How to Find Michigan Marriage Records

How To Find U.S. Marriage Records How To Find Michigan Marriage Records

Finding Michigan Marriage Records

 * 1805 Michigan laws required counties to record marriages
 * 1 April 1867, the county clerk began to forward marriage records to the secretary of state
 * An additional 1905 law resulted in greater statewide compliance

More marriage information is usually found on the marriage license application or the marriage register. Less information is found on the marriage certificate.

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Next Step: When did the marriage occur?

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 * Choose a time period to search for your ancestor's marriage record:
 * Marriages before 1820
 * Marriages between 1805 to 1867
 * Marriages between 1867 to 1925
 * Marriages between 1926 to 1935
 * Marriages 1936 to Present
 * Marriage year unknown


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Frequently Asked Questions about Marriage Records

Marriages Before 1820

 * Before 1805, no marriages were recorded by the county or state
 * 1805 to 1820 very few records exist

If you cannot locate your ancestor in the databases below, try searching for marriage information in other records.

Go Back to the Top: Choose another marriage year

Marriages 1936 to Present
Marriage licenses may be found in the county records where the marriage occurred.


 * Copies may be ordered from the county clerk.


 * Copies may be ordered from the Michigan Department of Public Health.

Ask for the marriage license or the marriage register, not the marriage certificate. The license or register usually contains more information. Go Back to the Top: Choose another marriage year

Wiki Articles

 * United States Record Selection Table
 * United States, How to Use Marriage Records
 * United States Marriage Records
 * United States Vital Records
 * U.S. Vital Records Overview
 * Locating United States Vital Records
 * Michigan Marriage Records (FamilySearch Historical Records)/Known Issues