Bespoked Love · Detroit, Michigan

Your complete Michigan
wedding guide

From your first appointment at the clerk's office to your new name on every document — Bespoked Love walks with you every step of the way.

Book Your OfficiantAlready married? Jump to name changes →
Before
Getting your license
During
Your ceremony
After
Your name change
Phase One

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

For

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.

For

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

Day 0
Apply at the clerk's office
Days 1–3
Waiting period — license not yet valid
Day 4
License becomes valid
Day 33
License expires
Apply at least 4–5 days before your wedding. Do not apply more than 33 days before your ceremony date.

Wedding date timing calculator

County application information

Wayne County

MI resident
$20
Out-of-state
$30
3-day waiver
Call to confirm current fee
License valid
33 days

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
Payment accepted
$20 resident · $30 out-of-state · cash, check, money order, or card
Good to know
  • 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.

Book Bespoked Love
Phase Two

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
Always verify your officiant is legally authorized before your wedding day. Ask for their ordination credentials in advance.

Returning the license

The completed and signed marriage license must be returned to the county clerk's office within 10 days of the ceremony. Your Bespoked Love officiant handles this for you — but always confirm with them before your wedding day.
Phase Three

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

Your certified marriage certificate is the key to every name change. Order at least 2–3 copies before you begin. Fees vary by county.

Wayne County

Name change checklist

Complete these steps in order. Check each one off — your progress saves automatically.

Social Security Administration

Start here

Do this before everything else. The SSA update has no fee.

Detroit SW office
Mon / Tue / Thu / Fri 9am–4pm · Wed 9am–12pm · Appointments required

Bring: completed Form SS-5 + certified marriage certificate + valid photo ID.

SSA only accepts originals or certified copies — never photocopies or notarized copies. New card arrives in 10–14 business days.

Michigan Secretary of State

In person required

Complete the SSA update first — SOS checks SSA records before issuing a new license.

New Center branch
Mon / Tue / Thu / Fri 9am–5pm · Wed 11am–7pm
Livernois branch
Mon / Tue / Thu / Fri 9am–5pm · Wed 11am–7pm
Wednesday afternoons are the best kept secret — later hours and shorter lines for working brides.

Bring: updated SSA card + certified marriage certificate + current driver's license.

Scam warning: Michigan SOS will never request payment by text or QR code. Always use official Michigan.gov links.

Passport

If applicable

Don't book international travel in your married name until your passport is updated.

IRS

Mail only

Mail Form 8822 — change of name and address. No fee.

irs.gov/forms-pubs/about-form-8822

The IRS is the one federal agency that accepts photocopies of your marriage certificate.

Voter registration

Re-register online after your driver's license is updated. No fee.

mvic.sos.state.mi.us/RegisterVoter

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.

Three important reminders

The SSA only accepts originals or certified copies. Photocopies and notarized copies are never accepted.
Always complete your SSA update before visiting the Michigan SOS. The SOS checks your SSA record before issuing a new license.
The IRS is the exception — they do accept photocopies of your marriage certificate with Form 8822.