How to Find Michigan Marriage Records

Finding Michigan Marriage Records

 * 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
 * In 1911 Michigan law required statewide registration of marriages
 * 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
 * 1820 to 1867
 * 1868 to Present
 * Marriage year unknown


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Learn more about U.S. Marriage Records

Marriages Before 1820

 * Some early records are available in the following Findmypast collection:
 * United States Marriages – Michigan, 1585-1945 ($) index and images
 * 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

STEP TWO: Obtain the Record
If you did not find your ancestor in the databases above, follow the instructions below:

PART A: You don't know the exact date or place of marriage


 * If you know the county of marriage, you can request a search for a fee from the county clerk.
 * If you don't know the date or county of marriage, you can also try searching for marriage information in other records.

PART B: You know the exact date and place of marriage from your records


 * Order a copy of a marriage record for a fee from the county clerk.

OR


 * View a copy of a marriage record on microfilm at a Family Search Center:

Some images of 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 FamilySearch Catalog to see what is available.


 * Search the FamilySearch Catalog by county.
 * Select the topic Vital Records. Look for records authored by the county clerk.
 * Some microfilms may be available to view at a local FamilySearch Center.

Return to the Top: Choose another marriage year

STEP TWO: Obtain the Record
If you did not find your ancestor in the databases above, follow the instructions below:

PART A: You don't know the exact date or place of marriage


 * If you know the county of marriage, you can request a search for a fee from the county clerk.
 * If you don't know the date or county of marriage, you can also try searching for marriage information in other records.

PART B: You know the exact date and place of marriage from your records


 * Order a copy of a marriage record for a fee from the county clerk.

OR


 * Order a copy of a marriage record for a fee from the Michigan Department of Public Health.

OR


 * View a copy of a marriage record on microfilm at a Family Search Center:

Some images of 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 FamilySearch Catalog to see what is available.


 * Search the FamilySearch Catalog by county.
 * Select the topic Vital Records. Look for records authored by the county clerk.
 * Some microfilms may be available to view at a local FamilySearch Center.

Return to the Top: Choose another marriage year

Wiki Articles

 * Learn more about U.S. marriage records
 * How to find U.S. birth records
 * How to find U.S. marriage records
 * How to find U.S. death records
 * United States Record Finder
 * 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