The only prerequisite for marrying in Michigan is applying for and obtaining a marriage license and the accompanying health information pamphlet.
How is it determined if the couple is able to legally marry in the State of Michigan?
If you (or your fiancé) live in Michigan and are getting married in Michigan, you must apply for your marriage license in the Michigan county where you (or your fiancé) live.
If you live in Michigan and are getting married in a different state, you must contact the state where the marriage will occur.
If you (and your fiancé) live outside of Michigan, but are getting married in Michigan, you must apply for your marriage license in the county where the marriage will take place.
If the applicant is 16 or 17 years old, their custodial parent(s) must accompany them to the Clerk’s office at the time of application to sign a waiver.
What is needed for application?
- Full Name (first, middle last)
- Bride’s Maiden Name (if applicable)
- Present Age
- Date of Birth
- Address
- County of Residence
- Number of Times Previously Married
- Birthplace—City & State
- Father’s Full Name
- Mother’s Full Name Before First Marriage
- Father’s Birthplace City & State
- Mother’s Birthplace City & State
- Social Security Number
- Date of Marriage
- Officiator &/or Location of Ceremony
- Telephone Number where Bride or Groom can be reached for questions.
There is a 3-day waiting period for marriage licenses. Marriage licenses are valid for 33 days, and are non-refundable.
How can a marriage license application be submitted in person or through the mail?
Online application for marriage certificate
The online application is for existing ones only, not applying for a new one
Applicants will also need a copy of their latest divorce if it did not occur here in Dickinson County
Applying in Person:
Applications must be completed and signed in front of a clerk. Both parties must be present to complete the application and may be required to show their IDs.
Applying By Mail:
Please contact the Clerk’s office to request an application, instructions and health information. The application must be signed by both parties in front of a notary public and returned to the Clerk’s office with the appropriate fee.
IT MUST BE SIGNED IN FRONT OF A NOTARY AND NOT MORE THAN 30 DAY BEFORE THE CEREMONY.
Social Security Cards:
Included in the marriage certificate application is a Social security card application. Information is on the Application
Our local Social Security Administrations address is:
1013 1st Ave. North
Escanaba, MI 49829
How much does this record cost?
Fee (due at time of application):
$20.00 Dickinson County Resident(s)
$30.00 Non-Dickinson County Residents
Methods of payment accepted:
- Cash
- Local Dickinson County check (no Out of County checks)
- Money orders
Please make checks and money orders payable to: “Dickinson County Clerk”
- MasterCard/Visa
Credit card payments must include: Full Name on Card, Card Number & Expiration Date (MM/YY), 3-Digit V-Code & Billing Address.
Can the marriage take place at the Dickinson County Corthouse?
For information on courthouse marriage ceremonies, contact District Court (906) 774-0506 or Probate Court (906) 774-1555.