• Marriage License Fee: $20.00
  • Marriage License Fee - Out of State Residents: $30.00
  • Marriage Waiver Fee: $100.00

  • One or both applicants must appear in person. If only one applicant is present, then they must have all items listed below for both persons.
    • Unexpired driver's license.
    • Divorce decrees for all previous marriages.
    • Death certificate of previous spouse if under 25 years from application.
  • Each applicant must be at least 18 years old. However, a 16- or 17-year-old can apply as long as a parent appears in person at the time of application.
  • Complete the Marriage Application Online - Click Here.
  • The county clerk is required to provide applicants with educational materials on the transmission and prevention of venereal disease and HIV infection.
  • In the county that you reside.
  • If applicants live in separate counties, they may apply in either county.
  • The ceremony may be performed anywhere within the State of Michigan.
  • Out of state resident, but getting married in Michigan?
    • Must apply in county in which ceremony is being performed.
    • Application can be submitted by mail, but must be signed in front of a notary.
    • One applicant must appear at the clerk's office before the ceremony, swear to the affidavit and pick up the license.
  • There is a required 3-day waiting period to obtain a license after submitting an application.
  • The 3 day waiting period may be waived for an additional fee and a valid reason for the waiver.
  • Marriage must take place within 33 days from date of application.
  • While the ceremony and reception are certainly the most memorable parts of a wedding, if you want it to be legal, the most important part is the signing of the marriage license after your ceremony.
  • After your ceremony, the couple getting married, the two witnesses, and the officiant will need to sign all three of the marriage licenses.
  • Complete the jurisdiction (city, township, or village) and county that the ceremony took place.
  • Complete the date that the ceremony took place. The officiant will need to both sign their name and print their name and title.
  • The officiant will need to complete their mailing address.
    • If they are affiliated with a church they can use that address. If not, list their home address.
  • Each witness will need to both sign and print their name.
    • Each witness must be over 18.
  • Each marriage applicant will need to sign and print their name.
    • If either applicant will be assuming the last name of the other, sign and print with the new last name.
  • The couple or officiant will need to return the two completed certified copies to the Bay County Clerk's office.
    • The certified copies can be returned in-person or by mail.
  • The couple keeps the third copy with the gold seal.