Marriage Licenses

The Oceana County Clerk’s office processes all marriage license applications. Continue reading to learn more about the requirements and how to apply, both in-person and online.

Marriage License Fees

Resident                                                           $20.00

Non-Michigan Residents                                    $30.00

Waiver (Primarily for Out-of-State Applicants)     $50.00

Marriage License Application Requirements

Although no classes are required in order to obtain a marriage license, the State of Michigan does have application requirements that must be fulfilled.

• Michigan residents must apply for a marriage license in the county they live in. If the applicants reside in separate Michigan counties, they may apply in either county. Non-Michigan residents must apply in the county that they plan to wed in.
• Both applicants must provide valid identification. At least one applicant must present a valid driver’s license or state ID with their current address on it. The other applicant may present a valid driver’s license, state ID, or a certified birth certificate (a copy with a raised seal). No photocopies are accepted. The actual driver’s license or a certified copy of the birth certificate must be provided for both parties applying.
• If either applicant has been previously married, the date and county in which the previous marriage ended must be given. If the marriage ended within the last year a certified copy of the divorce decree must be provided. (Certified copies have a raised court seal or a true copy stamp.)
• The applicants must complete an online affidavit for a license to marry. The affidavit requires the full names and social security numbers of the applicants and the full names of their parents, including middle names and mothers’ maiden names, and the state in which each parent was born. NOTE: The affidavit is not a public document.
• The State of Michigan requires a three-day waiting period before the license can be delivered to the applicants. If your wedding is scheduled within the next three days, making it impossible for you to wait three days for your license, there is a waiver you can request.  The waiting period can be waived for good and sufficient cause if approved by the County Clerk. The charge for the waiver is listed above.
• The marriage license issued shall be considered “void” unless it is used within 33 days of application.
• Witnesses on a marriage license must be at least 18 years of age.

Acceptable forms of Identification (ID):

•       Valid driver’s license or state ID
•       Certified Birth Certificate with seal
•       Passport

Acceptable forms of payment:

•       Cash
•       Check/Money Order
•       Debit/Credit Card

Applying for Your Marriage License Online

You can apply for your marriage license online, however you must call the County Clerk’s Office at (231) 873-4328 after filing and provide your transaction number, Social Security Numbers and middle names for parents for both applicants, as we do not collect sensitive information online

Apply Online

Please remember that if you apply online, you will still need to come to our office 3 days after applying to provide government-issued I.D.s for each applicant, pay for your license and pick up your license. If you have been divorced within the last year, you will also need to bring in a certified copy of the divorce decree.