Ann Arbor Marriage Records

Ann Arbor marriage records are kept by the Washtenaw County Clerk/Register of Deeds, which maintains all marriage licenses and certified certificates for the city and surrounding county. Ann Arbor is home to roughly 120,000 residents and serves as the county seat of Washtenaw County, making the county office easy to reach for most city residents.

Where to Get Ann Arbor Marriage Records

The Washtenaw County Clerk/Register of Deeds is the official office for all Ann Arbor marriage records. The office is at 200 N Main St, Suite 100, in Ann Arbor. Since Ann Arbor is the county seat, this is a convenient location for most city residents. The Ann Arbor City Clerk at 301 E. Huron St. handles city functions but refers all vital records requests to the county.

Washtenaw County also offers an online records search through the Eclipse portal at eclipse.washtenaw.org. This system lets you search for records by name or date. It's a good first step before requesting a certified copy. For marriage license information, call the office at 734.222.6720, which is the direct line for marriage license questions according to the county.

The Ann Arbor City Clerk's Office at (734) 794-6140 can answer general questions and tell you exactly which county window or desk handles vital records during your visit. The city and county share proximity in Ann Arbor, which makes it straightforward to get to the right office.

The screenshot below shows the City of Ann Arbor website, where residents can find basic city services information and get directed to the county for vital records.

The city site provides direction for residents to reach the Washtenaw County Clerk for marriage license and certificate needs.

How to Search Ann Arbor Marriage Records

There are several ways to search for marriage records in Ann Arbor. The Eclipse online portal for Washtenaw County is a free starting point. The MDHHS state system covers all Michigan counties. And you can always go in person to the county office at 200 N Main St.

The Eclipse system at eclipse.washtenaw.org lets you search by name and pull up record details without a fee. This is useful when you want to confirm a record exists or get basic information before ordering a certified copy. The system is maintained by the county and typically has recent records. Older records may not be digitized and would require an in-person or written request to the clerk's office.

The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services holds statewide records from 1867. MDHHS is a good option when the exact county of marriage is uncertain or when you need a copy delivered by mail. You can order online at VitalChek or mail a request directly to the state vital records office. See michigan.gov for the full ordering process.

For older records and genealogy research, the Michiganology database from the Library of Michigan has digitized marriage indexes from the 1800s. Washtenaw County records are included. The University of Michigan's Bentley Historical Library in Ann Arbor is also a strong resource for historical records and local genealogy research.

The screenshot below shows the Ann Arbor City Clerk's official page, which outlines city services and points to the county for vital records.

The city clerk page explains what the city office handles and where to go for vital records held at the county level.

Marriage License Requirements in Ann Arbor

To get a marriage license in Ann Arbor, you apply at the Washtenaw County Clerk's Office. Both parties must appear in person to complete the application. The office is at 200 N Main St, Suite 100. The county also performs civil marriage ceremonies, so if you want a courthouse wedding, this is the right office to contact.

Required documents for both applicants:

• Valid government-issued photo ID
• Certified birth certificate
• Social Security number
• Certified divorce decree if previously married
• Death certificate if a prior spouse has died

After you submit your application, Michigan law requires a 3-day waiting period under MCL 551.103 before the license is issued. The license is then valid for 33 days. If you don't use it in 33 days, it expires and you have to start the application process again. Both applicants must be 18 or older to apply without parental consent. Those who are 16 or 17 need written consent from a parent or legal guardian.

Washtenaw County also performs civil marriage ceremonies. Contact the clerk's office at 734.222.6720 to ask about scheduling a ceremony. The 15th Judicial District Court in Ann Arbor also performs ceremonies. Having local options for the ceremony means you can handle the license and the wedding in the same general area without traveling far.

Getting Certified Copies of Ann Arbor Marriage Certificates

Certified copies of marriage certificates are available through Washtenaw County and through MDHHS. You need a certified copy for legal name changes, updating identification documents, insurance claims, and immigration paperwork. The county issues copies for marriages recorded in Washtenaw County. MDHHS issues copies for any Michigan marriage on record.

In-person requests at the Washtenaw County Clerk's Office are handled the same day when staff capacity allows. Bring a valid photo ID and the full names of both spouses and the approximate marriage date. You can also email the vital records team at vitalrecords@washtenaw.org to ask about mail requests and current fees. The state fee is $34 for the first certified copy and $16 for each additional copy ordered at the same time. Washtenaw County may have a slightly different local fee, so confirm by phone or email before your visit.

Mail and online requests are available for those who can't visit in person. VitalChek at vitalchek.com handles online orders for MDHHS certified copies. Orders are mailed to your address and typically take one to three weeks. If you have a legal deadline, the in-person county visit is the fastest path.

The screenshot below shows a local news page that covered Washtenaw County Clerk news including information relevant to marriage records and services in the Ann Arbor area.

Local news coverage of the Washtenaw County Clerk provides additional context for services available to Ann Arbor residents seeking marriage records.

Historical Ann Arbor Marriage Records and Genealogy

Ann Arbor has some of the best genealogy research resources in Michigan. The University of Michigan's Bentley Historical Library holds extensive collections of local and state records. For older marriage records and family history research in the Ann Arbor area, the Bentley is a key resource alongside the official county and state systems.

The Michiganology database from the Library of Michigan includes Washtenaw County records going back to the 1800s. Digitized marriage indexes and older vital records from the county are available through this free resource. If you're tracing family history in the Ann Arbor area and need a marriage from before 1940, Michiganology can often provide the information you need before you request a certified copy from the county.

MDHHS holds records from 1867. For marriages that predate state record-keeping, the Michigan Archives in Lansing and Washtenaw County's own historical holdings are the best options. The Ann Arbor District Library also has local history collections and genealogy materials that supplement official vital records. Their Michigan Room holds local newspapers, city directories, and reference materials going back to the city's early years.

Washtenaw County Marriage Records

Ann Arbor is in Washtenaw County. Marriage licenses and certified copies are handled by the Washtenaw County Clerk. For full details on the county office, fees, and resources, visit the Washtenaw County marriage records page.

View Washtenaw County Marriage Records

Nearby Cities

Other qualifying cities near Ann Arbor with their own marriage records pages: