Signing the Marriage License is a Big Moment for Wedding Photos

Signing the marriage license correctly is critical 

There are Some Things You Need to Do After the Wedding to Make it Legal...

Making your marriage legal is actually quite simple.  On wedding day, bring everything you received from the county.  (All copies of the license, envelopes, instructions)

Immediatly following the wedding ceremony, we will take care of signing the marriage license.  You will need signatures from the bride and groom, the officiant, and (in Michigan) two witnesses over the age of 18.

You will receive one copy.  Your Joyful Celebration! Minister will file the other two copies with the county.  (Please note that marriage licenses can only be filed AFTER all Joyful Celebration fees have been paid in full.)

Once the license is filed with your County of Record (usually within 10 days) you will need to apply for an Official Marriage Certificate.  This will be necessary whether the bride is making a legal name change or not.  (See Social Security.) 

You will want to order multiple copies of the official marriage certificate.  Do this all at one time to save time and money.  

The county WILL charge you for these copies.  The first copy costs between $15 and $25 in the Detroit Tri-County area.  Additional copies should be $5 per copy.  Oakland County gives you the option to apply and pay right online.  I would recommend this!  The other local counties will require that you come back to the county offices to apply for your certified copies.

If you still have questions, please contact Rev. Sherry.

 

Signing the Marriage License is the First Step

Brides should sign their marriage license using their legal married name.

When you sign your marriage certificate immediately following the wedding ceremony:

  • The Wedding Minister will complete and sign your certificate
  • The Groom will sign his legal name
  • The bride will sign her legal MARRIED name
  • Two witnesses, over the age of 18, will need to sign and print their names
  • All THREE copies of the certificate need to be completed and signed!
  • You will receive one copy
  • Your Wedding Minister will file the other two copies back with the County.
  • You will need to apply for the Certified Copies.