Houghton County Marriage Records

Houghton County marriage records are held by the County Clerk in Houghton, in Michigan's Upper Peninsula. The clerk handles all marriage license applications and certified copy requests for the county. Houghton is the county seat and home to Michigan Technological University. This page explains how to search and get copies of Houghton County marriage records from the clerk or the state.

Houghton County Clerk Office

The Houghton County Clerk is at 401 E Houghton Ave, Houghton, MI 49931. Office hours are Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Phone is (906) 482-1150. Fax is (906) 482-1151. The clerk manages all vital records for Houghton County, including marriage licenses.

Houghton County is in the Keweenaw Peninsula area of Michigan's Upper Peninsula, known for its copper mining history. The county's records reflect that regional background. If you are researching family history in the copper country area, the clerk may be able to help you find older marriage records. Staff can search by name and approximate date. If the record is old enough, it may also be indexed in the state's historical databases.

State-level marriage record copies for Houghton County can be ordered through the VitalChek portal or by contacting MDHHS directly. The county clerk is typically faster and less expensive for records held in Houghton County.

Getting Houghton County Marriage Certificates

To get a certified copy in person, go to 401 E Houghton Ave during office hours. Bring a valid photo ID and information about the marriage including both spouses' names and the approximate year. The fee is $15.00 for the first copy and $5.00 for each additional copy of the same record.

Mail requests are also accepted. Send a letter with the party names, year of marriage, your contact info, and a copy of your photo ID. Include a check or money order for $15.00 payable to Houghton County Clerk, and a stamped return envelope. Mail to 401 E Houghton Ave, Houghton, MI 49931.

If you prefer the state route, Michigan MDHHS vital records charges $34 per certified copy. You can also use VitalChek for online orders. Under MCL 333.2885, records 75 or more years old are open to the public. Newer records require proof of direct interest.

Marriage Licenses in Houghton County

Both parties must appear in person at the clerk's office. Both must be at least 18. Bring a valid photo ID, Social Security number, date and place of birth, and your parents' full names and birthplaces. Michigan's 3-day waiting period applies statewide. The license is valid for 33 days after issue under MCL 551.103.

Michigan residents pay $20. Out-of-state applicants pay $30. The officiant files the completed license with the county clerk after the ceremony. That creates the permanent record. Michigan marriage law is in Chapter 551 of the MCL and the requirements start at MCL 551.101.

Note: Houghton County is a remote Upper Peninsula location. If you are planning a destination wedding in the copper country region, call the clerk at (906) 482-1150 well in advance to plan around the 3-day waiting period and confirm current procedures.

Historical Records and Genealogy Research

Houghton County has a long history tied to copper mining and immigration. Many families settled in the Keweenaw area in the late 1800s, and genealogy research in this area can be rich. The Michiganology database at michiganology.org holds indexed historical vital records including marriages from Michigan's Upper Peninsula counties. This is a free tool that can help you find older marriage records before visiting the county.

The Michigan AG opinion on marriage records explains the rules for older versus newer records. Records from the copper boom era would now be more than 75 years old and fall under the public access rules in MCL 333.2885.

Nearby Counties

Houghton County is in the Keweenaw Peninsula area of the Upper Peninsula. These neighboring counties also hold marriage records for their residents.