If you take anything away from this guide on how to elope in Michigan, let it be this: your elopement gets to be whatever you want. your elopement gets to be a fricken masterpiece of what you and your partner love.

how to elope in Michigan

Nontraditional weddings have always been my cup of tea. To me, elopements are a total slay. Intentionally choosing to make your wedding entirely about you and your partner? About the way you feel? That is something special, something to document.

While your nontraditional elopement doesn’t require quite as much planning as a traditional wedding, there are still some things to think about ahead of time. Since I’m sure you weren’t born knowing how to elope in Michigan and I have become somewhat of an expert in it as an elopement photographer based in Michigan, I thought I would share what you really need to know before eloping in Michigan.

The Legalities – How to Elope in Michigan

The requirements for eloping in Michigan are really pretty simple.

You need to obtain a marriage license, an officiant, 2 adult witnesses, and a place for your ceremony.

The legal aspect of getting married can be suuuper overwhelming. The biggest thing is making sure you get your marriage license in the correct county. There are some rules to adhere to, but it really is not as intimidating of a process as it feels.

Obtaining a marriage license

The process for obtaining a marriage license can be slightly different depending on a couple of things. 1. if you are a Michigan resident or not and 2. which county you live in/are getting married in.

IF YOU ARE A MICHIGAN RESIDENT, YOU WILL APPLY FOR A LICENSE IN THE COUNTY THAT YOU LIVE IN. Even if it is different from the county you are getting married in.

IF YOU ARE NOT A RESIDENT OF THE STATE OF MICHIGAN, YOU WILL APPLY FOR A LICENSE IN THE COUNTY YOU ARE GETTING MARRIED IN.

*There is a $20 fee for Michigan residents or a $30 fee for non-MI residents.

How to apply for a marriage license in Michigan

• Check with your county clerk website.

Most counties allow you to apply for the license online, but you will need to pick it up in person.

To apply online

• Go to your county clerk website
• Navigate to marriage licenses
• Fill out the application and submit

Each county has a slightly different process, but they are all laid out pretty clearly on your county clerk website.

*There is typically a 3 day waiting period between when you apply and when you can pick up your marriage license

To pick up your marriage license

One or both of you need to go in person to your county clerk’s office to pick it up. Either way you will need both of your DRIVER’S LICENSES and a A COPY OF EACH OF YOUR BIRTH CERTIFICATES.

Once you pick it up, your license is valid for 33 days.
Meaning: you have to have your ceremony within 33 days of picking up your marriage license.

The ceremony – How to Elope in Michigan

Officiant

You can hire an officiant or have a friend or family member get ordained through the universal life church if that’s more your vibe.

Witnesses

You will need two adult witnesses to be there for your ceremony. As your photographer I can count as one. I can also help make arrangements for you if you’d like a no-witness ceremony. Your officiant does not count as a witness. They have their own spot to sign on your marriage certificate!

Where to elope

I love seeing people elope in wildly unconventional places. Go off queen! Go get married in that bowling alley!

If you are hoping to get married in a public space like a library or a coffee shop, you should get permission from the owners head of time. Same goes for private property.

Most parks and beaches in MI are fair game and won’t have any fees. Your basement, your backyard, your family patio, all good options!!!

Again, you might need permission to have your ceremony in a 7/11 or a mall or an art museum—but it can most likely be arranged. Being kind when you ask can go a looong way! A botanical garden. Your favorite bar. IHOP. On a mountain (even though Michigan doesn’t really have mountains… but I do travel 😈). In the bed of a pick up truck. In a helicopter. The bottom of the slide where you met as kids. At a roller rink. Next to that local landmark. Under the tree you carved your initials in. That secret spot you always watch the sun set at. Outside the ice cream shop where you had your first date. Not every idea is perfect, but you get the point. Dream big. Be unconventional and wholeheartedly yourselves.

How I can help – Eloping in Michigan

As an elopement photographer, I have quite a lot of experience with this. I love helping my clients plan the elopement that is exactly right for them.

I’ll help you plan the elopement that is exactly right for you.

I research locations for each of my couples. If it is overwhelming for you, I can help you through the legalities. I can arrange witnesses or help you find an officiant. I’m always down to offer suggestions or help plan.

Quick review – How to Elope in Michigan

What you need to elope in Michigan

• Marriage license from the county clerk’s office
• An officiant
• 2 adult witnesses
• A place for your ceremony to happen

You might also want to hire a photographer (bonus points if it’s me). Maybe you want to get a bouquet, secure your rings, get your outfits ready, or hire a hair and makeup artist if those are your kind of things!!!

It is completely possible to get married without feeling stressed 90% of the time that you are planning it. You can have something small and precious. Live in the moment. Have the wedding that you could never have dreamed up as a kid. One that feels entirely you, better than the dream. You can have a silly, childlike grin slapped across your face the entire time.

Do exactly what you want. You deserve that. <3

Your elopement is special. It means something to you and to me. I want it to be easy and fun for you. You can read more about the elopement experience with me and reach out to get your desired date booked!