Hillsdale County Marriage Records
Hillsdale County marriage records are kept by the County Clerk in Hillsdale, Michigan. Whether you need a certified copy of a marriage certificate or want to apply for a marriage license, the clerk's office is where you start. This page covers how to request and get Hillsdale County marriage records through the county or the state of Michigan.
Hillsdale County Overview
Hillsdale County Clerk Office
The Hillsdale County Clerk is located at 29 N Howell St, Hillsdale, MI 49242. The office is open Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Call (517) 437-3391 with questions about marriage records or to find out what you need to bring for a request. Fax is (517) 437-3392 for written inquiries.
The clerk holds all vital records for Hillsdale County including marriage licenses going back many years. Staff can search by name and year to find a record. If you are not sure whether a marriage took place in Hillsdale County or a neighboring county, the clerk can often confirm that based on the names and date you provide.
| Address | 29 N Howell St, Hillsdale, MI 49242 |
|---|---|
| Phone | (517) 437-3391 |
| Fax | (517) 437-3392 |
| Hours | Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. |
Requesting Hillsdale County Marriage Records
You can get a certified copy of a marriage record in Hillsdale County by going to the clerk's office in person or by mailing a request. In-person visits allow you to get the copy the same day in most cases. Bring a valid photo ID and information about the marriage you need, including the names of both parties and the approximate year.
The fee is $15.00 for the first certified copy. Each additional copy of the same record costs $5.00. Pay by cash or check at the clerk's office. For mail requests, include a letter with the party names and year, a copy of your photo ID, a check or money order for $15.00 made payable to Hillsdale County Clerk, and a self-addressed stamped envelope. Mail to 29 N Howell St, Hillsdale, MI 49242.
You can also request state-level certified copies through Michigan MDHHS vital records for $34 per copy. The VitalChek online ordering service handles state requests with an additional service charge. County copies are usually cheaper and faster if the record is in Hillsdale County.
Records 75 years and older are open to the public per MCL 333.2885. Newer records require proof that you are a party to the record or have a direct legal interest.
Michigan marriage law under Chapter 551 governs how licenses are issued and records are created in Hillsdale County and all other counties in the state.
Getting a Marriage License in Hillsdale County
Both parties must appear at the clerk's office to apply. You both need to be 18 or older. Bring a valid government-issued photo ID, your Social Security number, date and place of birth, and your parents' full names and birthplaces. Michigan's 3-day waiting period applies everywhere in the state. The license becomes valid on day four and is good for 33 days under MCL 551.103.
The fee is $20 for Michigan residents and $30 for out-of-state applicants. After the ceremony, the officiant must file the signed license with the Hillsdale County Clerk. That creates the official record. Certified copies can be requested from that point forward.
Hillsdale County is in south-central Michigan near the Indiana border. If you live near the state line, confirm which state your address is in before applying for a license. The specific marriage license requirements are in MCL 551.101.
Nearby Counties
Hillsdale County borders several Michigan counties in the south-central part of the state. Check these county clerks if you need records from neighboring areas.