Macomb County Marriage License Search

Macomb County marriage records date back to 1819 and are held by the Macomb County Clerk/Register of Deeds in Mount Clemens. The clerk's office provides online application tools, in-person service, and online copy ordering for one of Michigan's most populous counties north of Detroit.

Macomb County Clerk and Register of Deeds

Anthony G. Forlini serves as the Macomb County Clerk/Register of Deeds. The office is at 120 North Main Street in Mount Clemens, the county seat. The clerk's Vital Records Department handles all marriage license applications and certified copy requests. Macomb County is one of Michigan's largest counties and borders Detroit to the north. The volume of marriage records and license applications here is much higher than in smaller Michigan counties.

The main office email for vital records is vitalstaff@macombgov.org. The phone number is 586-469-5205 and the fax is 586-469-5123. Office hours are Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. The main county website is at macombgov.org.

The Macomb County Clerk/Register of Deeds page is the starting point for all marriage record services, including license applications and copy requests.

The Macomb County Clerk website is where you start the online application process, order certified copies, and find contact information for the Vital Records Department in Mount Clemens.

Macomb County Marriage License Process

Macomb County has an online application system that lets you start the process before your in-person visit. The application is at macombgov.org/marriage-licenses. You fill out the form online, and it stays available for two weeks. Then you schedule an appointment and come to 120 N Main St in Mount Clemens to complete the process in person.

At your in-person appointment, both parties must be present. You will sign the application in front of staff (notarization), pay the fee, and receive the license. Payment is made at the office, not online. Note that the license is not issued immediately. Under MCL 551.103, there is a 3-day waiting period from the date of application. The application day itself does not count toward those three days. So apply Monday, earliest pick-up is Thursday. Apply Friday, earliest pick-up is the following Wednesday (weekdays only, confirm with the clerk).

The marriage license is valid for 33 days from the date it is issued. If you do not use it in that time, you reapply and pay again. The license is valid for ceremonies anywhere in Michigan. After the ceremony, the officiant must return the completed license to the Macomb County Clerk within 10 days of the ceremony. Officiant failure to return the license is a violation of Michigan law.

Both applicants must be 18 or older to marry without parental consent. Ages 16 to 17 may marry with written parental or guardian consent. Michigan law requires Social Security numbers for both parties per MCL 551.102. Other documents needed: a valid driver's license or state ID showing current address, dates and places of birth for both parties, and the names and birthplaces of both sets of parents. Birth certificates are helpful but not required if you can provide all other information.

The Macomb County marriage license page walks you through the online application process, required documents, fees, and the 3-day waiting period schedule for picking up your license.

Fees: Michigan residents pay $20 for the license. Non-residents pay $30. A waiting period waiver costs an additional $10. Accepted payment methods are cash, check, VISA, Mastercard, and Discover. Make checks payable to Macomb County Clerk.

Getting Certified Copies of Macomb County Marriage Records

You can request certified copies of Macomb County marriage records online, in person, or by mail. All three methods get you the same certified document. The clerk's office has records going back to 1819, making this one of the longer available record sets in Michigan.

For online orders, go to macombgov.org/marriage-license-copies. An online ordering form is available and credit card payment is accepted. Note: some credit card issues have been reported with the online system. If your card does not work, try a different card before assuming there is a problem with your request.

For in-person orders, schedule an appointment at the Vital Records Department at 120 N Main St, Mount Clemens. Bring a valid photo ID. Provide both parties' names and the approximate marriage date. Pay at the time of your visit.

For mail orders, write a letter with both parties' names, the date of the marriage, and your check or money order. Make the check payable to Macomb County Clerk. Mail to: Macomb County Clerk, Attn: Marriage Records, 120 North Main, Mount Clemens, MI 48043. Do not send cash.

Certified copy fees: the first copy is $15. Each additional copy of the same record is $5.

The Macomb County marriage license copies page lets you start an online order or find the mailing address for a written request. Fees and accepted payment methods are listed there.

Macomb County Court Marriage Records

In addition to records at the county clerk's office, the Macomb County court system also holds records related to marriages in some contexts. The circuit court handles any judicial matters related to marriage, including name change petitions that sometimes accompany marriage. Court records are separate from the vital records held by the clerk's Vital Records Department.

The Macomb County circuit court handles any judicial matters related to marriage, including name change petitions and annulments. Contact the court directly for records related to court proceedings involving a marriage.

Correcting Macomb County Marriage Records

If you find an error on your marriage license after it has been filed, the correction process depends on when the error was caught. If you catch it before the license is filed, a reprint costs $20. Errors discovered after filing require a court order under MCL 551.111. The county website has a correction form and instructions for download. You file a motion with the court, and the process typically takes around 30 days.

For errors in the bride or groom's name, place of birth, or similar factual details, you fill out the motion form, file it with the circuit court, and provide documentation to support the correction. The clerk's office can direct you to the right form and explain the steps. Email vitalstaff@macombgov.org to ask about the correction process before starting.

Keep copies of all your marriage documents once they are filed. A certified copy of your marriage license is something you may need many times over the years for name changes, insurance, legal proceedings, and more. Order several copies at the time of your initial request to save future trips.

Michigan Marriage Law and Record Access

Michigan marriage law is governed by Chapter 551 of the Michigan Compiled Laws. Key provisions include MCL 551.101 on who may marry, MCL 551.103 on license requirements and waiting periods, and MCL 551.102 on Social Security number requirements for both parties.

Access to certified copies is governed by MCL 333.2882. Records 75 years or older are public and available to anyone. Records less than 75 years old are restricted to parties to the record, parents, legal guardians, and those with a documented legal interest. The Michigan Attorney General opinion on vital records access provides further context on how these rules work in practice.

State-level certified copies are available through Michigan MDHHS vital records at $34 for the first copy and $16 for each additional copy. County copies at $15 are more affordable. Use the state option if you specifically need a state-level document or cannot access the county directly. For most Macomb County residents, the county clerk's online ordering portal is the easiest and most cost-effective option.

The Michiganology database holds indexed historical Michigan vital records and is free to search. For Macomb County marriages predating modern filing systems, that site is a useful research tool.

Cities in Macomb County

Macomb County is one of Michigan's most populous counties and includes several large communities north of Detroit. All marriage licenses for Macomb County residents are processed through the County Clerk's Vital Records Department at 120 North Main Street in Mount Clemens.

Other communities in Macomb County include Roseville, Eastpointe, St. Clair Shores, Shelby Township, and Chesterfield Township. Residents of all these areas apply for marriage licenses and request certified copies at the Macomb County Clerk's office in Mount Clemens.

Nearby Counties

Macomb County is northeast of Detroit in the lower Michigan metro area. Check your county of residence before applying for a license or requesting records.