How to Get a Marriage License in Kent County

What it costs, how far ahead you have to apply, what to bring, and the parts that catch couples out.

Before you book an appointment

The Kent County Clerk's Office is open Monday through Friday, 8:00 am to 4:45 pm.

Plan on two trips. You apply on one day, and you pick up the license later — more on the timing below.

What it costs

The fee is $20 if at least one of you lives in Kent County and you're getting married in Michigan.

The fee is $30 if you both live out of state and you're getting married in Kent County.

How far ahead to apply

There's a three-day wait. After you apply, you wait 3 days before you can pick up your license.

Your license is tied to a 33-day window: your wedding will happen within 33 days of the day you apply. So don't apply months in advance. Count back from your wedding date and pick an application day that leaves room for the 3-day wait but stays inside the 33 days.

What to bring

Both of you need to bring:

• Driver's license or state ID — photocopies are acceptable
• Government-issued birth certificate — hospital records don't count
• Your Social Security number — you don't need the card, just the number

If you live outside the county, or outside Michigan

You can get your license in Kent County if at least one of you lives in Kent County, or if you both live out of state and you're getting married in Kent County.

The fee follows the same rule. It's $20 when at least one applicant lives in Kent County and the wedding is in Michigan. It's $30 when both applicants live out of state and the wedding is in Kent County.

Filling out the application in advance

Yes, you can start online. The Clerk's Get a Marriage License page has a link called "Apply for a Marriage License Online."

After the ceremony

Returning the signed license is on you, and there's a deadline: within 10 days of your ceremony.

Mail it or bring it to the Kent County Clerk's Office, 300 Monroe Avenue NW, Floor 1, Grand Rapids, MI 49503.