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
 * Michigan marriage records are not restricted and can be ordered by anyone during any time period

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Next Step: When did the marriage occur?

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 * Marriage Records
 * Choose a time period:
 * Before 1820
 * 1805 to 1867
 * 1867 to 1925
 * 1926 to 1935
 * 1936 to Present
 * Marriage year unknown


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Learn more about U.S. 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.



Return to the Top: Choose another marriage year

Marriages 1820 to 1867
Marriage Records on Microfilm Some county marriage records may be available on microfilm at your local Family Search Center. If you know the approximate date and county where the marriage took place, use the Family History Library Catalog (FHLC) to see what is available.


 * Search the FHLC by county.
 * Select the topic Vital Records. Look for records authored by the county clerk.
 * For a small fee, order the microfilm to view at a local Family Search Center.

Return to the Top: Choose another marriage year

Marriages 1868 to 1925
Marriage Records on Microfilm Some county marriage records may be available on microfilm at your local Family Search Center. If you know the approximate date and county where the marriage took place, use the Family History Library Catalog (FHLC) to see what is available.


 * Search the FHLC by county.
 * Select the topic Vital Records. Look for records authored by the county clerk.
 * For a small fee, order the microfilm to view at a local Family Search Center.

Return to the Top: Choose another marriage year

Marriages 1926 to 1935
Marriage Records on Microfilm Some county marriage records may be found by searching the Family History Library Catalog.


 * Search the catalog for the known marriage county, or an estimated marriage county.
 * Select vital records. Look for records authored by the county clerk.
 * Estimate the marriage date if you do not know the exact marriage date.

Return to the Top: Choose another marriage year

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

STEP ONE: Find Birth Information


 * 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. Return 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