How to Officiate a Wedding in Detroit, Michigan

So, you’re planning to tie the knot in Detroit! Over the last few years, this all-American city has turned into a phoenix rising from the ashes of economic hardship, now attracting some of the country’s spunkiest entrepreneurial minds, while remaining affordable, working class, and authentic. That’s great news if you’re planning a wedding, as you’ll have access to the benefits of an evolving city without breaking the bank.

Here at AMM, our job is to help you take care of the technical requirements of getting married, so you can focus on making decisions like choosing between a unique ceremony at the new Jazz Cafe at Musical Hall, or overlooking the beautiful Lake St. Clair at sunset. So many options! So without further ado, let’s get started.

Step 1: Get Ordained with American Marriage Ministries

First, let’s get the ordainment process out of the way. According to Wayne County law, the following persons may perform wedding ceremonies: 

“A judge of the district court, in the district in which the judge is serving. (b) A district court magistrate, in the district in which the magistrate serves. (c) A municipal judge, in the city in which the judge is serving or in a township over which a municipal court has jurisdiction under section 9928 of the revised judicature act of 1961, 1961 PA 236, MCL 600.9928. (d) A judge of probate, in the county or probate court district in which the judge is serving. (e) A judge of a federal court. (f) A mayor of a city, anywhere in a county in which that city is located. (g) A county clerk in the county in which the clerk serves, or in another county with the written authorization of the clerk of the other county.”

If you do not fall into any of these categories, no sweat. You can get ordained with AMM to fall within the priest or minister category. The process is free and takes just a few minutes.

When it comes time to perform your duties as the officiant, Wayne County may ask you to present documentation, which AMM provides for a fee. (You can call the county clerk’s office before you perform the ceremony to ask if they will require you to bring the certificate in person.)

Step 2: Prepare for the Ceremony in Wayne County

Now that the easy part is out of the way, we can help you prepare for the wedding ceremony itself. Being asked to officiate a ceremony is an honor, but can feel like a lot of pressure. You will appreciate our wedding training pages, which are a library of information to help you prepare for your first ceremony and ensure that it goes smoothly. 

Here you can find everything from sample wedding ceremony scripts, to  brainstorming prompts, tips for preparation, and more.

Step 3: Officiate the Wedding and Complete the Marriage License

When it comes time to sign the marriage license, it’s the couple’s responsibility to obtain and complete it. Just double check that they have a valid marriage license in their possession before performing the wedding.

Once you have performed the ceremony and signed the marriage license, you have successfully performed all of your functions as the wedding officiant. Just make sure to remind the couple to return the signed and completed marriage license to the county clerk’s office after the ceremony.

File for the Marriage License from the Wayne County Clerk's Office

To obtain your marriage license, you both members of the couple will have to visit the Detroit County Clerk’s office at 2 Woodward Ave. First, complete the online marriage license application. Then schedule your appointment online here.

When you go, remember to bring:

• Proof of residency (valid driver’s license or state ID)
• Certified copy of birth certificate or birth registration with parental info
• Social Security Number
• $20 for Wayne County residents, $30 for out-of-state residents

The Basics

First things first: choose your wedding date with some thought. You’ll want to note the dates of the many events and festivals in Michigan, like the Electronic Music Festival around Memorial Day, the National Cherry Festival in early July and the Michigan State Fair in September. Just make sure that you don’t choose a venue in close proximity to these events. Speaking of venues, Detroit and Michigan at large have a diverse array of options to explore. Here are a couple of our favorite picks.

If you want to flip the script on the traditional wedding formula, check out the Eastern Market in downtown Detroit, where many of Detroit’s specialty markets are hosted. There are multiple structures to choose from, which provide plenty of space and shelter from the elements, and an industrial ambiance that is perfect for a funky couple. But there are plenty of options for the couple that’s envisioning a classic wedding in the city without breaking the bank. Check out the University of Michigan’s Event Center, which is just as elegant as any pricey banquet hall, at a fraction of the cost.

Transportation

If you’re going carless in Motor City, Detroit has a lot of public transportation options. The DDOT is one of the more popular modes, as it covers most of the city’s nooks and crannies. But if you’d like to avoid navigating Detroit’s public transportation, rideshares very prevalent.

Weather

Detroit has four distinct seasons, but the weather can be unpredictable, especially during the winter. Michigan winters bring thunderstorms, sleet, snow, and even the occasional tornado. But the craziness calms down in the late spring, and transitions into lovely Michigan summers, when the average daily high usually doesn’t go beyond the mid-80s. Fall is also beautiful. The temperature begins to drop in October, but the foliage is always beautiful.