The fee for a Hillsdale County marriage license is $20 for residents and $30 for non-residents. This is based on MCL 551.101. The fee is paid when you apply and is not refundable if your plans change.

The 3-day waiting period is a state law requirement. You cannot skip it by simply paying more to the county clerk. To waive it, you need a court order from the local circuit court. Most couples don't bother with a waiver and instead factor the 3 days into their schedule. There are no additional county fees for the license beyond the base cost.

Certified Copies of Your Marriage Record

Once your ceremony is complete, the officiant signs the license and must return it to the Hillsdale County Clerk within 10 days. This is the law under MCL 551.104. After the clerk processes it, the record is entered into both county and state vital records databases.

To order a certified copy from the state, contact the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) at 333 S. Grand Ave, Lansing, MI 48933 or (517) 335-8666. The first copy is $34. Each additional copy ordered at the same time is $16. Rush service adds $12 and takes 2 to 3 weeks; standard turnaround is 4 to 5 weeks. Order online at michigan.gov/mdhhs via VitalChek, or visit in person by appointment on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 10:00 AM to 2:00 PM.

The Hillsdale County Clerk can also provide certified copies. Local copies are often faster and may cost less. Call the clerk for current pricing. Michigan has kept statewide marriage records since 1867. Historical records are available for free through Michiganology.org.

Michigan Marriage Law Basics

MCL 551.101 establishes the core rules for marriage licenses in Michigan, including the in-person application, 3-day wait, and 33-day validity window. MCL 551.102 determines where you apply. If you live in Michigan, apply in your home county. If neither partner is a Michigan resident, apply in the county where the ceremony will be held.

Under MCL 551.7, authorized officiants include judges, magistrates, mayors, county clerks, and ordained ministers. Two witnesses who are 18 or older must attend the ceremony. The officiant must sign the license and return it to the county clerk within 10 days per MCL 551.104.

Age requirements: 18 to marry on your own; 16 or 17 with parental consent; under 16 cannot marry in Michigan.

Changing Your Name After Marriage

Your marriage license is the proof you need for a legal name change. Start at the Social Security Administration (free). Then go to the Michigan Secretary of State to update your driver's license. Next, notify your bank, employer, insurance company, and other institutions. Most will need to see a certified copy of the marriage record, so have several on hand.

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

Hillsdale County is in the far south of Michigan's Lower Peninsula. Neighboring counties have their own clerk offices for marriage license applications.