Ingham County Marriage License
Ingham County marriage licenses are issued through the Ingham County Clerk's office, which has two locations: the main courthouse in Mason and a second office in Lansing. The clerk handles all marriage license applications, vital records requests, and certified copy orders for the county. This guide covers how to apply, what documents to bring, what the fees are, how the waiting period works, and where to search Ingham County marriage records once the ceremony is done.
Ingham County Overview
Ingham County Clerk Office Locations
The Ingham County Clerk runs two offices that handle marriage license applications. The main location sits at the Mason Courthouse in the county seat. A second office operates at the Veterans Memorial Courthouse in Lansing, which is a convenient option for residents who live or work closer to the state capital. Both offices issue Ingham County marriage licenses under the same rules and fee schedule.
County Clerk Barb Byrum oversees the office. Regular hours at both locations run Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM, with a lunch closure from 12:30 PM to 1:30 PM. Thursday hours extend to 7:00 PM, which gives applicants a late-evening option if the standard hours don't work. This is one detail that sets Ingham apart from many other Michigan counties.
The Ingham County Clerk marriage license page has everything you need to start your application or request records.
| Office | Ingham County Clerk |
|---|---|
| Mason Address | 341 S. Jefferson, Mason, MI 48854 |
| Lansing Address | 313 W. Kalamazoo, Lansing, MI 48933 |
| Phone | (517) 483-6424 |
| Hours | Mon-Fri 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM (closed 12:30-1:30 PM); Thursday until 7:00 PM |
| Website | clerk.ingham.org |
The screenshot below comes from the Ingham County Clerk's main website, where you can find the latest marriage license information and access the online application portal.
The clerk site links directly to vital records, the marriage license section, online application tools, and contact details for both office locations.
How to Apply for an Ingham County Marriage License
Under MCL 551.101, at least one applicant must be an Ingham County resident to apply here. Only one party needs to be a resident. The other person does not have to live in Ingham County. And here is a helpful detail: both parties do not need to be present when applying. One person can go to the office and bring the required documents for both people.
The application is a sworn affidavit. Under MCL 551.102, both parties must provide their Social Security numbers and sign under oath. You can start the process using the online application portal linked from the clerk's marriage license page at the Veterans Memorial Courthouse site. Completing the online application before your visit cuts down wait time at the counter.
Both applicants must be at least 18. If one party is 16 or 17, written parental consent is required under MCL 551.103. No one under 16 may marry in Michigan.
The screenshot below shows the Ingham County Clerk's department page, which includes the marriage license portal link and instructions for in-person applicants.
Go to the Ingham County Clerk department page to access the full list of vital records services.
The department page covers all clerk services including marriage licenses, vital records, and online ordering options for Ingham County residents.
Ingham County Marriage License Requirements and Fees
To apply in person, bring a government-issued photo ID that shows your Ingham County address. If you moved recently and your ID still shows a different county address, visit a Secretary of State branch to get an address update sticker before applying. The clerk will check the address on your ID. A Michigan driver's license or state ID card is the most common form of accepted identification.
The fee for an Ingham County marriage license is $20 for Michigan residents. Out-of-state applicants pay $30. If you need to skip the three-day waiting period, a waiver is available for $100. Expedited copy requests cost $45. Payment methods accepted include cash, check, money order, and credit or debit card. These fees are fairly consistent with other Michigan counties, though the waiver fee here is higher than the state average.
Note: The out-of-state mail application process requires a notarized affidavit and must be picked up in person as the clerk will not mail completed licenses.
The screenshot below is from the Ingham County Clerk portal, which shows the online application tools and links to vital records services for Ingham County applicants.
Use the Ingham County Clerk portal to access the online application and find current fee information.
The portal gives access to online applications, vital records ordering, and other clerk services for Ingham County couples.
Ingham County Waiting Period Schedule
Michigan law requires a three-day wait between applying and picking up your Ingham County marriage license. Under MCL 551.103a, this period applies statewide. The specific pickup day depends on what day you apply. The Ingham County Clerk posts the schedule clearly on the marriage license page. If you apply on Monday, you can pick up the license on Wednesday. Apply Tuesday, pick up Thursday. Apply Wednesday, pick up Friday. Apply Thursday or Friday, and the license is ready the following Monday.
Once issued, the license is valid for 33 days. Plan your ceremony within that window. If it falls outside 33 days, the license expires and you'll need to start over. After your ceremony, the officiant signs the license and must return it to the Ingham County Clerk within 10 days under MCL 551.104.
The screenshot below shows the Ingham County Clerk's alternate portal page, which includes the marriage license section and waiting period details for applicants in both Mason and Lansing.
Visit the clerk's alternate site for full waiting period rules and other vital records details.
The alternate portal offers the same services as the main clerk site and is accessible for applicants at either the Mason or Lansing office locations.
Civil Ceremonies in Ingham County
Ingham County offers civil marriage ceremonies performed by Clerk Barb Byrum at the Mason Historical Courthouse. Ceremonies are available Monday through Friday when the clerk's schedule allows. The fee is $50 for the ceremony itself. If you need witnesses, the office can provide them for an additional $20. You must complete the online application first, then email the office with both names, a phone number, and your preferred ceremony date to schedule an appointment.
Under MCL 551.7, authorized officiants in Michigan include judges, magistrates, mayors, ordained ministers, and county clerks. So the clerk option is a legitimate civil ceremony path, not just a backup plan. Payment for the ceremony can be made by cash, check, money order, or credit or debit card.
Ingham County Marriage Records
The Ingham County Clerk holds marriage records dating back to 1837. A self-service portal is available for online record requests, making it one of the more accessible county systems in Michigan. You can search and order certified copies without having to visit in person for many requests. The Ingham County Clerk vital records page has the portal link and instructions.
If you need to correct a marriage license after it was filed, the process involves completing an "Affidavit and Motion to Correct License of Marriage." The document must be notarized, which the clerk's office can do for free. Return it with a $100 fee by drop-off, mail, or the drop box in the Ingham County Jail lobby. Allow approximately 30 days for processing. This is not a quick fix, so review all information carefully before the license is finalized.
For statewide records and certified copies, the Michigan MDHHS Vital Records office maintains records going back to 1867. You can reach them at (517) 335-8666. For historical genealogy research involving Ingham County families, Michiganology offers a free searchable database of older Michigan vital records.
The screenshot below shows the Ingham County Clerk's county page with the marriage license section, vital records ordering, and the self-service portal link.
Access the Ingham County marriage license and vital records page to search records or order certified copies.
The county page links to the marriage license application, the records portal, and information about correction procedures for Ingham County vital records.
Name Changes After an Ingham County Wedding
After your Ingham County marriage license is on file, start the name change process with the Social Security Administration. Visit ssa.gov to update your Social Security card. Bring your certified marriage certificate, your current photo ID, and proof of citizenship or lawful immigration status. There's no fee to update an SSA card.
Next, update your driver's license or state ID at a Michigan Secretary of State branch office. You'll need your updated SSA card and your certified marriage certificate. Most SOS branches accept walk-ins. Use the new name consistently across all forms and accounts going forward to avoid complications with banks, employers, and other agencies.
Cities in Ingham County
Lansing is the qualifying city in Ingham County with a dedicated marriage license page.
Nearby Counties
Ingham County borders several other Michigan counties. If you live near a county line, confirm your county of residence before applying.