Schoolcraft County Marriage Records

Marriage records for Schoolcraft County are kept by the County Clerk at 300 Walnut St in Manistique. The clerk issues marriage licenses and provides certified copies for this central Upper Peninsula county along Lake Michigan.

Schoolcraft County Clerk

The Schoolcraft County Clerk in Manistique is the office for all marriage license and vital records services in this Upper Peninsula county. Manistique is on the north shore of Lake Michigan. The county is one of the smaller ones in the U.P. by population. The clerk's office closes slightly earlier than most county offices, at 4:00 PM instead of 4:30 PM.

Both parties must appear in person to apply for a marriage license. If you are traveling from out of the area, call ahead to confirm hours and what documents you need to bring. Plan to arrive well before closing time so the staff has enough time to process your application.

How to Get Schoolcraft County Marriage Records

Marriage records from Schoolcraft County can be requested in person at the clerk's office in Manistique or by mail. In-person visits give you the fastest result. Bring your photo ID and a note with the names on the record and the year of the marriage. The clerk will search and make a copy while you wait.

For mail requests, write to the Schoolcraft County Clerk at 300 Walnut St, Manistique, MI 49854. Include the names of both parties, the year of marriage, your contact info, and a check or money order for the fee. Processing by mail takes more time. Plan accordingly if you need the record for a legal deadline.

The Michigan MDHHS holds marriage records from all counties, including Schoolcraft. You can order certified copies through VitalChek online or by contacting the MDHHS vital records office directly. The state charges $34 for the first copy and $16 for each additional copy.

For older Schoolcraft County marriage records, the Michiganology database at michiganology.org has an index of historical vital records. This is helpful for genealogy research and finding information on marriages from the 1800s and early 1900s.

Marriage License Requirements

Michigan sets the rules for all marriage licenses, and Schoolcraft County follows them exactly. The same requirements apply whether you apply in Manistique or in any other county seat in the state.

Both parties must be 18 or older. Ages 16 and 17 may apply with written consent from a parent or legal guardian. Anyone under 16 cannot marry in Michigan. Both applicants need a valid photo ID and a certified birth certificate. Hospital birth records and baptismal papers will not be accepted.

There is a 3-day waiting period after you submit your application. You cannot use the license until that time has passed. Once the license is valid, you have 33 days to hold the ceremony. If you do not use it within 33 days, it expires. After the wedding, the officiant must return the license to the Schoolcraft County Clerk within 10 days.

If you have been married before, you must provide proof that the prior marriage ended. This can be a certified divorce decree, annulment order, or death certificate. Under MCL 551.103, you must disclose this information on the application.

Fees and State Records System

Schoolcraft County charges standard fees for marriage licenses. Call (906) 341-3618 to confirm the current fee before your visit. The county fee may be different from the state fee for certified copies.

MDHHS charges $34 for the first certified copy and $16 for each extra copy ordered at the same time. If you need multiple copies for a name change or legal matter, order them all in one request. County clerk fees for copies are often less than the state fee.

The screenshot below shows the Michiganology vital records database, which covers Schoolcraft County as part of its statewide historical collection.

Use this database to find older Schoolcraft County marriage records before contacting the county clerk or state vital records office for certified copies.

Cities in Schoolcraft County

Schoolcraft County is a small, largely rural county in the Upper Peninsula. Manistique is the county seat and the largest community. All marriage licenses for county residents are issued by the clerk's office in Manistique.

No communities in Schoolcraft County meet the population threshold for a dedicated city page on this site.

Nearby Counties

Schoolcraft County is in the central Upper Peninsula. These counties border it. Apply for your marriage license in the county where you reside.