Search Kalamazoo County Marriage Records

Kalamazoo County marriage records are held by the Kalamazoo County Clerk, with records dating back to 1831. The clerk's office at 201 W. Kalamazoo Ave. handles marriage license applications, certified copies, and vital records research for residents and genealogists alike.

Kalamazoo County Clerk Office

The Kalamazoo County Clerk/Register of Deeds handles marriage records, marriage license applications, and other vital records for the county. The office is at 201 W. Kalamazoo Ave. in the city of Kalamazoo. Staff are available Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. You can reach the office by phone at 269-384-8111 or by fax at 269-384-8122. Email is clerk@kalcounty.com.

Kalamazoo County marriage records go back to 1831, making them among the older sets of county records in Michigan. Birth and death records also date back to 1867. The clerk's office is also the place to file DBA and co-partnership certificates and military discharge papers (DD-214s), but for most people, the main reason to visit is for marriage records. The county website at kalcounty.gov has more details on what the office manages.

How to Get Kalamazoo County Marriage Records

You have three ways to request a certified copy of a Kalamazoo County marriage record. You can order online, visit in person, or mail a written request. All three methods get you the same certified copy. In-person visits are fastest. Online and mail orders take a few business days depending on volume.

The clerk's office has an online vital records ordering portal at kalcounty.gov/Vital-Records. From there you can order birth, death, and marriage certificates. The online system is available around the clock, which makes it convenient if you cannot visit during office hours. Credit and debit card payments are accepted for online orders.

For in-person requests, go to 201 W. Kalamazoo Ave. during business hours. Bring a valid photo ID. Give the clerk the names of both parties and the approximate marriage date. Staff will search the records and prepare a certified copy while you wait in most cases. Payment is due at time of request.

To order by mail, write to the clerk's office. Include both parties' names, the marriage date, your return address, and a check or money order. Mail your request to: Kalamazoo County Clerk, 201 W. Kalamazoo Ave., Kalamazoo, MI 49007. The office typically processes mailed requests within several business days of receipt.

State-level copies are also available through MDHHS vital records at $34 per first copy. The VitalChek Michigan page also offers online ordering with an additional service fee. County clerk orders are usually the more affordable path for most requests.

Kalamazoo County Marriage License Process

Both parties must appear in person at the Kalamazoo County Clerk's office to apply for a marriage license. You cannot complete the application by mail or proxy. Both must be present at 201 W. Kalamazoo Ave. during office hours.

Under MCL 551.103, Michigan requires a 3-day waiting period between application and when you can pick up the license. The day of application does not count. So if you apply on a Tuesday, you can pick up the license on Friday at the earliest. Plan your appointment with this in mind, especially if you have a set wedding date.

The marriage license is valid for 33 days after issuance. If the ceremony does not happen within that window, you must apply again. The license is good anywhere in Michigan, not just in Kalamazoo County. After the ceremony, the officiant has 10 days to return the completed license to the county clerk.

Documents needed at the time of application include a valid photo ID showing your current address, both parties' Social Security numbers, dates and places of birth for both applicants, and the names and birthplaces of both sets of parents. Birth certificates are helpful but not strictly required if you can provide all the other information verbally.

Fees: Michigan residents pay $20 for the license. Out-of-state residents pay $30. If you need a waiting period waiver, that costs an additional $10. Payment is made in person at the time of the appointment. Cash, check, money order, and credit or debit cards are accepted in person at the Kalamazoo County Clerk's office.

Kalamazoo County Marriage Record Fees

The Kalamazoo County Clerk charges $15 for the first certified copy of a marriage record. Each additional copy of the same record costs $5. These fees apply whether you order in person, by mail, or online through the county portal.

Payment options vary by method. In-person orders at the office accept cash, check, money order, and credit or debit cards. Online orders through the county portal accept credit or debit cards. Mailed requests should include a check or money order made payable to Kalamazoo County Clerk. Do not send cash by mail.

State-level certified copies from MDHHS cost more. The state charges $34 for the first copy and $16 for each additional copy of the same record. VitalChek adds its own service fee on top of state fees. For most situations, ordering directly from the county clerk is the most economical choice.

Historical Records and Genealogy Research

Kalamazoo County marriage records date back to 1831, giving the county one of the longer record histories in Michigan. For genealogy researchers, the clerk's office can search records by name and approximate date. Very old records may require more time to locate, so provide as much detail as possible when you request historical records.

The clerk also holds birth and death records going back to 1867. These companion records can help you trace family lines and verify relationships. If you are researching multiple family members, the clerk's office is a good central resource for all vital records in one place.

For records that may predate the county registration system or that have been digitized, the Michiganology database is a useful online tool. It holds indexed historical vital records from across Michigan and is free to search. Another resource is Vital Records Online Michigan, which aggregates some digitized record indexes.

Michigan law limits who can receive certified copies of marriage records less than 75 years old. Under MCL 333.2882, those copies go to parties to the record, parents, legal guardians, or those with a documented legal interest. Records 75 years or older are public and available to anyone. For genealogy research on older Kalamazoo County marriages, the public access rule often applies.

The Michiganology site is worth bookmarking if you do regular family history research in Michigan counties. It is free, run by the state library, and covers a range of record types from multiple counties.

Cities in Kalamazoo County

Kalamazoo is the county seat and largest city in the county. Marriage licenses for Kalamazoo County residents are processed at the County Clerk's office at 201 W. Kalamazoo Ave.

Other communities in Kalamazoo County include Portage, Comstock, Oshtemo, and Texas Township. Residents of all these areas file marriage licenses through the Kalamazoo County Clerk.

Nearby Counties

Kalamazoo County is in southwest Michigan. Verify your county of residence before applying for a license or requesting records.