Me. Comp. Laws § 551.4 Incapacity; Persons forbidden for women to marry. The FCI`s Lay Officiants Program lays the groundwork for a legal challenge to state marriage laws that unconstitutionally favor religious organizations, but ensures that our trained officiants meet the requirements of most states to legally perform marriages (with the exception of religious clergy). Couples who want to get married in Michigan must first obtain a license. To do this, the couple must provide the county official with a written request, their birth certificates, and licenses (or any other form of identification). The parties must take an oath that all information contained in the application is accurate. If one or both parties are minors, the parents or guardians must consent to the marriage in person or by notarized affidavit. In some counties, a previously married person must provide proof of divorce.

However, it is illegal for courts to require blood tests to refute the relationship. Some individuals who identify as secular officiants, but are not certified by the CFI Lay Officiants Program, may have the opportunity to legally perform marriages in Michigan. It is the officiant`s responsibility to maintain and assert his or her authority to solemnize marriages with the state. These people may include those who are (or have been) a minister, priest or rabbi, etc. Those who are ordained/certified by religious organizations such as the Humanist Society (founded in the Quaker tradition), the Society for Humanistic Judaism (Jewish), or the Church of Universal Life Monastery (non-denominational) are also referred to as “gospel preachers” under Michigan law. These secular celebrants may offer to perform a wedding ceremony that has no religious content, but may only do so in their capacity as pastor of a religious organization. Each state has its specific rules and regulations about who can marry someone, hence the saying “with the power that the state of Michigan has invested in me.” In Michigan, there are basic qualifications for performing a wedding, but no one can do it on the street. In some states, such as Florida, someone who has become a notary can legally marry, but not in Michigan. Michigan law states that “no woman may marry another woman.” However, due to federal law changes in 2015, same-sex couples have the right to marry in all 50 states and the District of Columbia. Of course, just because you know the official law of who can officiate doesn`t mean it`s easy to choose someone to do it. This is what the bride and groom must discover.

While there are no registration requirements for officials in Michigan, you must be an ordained minister to legally marry. Michigan local regulations require that marriage officials be ordained under the designation of “minister” by a religious organization such as American Marriage Ministries. While you don`t need to register as a marriage official at a Michigan government office, it`s a good idea to keep personal records of your official ministry references. Proof of your ordination is essential if the couple, government officials, or the place of marriage request proof of your ordination. We recommend that you order your Michigan ministerial ordination package to receive your official ministry credentials. Your kit contains your official certificate of ordination and your letter of good reputy. His reputable letter is signed, dated and notarized by a church official. Your ministerial ordination package also includes your AMM Ministerial Manual, a valuable resource for information on formal training. A portion of the proceeds of your order will go to our charitable activities. So not only do you get your AMM service rights, but you also support a good cause.

(1) A person who has attained the age of 18 may enter into marriage. A person who is 16 years of age but under 18 years of age may enter into marriage with the written consent of 1 of his parents or legal guardians, as provided for in this article. As proof of age, the person wishing to marry must provide a birth certificate or other proof of age in addition to the declaration of age in the application at the request of the District Clerk. The District Clerk on the submitted application fills in the spaces of the licence in accordance with the applicant`s affidavit submitted before the District Clerk or a person legally authorized to take the oath. If the affidavit shows that the applicant for a marriage certificate or the person he wishes to marry is under 18 years of age, the district officer requires that prior written consent be given by 1 of the parents of each person under 18 years of age or by the person`s legal guardian. unless the person does not have a living parent or guardian. Consent is given to the marriage and to the issuance of the licence for which the application is made. Consent must be given in person in the presence of the registrar or confirmed before a notary or other official authorized to take an oath. A permit shall not be issued by the District Clerk until the requirements of this section are met.

Written consent is kept in the office of the District Clerk. If the parties have the legal right to marry, the District Clerk must sign the licence and confirm that it has been properly issued, and the employee must make a correct copy of the licence in the registration records. In Michigan, as in most states, the age at which a person can legally marry without the consent of a parent or guardian is 18. Although no one under the age of 16 can enter into a prenuptial agreement, people can marry at the age of 16 or 17 with the consent of at least one parent or guardian. For marriage to be legally binding, you and your future spouse must make a solemn declaration in front of two witnesses who are at least 18 years old and the presiding official that you wish to take the other as your spouse. The officiant then makes a statement celebrating the marriage. There are no other requirements imposed by the state for a civil or religious ceremony, so these can be planned according to your own needs and preferences. Welcome to the Michigan Marriage Laws Guide.

Running a wedding is an incredible honour, but it also comes with many responsibilities – which is why we give advice to couples and ministers on this topic. To make sure everything goes according to plan on the big day, we recommend following the steps below. You will learn how to become a marriage minister, how to marry a couple in Michigan, and how to make sure the ceremony is legally binding.