County Clerk

Marriage

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.

Out-of State residents must apply for license in the county in which they will be married.

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.

Translators Resource List

Agency City Telephone Number Languages
A+ Spanish Translations Grand Rapids (616) 742-0805 Spanish
D’s Translating Service Muskegon (231) 206-0064 Spanish
Languages International Grand Rapids (616) 285-0005 Any Language
Dirivas Inc. Grand Rapids (616) 247-4810 Creole, Spanish, Vietnamese
MRG Translations Holland (616) 392-5358 Spanish
Grand Valley State Universit Allendale (616) 331-3203 Any Language ** not certified

The Michigan Department of State certified translators.

Note: Translators may charge a translation fee.

General Requirements

  1. Identification
    • Certified birth certificate for both applicants or certified English translation of birth certificate for both applicants.
    • Drivers license for both applicants
  2. Fee
    • $20 Cash/Money order/Visa or MasterCard
    • $30 Cash/Money Order/Visa/MasterCard for out-of-state residents
  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 (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
414 Washington Avenue, Room 301
Grand Haven, MI 49417

Applying for a Certified Copy of Marriage Record by Mail

  • Complete the Application for Certified Copy of Marriage Record (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 ($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
414 Washington Avenue, Room 301
Grand Haven, MI 49417