MARRIAGE REQUIREMENTS:

Men and women 18 years of age or older may contract marriage in Michigan without parent's consent.

For purposes of marriage application, residence is determined by a current valid driver's license/state-issued ID. If one or both persons is a Michigan resident, they apply in the county where either applicant lives. This license is valid throughout the state. Either one or both persons may apply for a marriage license in person.

If both persons are out-of-state residents, they must apply in the county where they plan to be married. The license is valid in that county only. This paperwork can be mailed out to them, prior to the marriage date. Please contact the Clerk's office to make arrangements.

The following is required at the time of application

Current driver's license/state-issued ID showing correct address (one is required for notarization purposes)

Certified copies of birth records for both individuals

If under 18 years of age, Certified Birth Certificates are required and Parent or Legal Guardian must be present

Other required information includes:
Full name of each person
Birth dates and places (City & State)
Complete street address
How many times previously married
Parents full birth names
Parents' states of birth
The Social Security Number of each person
Fee per couple: $20.00 for Leelanau County residents; $30.00 for out-of-state residents.

The marriage license becomes valid on the third day following application. The license must be picked up by at least one of the two parties to be married, no exceptions. It may be picked up a follows:

Apply on Monday, pick up on Thursday; apply on Tuesday, pick up on Friday; apply on Wednesday, Thursday or Friday, pick up on the following Monday. The license is not available for pick up on weekends or legal holidays. The marriage must be solemnized within 33 days of application.

Persons 16 and 17 years of age must show a certified copy of their birth certificate. Written consent of one parent or legal guardian, who must appear at the time of application, will be required. A driver's license or photo ID of the consenting parent is required. If parents are divorced, custodianship must be proven and a driver's license or photo ID must be shown by the custodial parent. Additional information or documentation may be required before this office will complete the marriage license application.

Due to recent changes in State law, the County Clerk may now perform marriages. The fee for this service is $25.00. If you are interested in having the Clerk, Michelle Crocker, perform your ceremony, please call the Clerk's Office at 231/256-9824.