Kent County Marriage License Records

Kent County marriage licenses are issued by the Kent County Clerk's office on Monroe Avenue in Grand Rapids. The clerk maintains marriage records going back to 1845 and provides online application and ordering options for modern applicants. This guide covers everything you need to get a Kent County marriage license, from the first step of applying online to picking up the license in person, options for a civil ceremony, and how to order certified copies of your marriage record after the wedding.

Kent County Clerk Office

The Kent County Clerk is located on the first floor of the county building at 300 Monroe Avenue NW in Grand Rapids. The office is open Monday through Friday from 8:00 AM to 4:45 PM. Applications for marriage licenses are not processed after 4:30 PM, so arrive with enough time to complete the paperwork. The main phone number for the clerk is 616-632-7640. You can also fax documents to 616-632-7645.

At least one party must be a Kent County resident to apply here, or both can be out-of-state residents who plan to marry in Kent County. Under MCL 551.101, this is the standard rule for all Michigan counties. The license you receive is valid anywhere in Michigan. It is not limited to Kent County ceremonies.

The screenshot below is from the Kent County marriage license page, which shows the application process and links to the online form.

Visit the Kent County marriage license page for full requirements, fee information, and the link to start your application online.

The page outlines each step of the application process including what to bring and what to expect on the day you pick up your license.

How to Apply for a Kent County Marriage License

Kent County offers an online application option through AccessKent.com. Completing the form online before you go in saves time at the counter. There is a $3 convenience fee for online submissions. After the application is submitted and the three-day waiting period passes, you must pick up the license in person at the clerk's office. The license cannot be mailed or picked up by a third party.

The application is a sworn affidavit under MCL 551.102. Both Social Security numbers are required. Proof of age is also required: bring a birth certificate plus a driver's license, state ID, or passport. Both witnesses and the couple themselves must be at least 18 years old at the time of the ceremony. If the ceremony will be conducted in English, both parties must be able to understand English. All submitted documents must be in English or translated by a certified translator.

The screenshot below shows the online application interface at AccessKent.

Start the online application at AccessKent.com to begin your Kent County marriage license process.

The online form covers all the fields from the sworn affidavit and can be completed before your visit to cut down on counter time.

Kent County Marriage License Fees

Kent County residents pay $20 for a marriage license. Out-of-state applicants pay $30. The online application adds a $3 convenience fee on top of the base license cost. These fees are due at the time of application.

After the license is issued, the three-day waiting period begins. Michigan law under MCL 551.103a requires this wait before the ceremony can take place. The license is valid for 33 days from the date it was issued. If your ceremony falls outside the 33-day window, you will need to reapply. Plan your timeline carefully so the license is still active on your wedding day.

Kent County Civil Marriage Ceremonies

Two district courts in Kent County offer civil marriage ceremonies for couples who want a courthouse wedding. Both courts charge $10 for the ceremony and require a valid Kent County marriage license and two witnesses who are 18 or older.

The 61st District Court holds ceremonies at the Kent County Courthouse, 300 Monroe Avenue NW, Courtroom 1A on most Fridays at 3:30 PM. You must be a Grand Rapids resident to use this court for your ceremony. Scheduling is done in person at the court. Call 616-632-5525 for availability. The 63rd District Court holds ceremonies at 1950 East Beltline NE in Grand Rapids on Monday and Wednesday at 3:30 PM. This court typically books about two months out, so plan well ahead. Also schedule in person by calling 616-632-5525. Both courts require a valid Kent County marriage license at the time of the ceremony.

For non-courthouse ceremonies, MCL 551.7 allows judges, magistrates, mayors, ordained ministers, and county clerks to officiate. The signed license must be returned to the Kent County Clerk within 10 days of the ceremony, as required by MCL 551.104. See the Kent County Marriage Ceremonies page for full details on civil ceremony scheduling.

The screenshot below shows the Kent County marriage ceremonies page with information on both district court options.

Review ceremony scheduling details at the Kent County Marriage Ceremonies page.

The page lists each court's schedule, fees, and contact information for booking a civil ceremony in Grand Rapids.

Kent County Marriage Records Since 1845

Kent County has kept marriage records since 1845, making it one of the more complete county archives in Michigan. You can access and order records through the clerk's online system, which uses Tyler Technologies for processing. Certified copies cost $10 for the first and $3 for each additional copy ordered at the same time. Online orders add a small convenience fee. Visit the Kent County Marriage Records page for the ordering link and current pricing.

For records through the state, MDHHS Vital Records maintains statewide marriage records from 1867 forward. State-issued certified copies cost $34 for the first and $16 for additional copies; rush processing adds $12. Call MDHHS at (517) 335-8666 for more information.

The screenshot below shows the Kent County marriage records ordering page.

Order certified copies directly from the Kent County Marriage Records page.

The records page links to the Tyler Technologies ordering portal and explains what each certified copy includes.

For historical research, Michiganology offers a free searchable archive of older Michigan vital records. This is useful for genealogical research involving Kent County families going back to the mid-1800s.

After the Ceremony: Name Change in Kent County

Once the signed license is returned and recorded by the Kent County Clerk, you can order certified copies to begin your name change. Start with the Social Security Administration to get your Social Security card updated. There is no fee. Bring your certified marriage certificate, your current government ID, and proof of citizenship. After the SSA card reflects your new name, take it to the Michigan Secretary of State to update your driver's license or state ID. These two steps should happen first before any others, since most agencies will accept them as primary verification of the name change.

Cities in Kent County

These cities in Kent County have dedicated marriage license pages with local details and courthouse information.

Nearby Counties

Kent County borders several counties in west-central Michigan. Check your home address to confirm which county clerk's office handles your marriage license application.