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Kent County (Grand Rapids) processes marriage licenses through the County Clerk’s Office, with an online pre-application available before finishing in person.
| License fee | $20 if at least one applicant lives in Kent County; $30 if both applicants live out of state. |
|---|---|
| Waiting period | 3 days after application (Michigan statewide rule); the County Clerk may waive it for good and sufficient cause shown. Contact the Clerk’s Office for the current waiver fee and criteria. |
| Documents / ID required | A government-issued birth certificate (not a hospital record) and Social Security number for each applicant. If previously married, a certified copy of the divorce decree or a former spouse’s death certificate. |
| License validity | 33 days from the date of application, usable anywhere in Michigan. |
| Where & how to apply | Start a pre-application online, then apply at the Kent County Clerk’s Office, 300 Monroe Avenue NW, Floor 1, Grand Rapids. Applications submitted online after 4:45 p.m. are processed the next business day. |
| Office hours | Monday–Friday, 8:00 a.m.–4:45 p.m. Cash is the preferred payment method; call (616) 632-7640 ahead to confirm other payment options. |
Special notes
If you plan to marry outside Michigan, you’ll need to obtain your license in that state or country instead — a Michigan license is only valid within Michigan.
Frequently asked questions
Does Kent County charge a different fee for non-residents?
Yes. The fee is $20 if at least one applicant lives in Kent County, and $30 if both applicants live out of state.
Is there a waiting period for a marriage license in Kent County?
Yes, 3 days after application, per Michigan statewide law. The County Clerk may waive it for good and sufficient cause — contact the office for current details.
Official source: Kent County Clerk, Register of Deeds — https://www.kentcountymi.gov/804/Get-a-Marriage-License
Last verified: September 2026
Last verified: September 2026
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