Marriage License in Washtenaw County
Washtenaw County marriage licenses are issued through the County Clerk and Register of Deeds office in Ann Arbor. The office handles applications, records, and certified copies for all marriages taking place in the county. If you live in Ann Arbor or anywhere in Washtenaw County, or if you plan to hold your ceremony here, this page covers the application steps, required documents, fee details, the unusually high waiting period waiver cost, ceremony options through the 15th District Court, and how to order certified copies after your wedding.
Washtenaw County Overview
Washtenaw County Clerk and Register of Deeds
The Washtenaw County Clerk's office is located in Suite 100 at 200 North Main Street in Ann Arbor. The County Clerk and Register of Deeds, Lawrence Kestenbaum, oversees both the marriage license issuance process and the management of recorded vital records. The office handles new applications, recorded licenses, and certified copy requests. Contact the office by phone at (734) 222-6730 or fax at (734) 222-6528 before visiting if you have questions about your specific situation.
The main county site at washtenaw.org links to all clerk services, including the dedicated marriage licenses section. Under MCL 551.101, at least one applicant must be a Washtenaw County resident, or both can be out-of-county residents planning to marry within Washtenaw County.
| Office | Washtenaw County Clerk and Register of Deeds |
|---|---|
| Address | 200 North Main Street, Suite 100, Ann Arbor, MI 48107 |
| Mailing Address | P.O. Box 8645, Ann Arbor, MI 48107-8645 |
| Phone | (734) 222-6730 |
| Fax | (734) 222-6528 |
| Website | washtenaw.org - Marriage Licenses |
The screenshot below is from the Washtenaw County main website, which serves as the starting point for residents looking for clerk services including marriage licenses.
Visit the Washtenaw County website to reach all county services and navigate to the clerk's office section.
The site directs visitors to the clerk and Register of Deeds section, where marriage license applications and records are handled.
Applying for a Washtenaw County Marriage License
Washtenaw County does not require both applicants to be present. One person can apply and bring all the required documents for both parties. This makes the process more flexible if one partner lives out of state or has a limited schedule. The application serves as a sworn affidavit under MCL 551.102, so both Social Security numbers are required and the information must be accurate. Making false statements on the application is treated as perjury under Michigan law.
Both parties must be at least 18 years old. Applicants aged 16 or 17 need parental consent. No one under 16 may marry in Michigan. If you have been married before, bring your divorce decree or death certificate to document how the previous marriage ended. The clerk will ask for this before issuing a new license.
After the three-day waiting period required by MCL 551.103a, you pick up the license at the clerk's office. The license is valid for 33 days from the date of issue. If your ceremony is pushed past the 33-day mark, you will need to reapply. The screenshot below is from the Washtenaw County Clerk page, where applicants can review the marriage license requirements in detail.
See the full application requirements and process at the Washtenaw County Clerk page.
The page covers the application steps, what to bring, and how to reach the clerk's office for additional questions.
Required Documents for Washtenaw County Marriage License
You will need a few specific items to complete your application. Washtenaw County is more flexible than some counties about document copies. Photocopies or clear cell phone photos of some documents may be accepted. Confirm with the clerk before your visit what format they will accept.
Required items include:
- Valid driver's license, state ID, or Washtenaw County ID showing your current address
- Birth certificate issued by a government agency (hospital-issued birth records are not accepted)
- Social Security numbers for both applicants
- Divorce decree or death certificate if either party was previously married
If you have questions about a specific document, call the clerk's office at (734) 222-6730 before your appointment. The office can tell you in advance whether your documents will be accepted as-is or whether originals are needed.
Washtenaw County Marriage License Fees
The base fee for a Washtenaw County marriage license is $20 for Michigan residents and $30 for non-residents. These are standard statewide rates. What stands out in Washtenaw County is the waiting period waiver fee: $50. This is significantly higher than the $5 to $10 waiver fee charged by most Michigan counties. If you need to skip the three-day wait for any reason, plan for that additional cost.
