MARRIAGE REQUIREMENTS- The following are for Michigan residents
(Kent County and Ottawa County requirement directions are below)

If you are a Michigan resident, apply in the county where at least one of you lives; you can marry in any Michigan county. Out-of-state applicants must apply in the county where they will be married. In Michigan, the legal age for marriage is 18 years old. Parental consent is required for those between the ages of 16 and 18 who wish to marry. In-state residents must apply for license in the county in which they live. The marriage may then occur in any county in the state.

The requirement for couples to receive premarital counseling and to present certification that the counseling has been received ended on December 31, 2000.

The County Clerk now has the duty of providing the applicants with educational materials on the transmission and prevention of venereal disease and HIV infection. No blood test is required.

1. KENT COUNTY: Apply in person at the Kent County Clerk’s office, first floor of the Kent County Administration Building, 300 Monroe Ave., N.W. (616) 632-7640, or online at www.accesskent.com. See website for requirements.

• The $20 resident fee must be paid by cash or check when you apply for your license. The office is open 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday. Since it can  take up to a half-hour to get a marriage license, arrive no later than 4:30 p.m.

• They need to have both proofs of ID. Remember the license is only good for 33 days from the date of application.

• Bring proof of age (birth certificate, driver’s license or state ID) for both applicants.

• An actual date must be set and provided along with the name of an officiant or judge.

• There is a three-day waiting period to obtain the license. The person picking up the license must be able to verify all of the information on the license. The only entity that can correct the marriage license after the ceremony is the court, so it becomes expensive and time consuming to make corrections.

• If either person has been previously married, Kent County has no further requirement such as divorce decrees or dates, etc.

2. OTTAWA COUNTY: Apply online at www.miottawa.org, or in person at:

   Fillmore-West Olive                            Grand Haven
   12220 Fillmore St., Rm. 130                414 Washington Ave.
   West Olive, MI 49460                         Grand Haven, MI 49417
   (616) 994-4531                                   (616) 846-8310
   Monday through Friday                       Monday through Friday
   8 a.m. to 5 p.m.                                 8 a.m. to 12 p.m.

   Holland                                              Hudsonville
   12251 James Street                            3100 Port Sheldon
   Holland, MI 49424                               Hudsonville, MI 49426
   (616) 494-5566                                   (616) 662-6085
   Monday through Friday                        Tuesday
   8:30 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.                       8 a.m. to 12 p.m.
   1 p.m. to 5 p.m.

General Requirements
1. Identification

• Certified birth certificate for both applicants or certified English translation of birth certificate for both applicants.
• A government issued picture identification, such as a driver's license, state identification. A passport can be used for picture identification if an additional piece of documentation is included to show residency.

3. Information Needed for Both Applicants

• Age and date of birth
• Birthplace - city and state
• Parents' full names including mother's maiden name
• State in which parents were born - Country if not USA
• Social Security Card

4. Certified judgment of divorce or certified death certificate if previous marriage was terminated by divorce or death.

5. Time Period

• 3-day waiting period for license after applying
• Marriage must take place within 33 days from date of application

6. At least one of the applicants must appear in person to apply for a Marriage License.

Requirements for out-of-state residents who wish to be married in Ottawa County
1. All non-residents must apply in the county where the marriage is to take place.
2. Applicants must be at least 18 years old. However, a 16 or 17 year old can apply with the written consent of a parent or guardian.  The consent must be notarized. Forms are available from the County Clerk’s Office.
3. Application may be made by mail, but it must be completely filled out and notarized before it is returned to us.
    Non-residents applying by mail must include a certified copy of their birth certificate and a photo copy of their Social Security Cards, and their driver’s license or other photo ID.
4. The application fee for non-residents is $30 and must be paid with Money Order, MasterCard or Visa when applying by mail.  When applying in person, payment can be made in cash, Money Order, MasterCard or Visa.
5. There is a 3-day waiting period for your license once we receive the application. Applicants must be married within 33 days from the day we receive it in the office.
6. If either party has been married previously and the marriage was terminated by divorce or death, a certified Final Judgment of Divorce or certified death certificate must be shown.

Applying for a License to Marry
Complete the Affidavit for License to Marry at www.miottawa.org (5MB, requires Acrobat Reader).
     • Include certified birth certificates, a photocopy of each driver's license, and certified judgments of divorce or certified death certificate.
     • Check the box indicating you have received Educational Materials (these will be delivered to you as part of your Marriage Pamphlet).
     • A Notary Public must notarize the application (Notary Publics can be found at banks, insurance companies, and at the Clerk's Office).
     • State within your application that you would like your license mailed to you.
     • Cash/Money Order/Visa or MasterCard can be used for payment of a Marriage License.
     • For Out-of-State Residents, a $30.00 payment, Visa or MasterCard can be used. If mailed, Money Order only, payable to:
                             Ottawa County Clerk
                             12220 Fillmore Street, Room 130
                             P.O. Box 296
                             West Olive, MI 49460

Applying for a Certified Copy of Marriage Record by Mail
     • Complete the Application for Certified Copy of Marriage Record at www.miottawa.org (requires Acrobat Reader).
     • Cash/Money Order/Visa or MasterCard can be used to purchase a Certified Copy of a Marriage License. Certified Copies of a Marriage License ($10.00 for initial copy and $4.00 for each additional copy).
     • If mailed, send completed application and appropriate fee, payable to:
                            Ottawa County Clerk
                            12220 Fillmore Street, Room 130
                            P.O. Box 296
                            West Olive, MI 49460

***Although GRBrides.com strives to provide accurate information, we assume no responsibility for changes since publication.  Please confirm all details with your local licensing bureau.  Please inform us of updates or errors by using the "contact" button at the lower left.  Thank you.***

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