Search Canton Township Marriage Records
Marriage records for Canton Township residents are managed by the Wayne County Clerk's Office in Detroit. Canton Township is a large suburban township in Wayne County with about 90,000 residents, and like all Wayne County communities, it relies on the county clerk for marriage licenses, certified copies, and other vital records services.
Canton Township Overview
Where to Get Marriage Records in Canton Township
Canton Township does not issue marriage licenses or keep vital records at the township level. The Wayne County Clerk's Office in downtown Detroit handles all marriage licenses and certified copies for Canton Township residents. The township administration building at 1150 S Canton Center Rd handles local services but not vital records. For anything related to marriage records, you go to the county.
| Office | Wayne County Clerk's Office |
|---|---|
| Address | 400 Monroe St., Suite 610 Detroit, MI 48226 |
| Phone | (313) 224-0272 |
| Website | waynecounty.com - Marriage Licenses |
| Online Application | Wayne County Online Marriage Application |
The Wayne County Clerk is located in the Coleman A. Young Municipal Center in downtown Detroit. The office is on the sixth floor. Wayne County residents pay $30 for a marriage license. This is slightly higher than some other Michigan counties. Call (313) 224-0272 to confirm current hours before making the trip from Canton Township.
How to Search Canton Township Marriage Records
Marriage records for Canton Township are part of the Wayne County records system. There are a few ways to look up these records depending on what you need and how old the record is.
The Wayne County Clerk's Office handles requests for certified copies in person at the Detroit office. You can visit during business hours to look up a record and order a copy. Bring your photo ID and the names and approximate date of the marriage you are searching for. Staff can search the records and tell you if a copy is available.
For historical records and genealogy, Michiganology.org has a free online database of Michigan vital records going back to the 1800s. The Library of Michigan runs this site. It includes digitized marriage records from many counties, and Wayne County records are well represented. This is one of the best free tools for finding older marriage records tied to Canton Township.
You can also order records through VitalChek, which is the state-authorized vendor for Michigan vital records. VitalChek lets you request certified copies online and have them mailed to you. The state MDHHS office uses VitalChek for online orders. This is useful if you cannot visit the Wayne County office in person.
The screenshot below shows the Michiganology vital records search interface.
Michiganology provides free access to historical Michigan vital records, including marriage records from Wayne County going back well over a century.
Marriage License Requirements
Getting a marriage license in Wayne County requires both applicants to appear in person at the clerk's office. You cannot apply by mail or online alone. Michigan law under MCL 551.101 requires both parties to be present. Plan for a trip to Detroit if you live in Canton Township.
Each person applying for a marriage license must bring:
- Valid government-issued photo ID
- Proof of age such as a birth certificate or passport
- Social Security number
- Divorce decree if previously divorced
- Death certificate if a prior spouse has died
After you apply, there is a 3-day waiting period before the license is issued. Michigan law sets this waiting period under MCL 551.103. Once issued, the license is good for 33 days. Use it within that time or you will have to start over. If you are between 16 and 17 years old, you need parental consent. Anyone under 16 cannot get a marriage license in Michigan.
Wayne County also offers an online pre-application at evitals.waynecounty.com. You can fill out the form online before your visit to speed up the process. Both parties still need to appear in person to sign and complete the application. The online form just saves time at the counter.
Certified Copies of Marriage Records
Certified copies of marriage records are needed for legal and administrative purposes. Name changes, passport applications, insurance updates, and estate matters all typically require a certified copy. A plain photocopy will not work for these tasks. You need an official certified copy with the clerk's seal.
Wayne County residents can request certified copies in person at the Detroit office or by mail. The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) also maintains certified records and charges $34 for the first copy and $16 for each additional copy ordered at the same time. For mail or online orders through the state, you can use VitalChek.
The screenshot below shows the VitalChek ordering page for Michigan marriage records.
VitalChek is authorized by the Michigan MDHHS to process online requests for certified copies of marriage records across the state, including Wayne County records for Canton Township residents.
Online Tools for Marriage Records
Several online tools can help you find or order marriage records tied to Canton Township. These range from free search databases to paid certified copy ordering services. Knowing which tool to use depends on what you need.
The free Michiganology database at michiganology.org is best for historical research. The VitalChek service handles certified copy orders. The Wayne County online pre-application at evitals.waynecounty.com speeds up in-person visits. For general online searches, vitalrecordsonline.com offers additional Michigan records search options. None of these fully replace a visit to the county clerk for certified documents, but they can confirm records exist and help you prepare.
Wayne County Marriage Records
Canton Township is in Wayne County. Marriage licenses and certified copies are handled by the Wayne County Clerk's Office in Detroit. The county page has full details on fees, hours, the online application, and how to order records by mail.
Nearby Cities
Other Wayne County communities near Canton Township also use the Wayne County Clerk for marriage records.