Marriage License Application
The following is a summary of the marriage laws of Michigan for both residents and nonresidents.
- Michigan residents must apply in the County of Residence of one of the applicants. Nonresidents must be married in the county where they make application.
- Both applicants must be 18 years of age. Exception may be made for applicants 16 and 17 years of age, provided one of his/her parents or legal guardians executes a consent form. (If a legal guardian signs, he/she must show guardianship papers; in the case of divorce, the custodial parent must sign the form.)
- Proof of age for all applicants is required. This proof should be a certified copy of the applicant's birth certificate, a valid driver's license, or a valid state picture ID.
- After the above requirements have been met, the couple may apply for their license. One applicant may make the application as long as he/she has all the requirements for both applicants. After the application has been made, there is a THREE-DAY WAITING PERIOD. The waiting period consists of three days, not including the day of application. The license may be picked up on or after the third day after application unless that day is a Saturday, Sunday or legal holiday. In this case, the license may be picked up on the first working day after the weekend or the holiday. The license is valid for 33 days from the date of application.
- The fee is $20.00 for Michigan residents and $30.00 for out-of-state residents, payable at the time of application. MICHIGAN MARRIAGE LICENSES MUST BE USED IN THE STATE OF MICHIGAN.
- The Saginaw County Clerk's Office hours are 8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m., Monday through Friday. Request applicants should be here by 4:30 as the application process takes approximately 15 to 20 minutes to complete.
