Find a Kalamazoo County Marriage License

Kalamazoo County marriage licenses are issued by the Kalamazoo County Clerk at the county building in downtown Kalamazoo. The office also holds marriage records dating back to 1831, making it one of the longer-running vital records collections in Michigan. This page covers how to apply, what you need to bring, what you'll pay, how the waiting period works in Kalamazoo County, and where to find records once your ceremony is complete.

Kalamazoo County Clerk Marriage Office

The Kalamazoo County Clerk's office handles marriage license applications at Room 103 in the main county building on West Kalamazoo Avenue. The office is open Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, and Friday from 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM. On Wednesdays, hours shift to 9:00 AM to 4:30 PM. Concealed pistol license processing stops at 4:00 PM on all days. Walk-ins are welcome, and the office also accepts an online application if you want to save time at the counter.

The office handles Spanish-language services and can be reached at (269) 383-8840 for questions before your visit. The main website at kalcounty.gov links to the marriage license section, vital records, and forms. Staff can answer questions about required documents, fee payments, and special circumstances like prior marriages.

The screenshot below is from the Kalamazoo County main website, which provides access to the clerk's office and all marriage license services.

The county site links to the clerk's office page, the marriage license application, vital records, and forms needed for Kalamazoo County applicants.

How to Apply for a Kalamazoo County Marriage License

Under MCL 551.101, at least one applicant must be a Kalamazoo County resident to apply here. If neither of you lives in Kalamazoo County but you plan to marry here, you apply in the county where the ceremony will take place. Out-of-county residents can still apply, but they pay the non-resident fee. Only one person needs to appear in person at the office. That person can bring the documents for both parties. The absent party does not need to be present at the time of application.

Kalamazoo County offers an online application at the Apply for a Marriage License page. Completing the form online at least three days before you need the license is one way to satisfy the waiting period automatically. The application is a sworn affidavit under MCL 551.102, requiring both parties' Social Security numbers. False statements on the form are treated as perjury.

Both applicants must be 18 or older. Applicants who are 16 or 17 need parental consent under MCL 551.103.

The screenshot below shows the Kalamazoo County marriage license application page, where couples can begin the process online before visiting the clerk's office.

The page walks applicants through the online form and explains what to bring when picking up the Kalamazoo County marriage license in person.

Kalamazoo County Marriage License Fees

The standard fee for a Kalamazoo County marriage license is $20 for Michigan residents. Non-residents pay more. If you need a waiting period waiver, that costs $35, bringing the total to $55 when combined with the standard license fee. The clerk also offers a waiver if you complete the online application at least three full days before you need the license, which satisfies the waiting period without an extra fee under that method.

Certified copies of a Kalamazoo County marriage certificate cost $20 for the first copy and $7 for each additional copy ordered at the same time. The office accepts cash, check, money order, and credit or debit card. Keep your receipt. You'll need the certified copy for name change processes at the Social Security Administration and the Secretary of State.

Kalamazoo County Marriage Records

The Kalamazoo County Clerk maintains marriage records going back to 1831. These records are available for search and certified copy requests through the county website. You can order copies online through the Kalamazoo County Marriage Records page, or submit a mail request by sending $20 plus a self-addressed stamped envelope to the clerk's office at 201 W. Kalamazoo Ave., Room 103, Kalamazoo, MI 49007.

Divorce records in Kalamazoo County are held by the 9th Circuit Court, located at the Gull Road Justice Complex at 1536 Gull Road, Kalamazoo, MI 49048. The fee for a divorce record copy is $15 by check. This is a separate office from the county clerk, so keep that in mind if you need both marriage and divorce records.

For statewide vital records, the Michigan MDHHS Vital Records office holds records since 1867 and can be reached at (517) 335-8666. Historical records for genealogy research can also be searched through Michiganology at no cost.

The screenshot below is from the Kalamazoo County Vital Records page, which covers marriage records ordering, certified copies, and related services.

The vital records page explains how to order certified marriage certificates, what fees apply, and how to submit mail requests to the Kalamazoo County Clerk.

Kalamazoo County Marriage License Forms

The Kalamazoo County Clerk provides forms related to marriage license applications and vital records on the county forms page. This includes the marriage application itself and related documents that may be needed for special circumstances, such as previous marriages. Reviewing the forms before your visit helps you prepare and avoids surprises at the counter.

The screenshot below shows the Kalamazoo County forms page, where you can download current application forms and related documents for the marriage license process.

The forms page includes the marriage application and other vital records documents needed for applicants at the Kalamazoo County Clerk's office.

Name Changes After a Kalamazoo County Wedding

Michigan law does not require you to change your name after marriage. If you choose to, you can sign your new name on the marriage license at the time of the ceremony. This signature establishes the legal name change. From there, update your records with the Social Security Administration at ssa.gov, then visit a Michigan Secretary of State branch to update your driver's license or state ID. Both steps require your certified Kalamazoo County marriage certificate.

Cities in Kalamazoo County

Kalamazoo is the qualifying city in Kalamazoo County with a dedicated marriage license page.

Nearby Counties

Kalamazoo County borders several counties in southwest Michigan. Verify your county of residence before applying for a marriage license.