Michigan Marriage Laws

Created by FindLaw's team of legal writers and editors | Last reviewed May 10, 2018

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Getting married is probably one of the most important decisions a person can make in life. Since marriage is a legal contract, there are various laws regulating when a person can get married, to whom a person can get married, and what they need to do to get married. Even though family laws are governed at the state level, each state's laws will generally include requirements to meet certain age, legal capacity, and consent criteria. States also have laws outlining the procedures to obtain a marriage license and how to solemnize the marriage. Some states also have laws prohibiting same-sex marriage; however, the 2015 Supreme Court decision in Obergefell v. Hodges, effectively made those laws invalid. So, while Michigan has several statutes making same-sex marriage illegal, those laws are no longer in effect.

Michigan Marriage Laws at a Glance

Reading the literal language of a statute is important when researching a legal question, but it can be equally as important to read a summary of the statute in plain English. In the chart below, you can an overview of Michigan marriage law, and links to the relevant statutes.

Statute(s)

Michigan Compiled Laws
Age Requirements

In order to get married, a person needs to be 18 years old. A person between the ages of 16 and 18 can get married if he or she obtains written consent from a parent or legal guardian.
Solemnization Requirements

In order to solemnize a marriage, the couple must solemnly declare that they take each other as husband and wife in front of:

  • The person solemnizing the marriage; and
  • At least two witnesses.

Related Statute(s)

Michigan Compiled Laws

Note: State laws are always subject to change through the passage of new legislation, rulings in the higher courts (including federal decisions), ballot initiatives, and other means. While we strive to provide the most current information available, please consult an attorney or conduct your own legal research to verify the state law(s) you are researching.

Michigan Marriage Laws: Related Resources

If you'd like more information and resources related to this topic, you can visit the following links:

Get Legal Help with Your Questions About Michigan Marriage Laws

While you may only be thinking about being with the person you love for the rest of your life, it's important to remember that a marriage is a contract with various legal implications. If you have any questions about Michigan marriage laws, or need help with any family law related matters, it's a good idea to contact an experienced family law attorney near you today.

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