Before — Getting your marriage license
Every great love story starts with paperwork. Here's exactly what you need, when to apply, and where to go.
Before you go to the clerk's office
Make sure both of you have these in hand:
- Valid government-issued photo ID — driver's license or state ID with current address (both parties)
- Social Security number — both parties (the card itself is not required)
- Birth certificate — government-issued, not a hospital record (strongly recommended)
- If previously married: divorce decree or death certificate of former spouse
- Wedding date confirmed — do not apply more than 33 days before the ceremony
Michigan residency rules
Michigan residents
Apply in the county where you live. If both parties live in different Michigan counties, you may apply in either. Your license is valid throughout the entire state.
Out-of-state residents
Apply in the county where the ceremony will take place. The license is only valid in that specific county.
The 3-day waiting period
Wedding date timing calculator
County application information
Wayne County
- Apply online first via eVitals: evitals.waynecounty.com/OnlineFiling
- Then schedule your appointment: waynecountymi.gov/clerk
- Both parties should be present
- Location:
- Time-sensitive appointments:
What to bring to your clerk appointment
Each county has its own quirks. Use this checklist the morning of your appointment so nothing slows you down at the window.
Wayne County · what to bring
- Valid government photo ID for both parties (driver's license, state ID, or passport)
- Social Security numbers memorized for both parties (card not required)
- Certified birth certificate for each party (strongly recommended, not a hospital souvenir copy)
- Printed eVitals application confirmation
- Divorce decree or deceased spouse's death certificate, if previously married
- Both parties present in person at the appointment
- Apply online via eVitals before arriving — walk-ins without it are turned away.
- Time-sensitive ceremonies: call (313) 967-6938 directly to expedite.
Ready to book your officiant?
Michigan law requires a legally authorized officiant for every marriage ceremony. Bespoked Love officiants are ordained, experienced, and honored to be part of your covenant.
Need Help Navigating the License Process?
Not sure when to apply, what documents you'll need, or which county to visit? Bespoked Love is happy to answer your questions during a complimentary consultation.
During — Your ceremony
Your wedding day is about love, commitment, and covenant. Here's what happens with the legal side so you can focus entirely on the moment.
Who signs the marriage license
Both of you
Both parties being married must sign the license at the ceremony.
Two witnesses
Michigan law requires two witnesses, each at least 18 years of age.
Your officiant
Your legally authorized officiant signs and completes the license. Bespoked Love handles this with care.
Who can legally officiate in Michigan
- ✓Ordained minister authorized by their church
- ✓Magistrate or judge
- ✓Mayor of a Michigan city
- ✓Bespoked Love officiants
Returning the license
Need an Officiant?
Whether you're planning a simple signing, elopement, micro wedding, or traditional ceremony, Bespoked Love can help create a meaningful experience that's uniquely yours.
After — Your name change
Your marriage certificate doesn't automatically change your name. These are the steps to make it official everywhere that matters — follow them in this exact order.
Get your certified copies first
Wayne County
- Fee: $24 first copy · $7 each additional
- Order online (VitalChek): vitalchek.com/wayne-county-clerk
- Official link: waynecountymi.gov/clerk
- Mail to:
Name change checklist
Complete these steps in order. Check each one off — your progress saves automatically.
Social Security Administration
Start hereDo this before everything else. The SSA update has no fee.
- Form SS-5: ssa.gov/forms/ss-5.pdf
- Start online (some qualify): ssa.gov/personal-record/change-name
- Find your office: ssa.gov/locator
Bring: completed Form SS-5 + certified marriage certificate + valid photo ID.
Michigan Secretary of State
In person requiredComplete the SSA update first — SOS checks SSA records before issuing a new license.
- Schedule appointment: dsvsesvc.sos.state.mi.us/TAP
- Main portal: michigan.gov/sos ·
Bring: updated SSA card + certified marriage certificate + current driver's license.
Passport
If applicableDon't book international travel in your married name until your passport is updated.
- Issued less than 1 year ago → Form DS-5504 (no fee): eforms.state.gov/ds5504.PDF
- Issued more than 1 year ago → Form DS-82 (fee applies): eforms.state.gov/ds82.PDF
- All passport info: travel.state.gov
Voter registration
Re-register online after your driver's license is updated. No fee.
Banks and credit cards
Visit each institution in person with your certified marriage certificate and new driver's license. Most banks require an in-person visit or a mailed certified copy.
Insurance
Contact health, life, and auto insurance providers directly. Marriage is a qualifying life event — you may update coverage outside open enrollment.
Employer and payroll
Notify HR with a certified marriage certificate. Update direct deposit, company email, and all internal records.
Two important reminders
Feeling Overwhelmed?
Many couples aren't sure where to start after the wedding. Bespoked Love provides guidance, resources, and support to help simplify the process.