• Learn more about Michigan's marriage requirements.wedding celebration image by Warren Millar from Fotolia.com
  
  When planning to marry in Michigan, you will need to obtain a marriage license before the ceremony. If approved, the license becomes valid on the third day following the application, and expires 33 days after the date of application. You can apply for a marriage license online or at your local county office of vital records. Please see individual counties for locations and hours.
  
  

Age Requirements

• Applicants younger than 18 need written permission to marry in order to obtain a license.bride and groom image by cherie from Fotolia.com
  
  Independent applicants must be at least 18 years of age and of the opposite gender. Applicants who are 16 or 17 years old must have written permission to marry from a parent or legal guardian, who must be present at the time of application.
  
  

Residency Requirements

• Michigan residents may marry anywhere in the state.map image by NataV from Fotolia.com
  
  Each applicant must show proof of Michigan residency. A valid driver's license or state identification card that shows a current address is required. A marriage license may be issued in either applicant's county of residency and is valid throughout the state. Out-of-state residents may apply in the county where the marriage will take place. In this case, the license is only valid in the county of issuance.
  
  

Application and Fees

• One or both parties may apply for a marriage license, as long as all necessary documents are brought to the vital records office at the time of application, or when picking up a marriage license that was applied for online.