So You Wanna Tie the Knot in Washtenaw County? Let's Get Licensed!
Congratulations! You've found your lobster, your soulmate, your other half (or maybe just the person who tolerates your weird sock collection). Now it's time to make it official in the beautiful county of Washtenaw, Michigan. But before you can say "I do" faster than you can devour a Coney Island hot dog, you'll need a little piece of paper called a marriage license. Don't worry, it's not rocket science (although if you are a rocket scientist getting married, that's pretty cool).
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How To Get A Marriage License In Washtenaw County Michigan |
Mission: Possible! Here's what you need to do:
Channel your inner detective: You (or your partner-in-crime, soon-to-be-spouse) will need to head to the Washtenaw County Clerk's Office. Think "Men in Black" headquarters, but with less neuralyzers and more forms. Their address is 200 N. Main St. (at Ann St.) in Ann Arbor, just in case your internal GPS is malfunctioning.
Be prepared to prove you're not a figment of someone's imagination: Bring along some valid ID, like a driver's license or state-issued ID card. Make sure it has your current Washtenaw County address on it, unless you're planning a mid-application address change (not recommended for a smooth wedding day). Don't forget your birth certificate (a photocopy is fine) – gotta show you're old enough to know what you're getting yourself into!
Doublemint gum not required (but helpful for pre-wedding jitters): Thankfully, there's no blood test needed in Michigan. Just some good old-fashioned paperwork and maybe a few butterflies in your stomach.
Say cheese! (But not literally): While you won't need a photo for the application itself, having a picture of the two of you for the big day might be a good idea. Unless you're planning a surprise wedding with a blindfolded walk down the aisle (again, not recommended).
Prepare for lift-off (almost): There is a fee for the marriage license, but luckily it won't break the bank. They accept cash, check, money order, debit, and even major credit cards (just in case you forgot your wallet and your significant other has excellent credit).
Important Note: You can actually apply for a marriage license virtually by scheduling a video conference appointment. Who knew getting hitched could be so high-tech? Check out the Washtenaw County Clerk's website for details (https://www.washtenaw.org/286/Marriage-Licenses).
Frequently Asked Questions for the Aspiringly Wedded:
How long does a marriage license last in Washtenaw County? It's like a delicious pastry – enjoy it fresh! You have 33 days to use your license before it expires.
How long do I have to wait to get married after getting the license? There's a three-day waiting period after you apply before you can say "I do." So relax, take a deep breath, and maybe plan your honeymoon.
Can anyone marry us? Not quite. Luckily, there are plenty of authorized officiants in Washtenaw County, including judges, magistrates, and even some mayors. The Clerk's Office can provide you with a list upon request.
Do I need witnesses? You betcha! Round up two reliable friends or family members to be your official witnesses. Just make sure they're over 18 and mentally competent (no pressure, guys).
What if I need a certified copy of my marriage license later? No problem! You can request one online, by mail, or in person at the Vital Records Office. There's a small fee, but hey, it's official proof of your everlasting love (or at least a pretty good party).
There you have it, folks! Getting a marriage license in Washtenaw County is a breeze. Now go forth, celebrate your love, and maybe share some of those Coney Island hot dogs with your guests. We wish you all the best in your happily ever after!
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