Marriage License in Monroe County
Monroe County marriage licenses are issued through the Monroe County Clerk's office at 106 E. First Street in Monroe. If you or your partner lives in Monroe County, this is where you apply for your marriage license. This page covers the required documents, the application process, fees, waiting periods, and how to request Monroe County marriage records after your ceremony. The steps here follow Michigan state law, which applies consistently across all 83 counties.
Monroe County Overview
Monroe County Clerk Marriage and Civil Unions Office
The Monroe County Clerk processes marriage license applications at 106 E. First Street in Monroe. The office is open Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM. Walk-in applications are accepted. The same office handles civil union filings and maintains marriage records for the county. If you need to apply for a marriage license or request a certified copy of an existing record, this is your starting point.
The Monroe County Clerk's website dedicates a specific section to marriages and civil unions. That page gives you current fees, explains the application process, and provides direct contact information for the clerk's staff. It's worth reviewing before your visit so you know what to expect at the counter.
| Office | Monroe County Clerk |
|---|---|
| Address | 106 E. First Street, Monroe, MI 48161 |
| Phone | (734) 240-7020 |
| Hours | Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM |
| Website | mococlerk.com - Marriage |
The Monroe County Clerk's homepage provides a full overview of clerk services. The screenshot below shows the main clerk site where you can find marriage license information and other county record services.
Visit the Monroe County Clerk homepage to access all clerk services and contact details.
The Monroe County Clerk site links directly to the marriage and civil unions section, fee information, and contact options for the Monroe office.
The marriage and civil unions page on the clerk's site has the most focused information for Monroe County couples applying for a marriage license. The screenshot below shows that section of the clerk's official site.
See the Monroe County marriage and civil unions page for detailed application guidance.
The marriage and civil unions page confirms fee amounts, residency requirements, and the document list for Monroe County marriage license applicants.
How to Apply for a Monroe County Marriage License
Under MCL 551.101, at least one applicant must reside in Monroe County to apply here. If neither of you lives in Monroe County but your ceremony will take place there, you apply in the county where the wedding happens. Only one person needs to go to the clerk's office. That person can bring documents for both applicants. The other party doesn't need to be present at the time of filing.
The application is a sworn affidavit as required by MCL 551.102. Both parties must provide their Social Security numbers, and you sign under oath. Submitting false information on the application is treated as perjury under Michigan law. Fill out the form carefully and truthfully. If anything is unclear, ask the clerk before you sign.
The minimum age to marry in Monroe County is 18. If one applicant is 16 or 17, written parental consent is required. No one under 16 may marry in Michigan.
Documents for a Monroe County Marriage License
Come to the clerk's office at 106 E. First Street prepared. The list below covers what you need. Missing one item means a second trip, so take a few minutes to gather everything before you head to Monroe.
Each applicant needs to provide:
- Valid driver's license or state ID with a current Monroe County address
- Birth certificate or passport for age verification
- Social Security number
- Divorce decree or death certificate if previously married
If one person is filing for both, bring all documents for each applicant. The ID address should match a Monroe County location to qualify for the resident fee of $20. If the address falls outside Monroe County, the non-resident rate of $30 applies instead.
Note: Both applicants' documents are needed even if only one person visits the Monroe County Clerk's office to apply.
Monroe County Marriage License Fees
The fee is $20 for Monroe County residents and $30 for non-residents. State law sets both amounts. These apply consistently across Michigan counties. Contact the clerk at (734) 240-7020 to confirm current payment methods accepted at the Monroe office.
After the clerk issues your Monroe County marriage license, Michigan law under MCL 551.103a requires a three-day waiting period before the ceremony. The license is good for 33 days from the issue date. Plan your timing so you apply close enough to your wedding date that the license won't expire before the ceremony. If the license does expire, you'll need to apply and pay again from the beginning. The three-day wait can't be waived without a court order in most cases.
Marriage Ceremonies in Monroe County
Michigan law under MCL 551.7 authorizes a range of people to perform a legal marriage. Judges, magistrates, mayors, ordained ministers, and county clerks can all officiate. Monroe County couples can choose a religious ceremony, a civil ceremony at a local courthouse, or any setting where a legally authorized officiant is present. The formalities are simple as long as the right person is at the front of the room.
After the ceremony, your officiant must sign the Monroe County marriage license and return it to the clerk's office within 10 days. This is the legal requirement under MCL 551.104. The clerk needs the signed license to file the official Monroe County marriage record. Make sure your officiant knows this deadline. If the signed license doesn't come back in time, the record may be incomplete, which creates headaches when you need certified copies later.
For state-level guidance on ceremonies and who qualifies as an authorized officiant, the Michigan Courts website has useful information that applies to Monroe County couples as well.
Note: Confirm with your officiant before the ceremony that they understand the 10-day deadline to return the signed Monroe County marriage license.
The screenshot below shows the Michigan Courts homepage, which provides statewide marriage procedure guidance applicable to Monroe County ceremonies.
Michigan Courts covers officiant requirements, the license return process, and other ceremony-related rules that apply to all Monroe County marriages.
Monroe County Marriage Records
Once the officiant returns the signed license, the Monroe County Clerk files it as the official marriage record. Certified copies can be requested from the clerk's office at 106 E. First Street in Monroe. You can also submit a request online or by phone through the clerk's site at mococlerk.com.
For statewide records, the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services maintains vital records from 1867 through the present. A certified copy from MDHHS Vital Records costs $34 for the first copy and $16 for each additional copy. Rush service adds $12. Call (517) 335-8666 or order online. This is a useful option if you need a Monroe County marriage certificate but can't visit the Monroe office.
Name Change After Your Monroe County Wedding
Once your Monroe County marriage license is on file and you have a certified copy, start the name change process. The Social Security Administration is the first stop. Visit ssa.gov or go to a local SSA office. Bring your certified marriage certificate, a current photo ID, and proof of citizenship or immigration status. The card change is free.
After the SSA update, take your new Social Security card and certified marriage certificate to a Michigan Secretary of State branch office to change your driver's license or state ID. SOS offices in Monroe County and nearby areas handle this. Most take walk-ins. Once your state ID is updated, work through other accounts and institutions using the new name. Keep at least one certified copy of your Monroe County marriage certificate stored safely, as some agencies require it multiple times.
Cities in Monroe County
Monroe County includes the city of Monroe as its county seat along with communities like Frenchtown Township, Monroe Charter Township, and others. No cities in Monroe County currently meet the population threshold for a dedicated marriage license page. All Monroe County residents apply for their marriage license through the county clerk's office at 106 E. First Street in Monroe.
Nearby Counties
Monroe County borders several Michigan counties and touches Ohio to the south. If you're near a county line, check that your address is in Monroe County before applying here.