How to make your elopement legal in Michigan 

Eloping in Michigan means experiencing a kickass view + a stress-free day. But before you say “I do” in one of the best places, there are a few legal details to take care of to make your marriage official. Here’s everything you need to know on how to legally elope in Michigan, plus a few ways I can help you along the way!

If you want to learn more about eloping in Michigan, check out the packages here! 

Michigan Marriage Laws

The first step in your elopement journey is understanding Michigan’s marriage laws. Fortunately, Michigan is one of the more straightforward states when it comes to getting married. Here are the essentials:

– Minimum Age: Both parties must be at least 18 years old to marry without parental consent.

– Residency: Michigan does not require couples to be residents, so if you’re traveling from out of state, you’re in luck! Just be aware that you’ll need to apply for your marriage license in the county where your ceremony will take place.

– Waiting Period: Michigan requires a three-day waiting period after applying for your marriage license. However, some counties may allow you to waive this for a small fee if you’re in a hurry.

Obtaining Your Marriage License

To legally elope, you’ll need a marriage license from a Michigan county clerk’s office. Here’s how to get one:

Visit the County Clerk’s Office

Michigan Residents: If you or your partner are Michigan residents, you must apply for your marriage license in the county where at least one of you resides. However, once issued, the license is valid anywhere in Michigan.

Out-of-State Couples: If neither of you are Michigan residents, you’ll need to apply in the county where your ceremony will take place.

Just make sure to bring valid identification, such as a driver’s license, state ID, or passport, to apply.

Pay the Application Fee

Fees vary by county, but generally range from $20-$30 for Michigan residents and about $60 for non-residents. 

Making It Official – Signing Your Marriage License

Once you have your license, it’s time to make things official! Here’s the fun part: I am ordained and can legally sign your marriage license. This means you have one less thing to worry about when planning your Michigan elopement. 

Signing and Witnessing

Michigan law requires the officiant and two witnesses to sign the marriage license. I am here to make this process as smooth as possible. If you’re having an adventure elopement with just the two of you, I can act as a witness, or I can sign as the officiant. As for the other witnesses, we can ask random people on the trail, they love it! 

Submitting Your Marriage License

After your elopement, you’ll need to turn in your signed marriage license to make your marriage official in Michigan.

Return to the Clerk’s Office

The signed license must be returned to the same county clerk’s office that issued it. You can usually return it by mail or drop it off in person. The county will then process and officially register your marriage.

Requesting a Certified Copy

Once your marriage is registered, you may want a certified copy of your marriage license for name changes and other legal purposes. This can be requested through the county clerk’s office for a small fee.

Making Your Michigan Elopement Unforgettable

After all this, I hope I helped explain on How to legally Elope in Michigan. Eloping in Michigan is a truly special experience, and I’m here to make this stress-free and the best day ever. I help all my couples handle obtaining and submitting the marriage license. I am beyond excited to help you create a day that is unique to you two and—get you married! 

If you want to learn more about eloping in Michigan, check out my Michigan Elopement Photographer page!

Meet your Elopement photographer!

Hey, I’m Brandi! Your bubbly and ever-smiling photographer, dedicated to creating a positive atmosphere for my couples. An outdoor enthusiast, dog mom, and above all, I cherish freedom and independence in my life. I’m a full-time photographer and also manage Blue Diamond Travel Agency – both based in the picturesque Upper Peninsula of Michigan.

You can learn more about me, by clicking on this link! Hi, I’m Brandi! – brandilynnsphoto.com

My wanderlust knows no bounds – I’m ready to travel wherever necessary to capture the magic of your elopement or intimate wedding. 

How to make your elopement legal in Michigan 

Eloping in Michigan means experiencing a kickass view + a stress-free day. But before you say “I do” in one of the best places, there are a few legal details to take care of to make your marriage official. Here’s everything you need to know on how to legally elope in Michigan, plus a few ways I can help you along the way!

If you want to learn more about eloping in Michigan, check out the packages here! 

Michigan Marriage Laws

The first step in your elopement journey is understanding Michigan’s marriage laws. Fortunately, Michigan is one of the more straightforward states when it comes to getting married. Here are the essentials:

– Minimum Age: Both parties must be at least 18 years old to marry without parental consent.

– Residency: Michigan does not require couples to be residents, so if you’re traveling from out of state, you’re in luck! Just be aware that you’ll need to apply for your marriage license in the county where your ceremony will take place.

– Waiting Period: Michigan requires a three-day waiting period after applying for your marriage license. However, some counties may allow you to waive this for a small fee if you’re in a hurry.

Obtaining Your Marriage License

To legally elope, you’ll need a marriage license from a Michigan county clerk’s office. Here’s how to get one:

Visit the County Clerk’s Office

Michigan Residents: If you or your partner are Michigan residents, you must apply for your marriage license in the county where at least one of you resides. However, once issued, the license is valid anywhere in Michigan.

Out-of-State Couples: If neither of you are Michigan residents, you’ll need to apply in the county where your ceremony will take place.

Just make sure to bring valid identification, such as a driver’s license, state ID, or passport, to apply.

Pay the Application Fee

Fees vary by county, but generally range from $20-$30 for Michigan residents and about $60 for non-residents. 

Making It Official – Signing Your Marriage License

Once you have your license, it’s time to make things official! Here’s the fun part: I am ordained and can legally sign your marriage license. This means you have one less thing to worry about when planning your Michigan elopement. 

Signing and Witnessing

Michigan law requires the officiant and two witnesses to sign the marriage license. I am here to make this process as smooth as possible. If you’re having an adventure elopement with just the two of you, I can act as a witness, or I can sign as the officiant. As for the other witnesses, we can ask random people on the trail, they love it! 

Submitting Your Marriage License

After your elopement, you’ll need to turn in your signed marriage license to make your marriage official in Michigan.

Return to the Clerk’s Office

The signed license must be returned to the same county clerk’s office that issued it. You can usually return it by mail or drop it off in person. The county will then process and officially register your marriage.

Requesting a Certified Copy

Once your marriage is registered, you may want a certified copy of your marriage license for name changes and other legal purposes. This can be requested through the county clerk’s office for a small fee.

Making Your Michigan Elopement Unforgettable

After all this, I hope I helped explain on How to legally Elope in Michigan. Eloping in Michigan is a truly special experience, and I’m here to make this stress-free and the best day ever. I help all my couples handle obtaining and submitting the marriage license. I am beyond excited to help you create a day that is unique to you two and—get you married! 

If you want to learn more about eloping in Michigan, check out my Michigan Elopement Photographer page!

Meet your Elopement photographer!

Hey, I’m Brandi! Your bubbly and ever-smiling photographer, dedicated to creating a positive atmosphere for my couples. An outdoor enthusiast, dog mom, and above all, I cherish freedom and independence in my life. I’m a full-time photographer and also manage Blue Diamond Travel Agency – both based in the picturesque Upper Peninsula of Michigan.

You can learn more about me, by clicking on this link! Hi, I’m Brandi! – brandilynnsphoto.com

My wanderlust knows no bounds – I’m ready to travel wherever necessary to capture the magic of your elopement or intimate wedding.