Marriage records in Washtenaw County, Michigan, are available through several channels. WashtenawCourt.us allows you to quickly find public information about marriage records in the county. Additionally, records are maintained at the County Clerk's office, where they can be obtained in person, by mail, or through state online portals. Below is detailed information on searching, ordering, and the cost of marriage documents.
Washtenaw Marriage Records Search
In Michigan, the issuance of marriage licenses and the maintenance of marriage records are entrusted to the County Clerk's office. In Washtenaw County, this function is performed by the Washtenaw County Clerk/Register of Deeds. The collection includes marriage licenses, returned marriage certificates (after the ceremony registration), and historical records dating back to the mid-19th century.
The Clerk's office retains the original documents and issues both certified and informational copies. For a basic search by the party's last name, you can use the county’s online resources. Court records related to marriage — such as divorce cases — are available through MiCOURT Case Search.
Certified Marriage Record Copies and Fees in Washtenaw
The fees for copies of marriage documents are set according to Michigan law and the internal policy of the County Clerk's office. Below is an approximate fee schedule:
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Certified copy of marriage certificate | $15.00 |
| Additional certified copy (in the same order) | $3.00 |
| Registry search (if the exact date is unknown) | $5.00–$10.00 |
Source: Washtenaw County Clerk fee schedule. Fees may change — please verify current amounts before ordering by calling (734) 222-6730 or visiting the official county website. Mail request processing usually takes 5 to 10 business days.
Order Marriage Certificates Online or In Person in Washtenaw
There are several ways to order a copy of a marriage certificate.
Online
The state of Michigan offers a centralized portal for ordering vital records through the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS). On the VitalChek portal, serviced by MDHHS, you can order a certified copy of a marriage certificate with mail delivery. Note: an additional processing fee is charged for online orders.
In Person
Visit the Clerk's office at:
No appointment is necessary. Bring with you:
- a valid photo ID;
- the names of both parties to the marriage and the approximate registration date;
- payment in cash, check, or money order.
By Mail
Send a request to the County Clerk's office address. Include in the letter:
- A written request specifying the full names of the spouses and the date of marriage.
- A copy of the applicant's ID.
- A check or money order for the appropriate amount, made payable to Washtenaw County Clerk.
- A self-addressed stamped envelope.
To search for related court cases — such as divorce — use the Michigan Supreme Court case search or contact the 22nd Circuit Court of Washtenaw County at 101 E. Huron Street, Ann Arbor, MI 48107 (phone: 734-222-3270). Additional information and useful links can always be found on WashtenawCourt.us.