Let’s take a swing north as we examine the Marriage Laws of the 50 states. Today, we’re pausing in Michigan and Illinois in the gorgeous areas around the Great Lakes and more. So, without further ado, let’s check out the marriage laws in Michigan and Illinois.
Michigan
Non-residents who apply for a marriage license in Michigan will pay a fee that is $10 higher. The fee for residents is about $20, so for non-residents the fee is about $30. Be sure to bring cash as most counties do not accept any other form of tender. Residents should apply in the county where they live and non-residents need to apply in the county where they plan to get married. If you were married previously, you need to provide the date and how the previous marriage ended. If the marriage ended in the six months prior to the application for the marriage license, you need to provide a certified copy of the divorce decree or death certificate.
There is a 3 day waiting period for a marriage license in Michigan, although that waiting period may be waived for a good and sufficient cause. When you go to apply for your marriage license, you will both need to bring valid forms of ID, birth certificates as well as needing to provide your parents addresses and your mothers’ maiden names. You do not need to take a blood test when it comes to applying for your marriage license.
Michigan doesn’t offer a covenant marriage option. Same sex marriages were constitutionally banned in November of 2004. Cousin marriages and common law marriages are not allowed. (If you entered into a common law marriage before 1957, it will be recognized).
Interestingly enough, in Michigan, secret marriages were approved in 1897. A secret marriage is still allowed in Michigan. If you request a secret marriage, you will be able to get the marriage solemnized, but the marriage certificate will be returned to you and not recorded save in a judge’s file that is then sealed. We’ll have to explore more about secret marriages later.
Finally, you will need witnesses for your wedding, but they do not need to be over the age of 18. They do need to have some understanding of what is going on, so a ten year old could be a witness, but a two year old probably couldn’t. Also if you are under 18, you need parental consent to get married, if you are under 15, you need the court’s permission along with your parental consent.
Your marriage license is valid for 30 days, but you can get a copy of your Michigan Marriage Certificate at:
Vital Records
3423 North Martin Luther King Boulevard
P.O. Box 30195
Lansing, MI 48909
Phone: (517) 335-8656
Illinois
You do not need to be a resident to apply for a marriage license in Illinois. You will need to apply in the county where you are getting married. You need to show a valid form of identification and proof of age. There is a 24-hour waiting period once you’ve applied for your license. You need to bring about $30 in cash when you put in your application.
If you were married previously, you need to show a certified copy of the divorce certificate if you were divorced in the six months prior to applying for your marriage license. Proxy, common law and same-sex marriages are all not allowed. First cousins can marry if they are over the age of 50.
Applicants under the age of 18, you can get married with sworn consent for your parents or from a judge. If you are under the age of 16, you cannot get married in Illinois. Your Illinois marriage license will be valid for 60 days in the county where it was issued.
To obtain a copy of your Illinois Marriage Certificate:
Illinois Dept. of Public Health
Division of Vital Records
605 W. Jefferson St.
Springfield, IL 62702-5097
Phone: (217) 782-6553
The above information should be taken as guidance only, legal requirements for state and county marriage licenses change often. Please verify the necessary paperwork and more with the office of the county clerk prior to making your wedding plans