If a correction needs to be made to a marriage license after it has been issued, the process requires filing an Affidavit and Motion to Correct License of Marriage. This must be notarized. The correction fee is $100. The clerk's office provides free notarization services, so you can get this done in the same visit. Errors on a license are more common than people expect, so double-check all the details on your license before leaving the counter.
Note: Washtenaw County's $50 waiting period waiver is among the highest in Michigan, so build the three-day wait into your wedding timeline if possible.
The screenshot below is from the Washtenaw County marriage licenses page, which lists current fees and application procedures.
Review fees and procedures at the Washtenaw County Marriage Licenses page.
The page lists the resident fee, non-resident fee, and the unusually high $50 waiting period waiver fee specific to Washtenaw County.
Civil Ceremony Option in Washtenaw County
Couples who want a civil marriage ceremony in Washtenaw County can contact the 15th District Court in Ann Arbor. The court's magistrate performs ceremonies when available. Call 734-222-6720 to ask about scheduling and current availability. You must have a valid Washtenaw County marriage license before the ceremony can be performed.
Beyond the courthouse option, Michigan law under MCL 551.7 permits judges, magistrates, mayors, ordained ministers, and county clerks to officiate weddings. Make sure anyone you choose is legally qualified. After the ceremony, the officiant must sign the license and return it to the Washtenaw County Clerk within 10 days as required by MCL 551.104. See the Michigan Courts site for guidance on officiant qualifications.
The clerk's alternate page at washtenaw.org/226/County-Clerk offers additional contact details and links to clerk services.
The screenshot below provides another view of the Washtenaw County Clerk section and its available services.
Visit the alternate Washtenaw County Clerk page for additional contact info and clerk services.
This page provides another entry point to the clerk's services, including marriage license applications and records requests.
Washtenaw County Marriage Records and Certified Copies
After the officiant returns the signed license, the Washtenaw County Clerk records it as part of the county's permanent marriage records. Certified copies can be ordered directly from the clerk's office at 200 North Main Street in Ann Arbor. Bring a valid ID and know the names of both parties and the approximate date of the ceremony.
For older records or statewide searches, MDHHS Vital Records maintains marriage records from 1867 to the present. A certified copy from the state costs $34 for the first and $16 for additional copies. Rush service adds $12. Call MDHHS at (517) 335-8666 to order by phone or visit the site to order online or by mail.
For genealogical research, Michiganology provides free access to historical Michigan vital records. This is a useful resource for tracing Washtenaw County family history. The Vital Records Online Michigan site is another option for ordering copies from multiple counties at once.
Correction Process and License Errors
Mistakes on a marriage license must be addressed promptly. In Washtenaw County, correcting an issued license requires a notarized Affidavit and Motion to Correct License of Marriage. The fee is $100. The clerk's office notarizes documents at no additional charge, so you can complete the entire process in one visit. Check every field on your license before you leave the counter on the day it is issued.
Common errors include misspelled names, wrong dates of birth, and incorrect addresses. Even minor errors can cause problems when you try to use the marriage certificate for legal name changes. If you notice an error after leaving the office, contact the clerk at (734) 222-6730 right away to start the correction process before the license is used for the ceremony.
Changing Your Name After Marriage in Washtenaw County
Once you have a certified copy of your Washtenaw County marriage record, start with the Social Security Administration. Update your Social Security card first. The SSA processes name changes at no cost. After that, visit the Michigan Secretary of State to update your driver's license or state ID. Bring your new Social Security card and certified marriage certificate to the SOS office. From there, update your bank accounts, insurance, employer records, and passport in whatever order works best for your situation.
Cities in Washtenaw County
Ann Arbor is the largest city in Washtenaw County and has its own dedicated marriage license page.
Other cities and townships in Washtenaw County include Ypsilanti, Saline, Chelsea, and Dexter. These communities are served by the same Washtenaw County Clerk office in Ann Arbor but do not have individual pages on this site.
Nearby Counties
Washtenaw County is surrounded by several other Michigan counties. If your home address is near a county border, confirm which county you are in before applying.