{"id":30853,"name":"Lansing","state_id":30,"county_id":1569,"created_at":"2019-08-20T10:40:55.738-07:00","updated_at":"2023-10-22T04:17:18.493-07:00","meta_description":null,"head_tag":null,"tagline":null,"intro_section":"\u003cp\u003eSo, you\u0026rsquo;re getting married in Lansing! Or perhaps you\u0026rsquo;ve been asked to officiate a wedding in town. Either way, congratulations are in order! You have a big day ahead.\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003eMichigan\u0026rsquo;s capital has experienced some changes in the last few years. The city\u0026rsquo;s downtown is beginning to liven up, its food and brewery scene are taking off, and it\u0026rsquo;s economy has been rated one of the fastest growing in the entire state. But if you\u0026rsquo;re a local yourself, then you already know what a great city Lansing is. (Go green, go white!) And truly, there\u0026rsquo;s no better spot to plan a Midwestern wedding than Mid-Michigan!\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003eHere in our guide, we have everything you need to know about how to get married in Michigan, how to legally officiate a wedding, plus some extra wedding planning tips for couples to make sure the entire process goes smoothly. So without further ado, let\u0026rsquo;s jump into the guide!\u003cbr /\u003e\r\n\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\r\n","officiant_section":"\u003ch3\u003eStep 1: Get Ordained with American Marriage Ministries\u003c/h3\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003ch3\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/h3\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003eLet\u0026rsquo;s start with the ordainment process. According to Michigan state law, marriages may be performed by \u0026ldquo;a minister of the gospel or cleric or religious practitioner, anywhere in the state, if the minister or cleric or religious practitioner is ordained or authorized to solemnize marriages according to the usages of the denomination.\u0026rdquo;\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003eIf you\u0026rsquo;re not an ordained minister yet, no sweat. You can \u003ca href=\"/ordination-application\" target=\"_blank\"\u003esign up with AMM\u003c/a\u003e\u0026nbsp;to perform marriages in the state. The process is free and takes just a few minutes.\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003eThe Michigan state government does not license, register, or certify ministers or wedding officiants, so once you\u0026rsquo;re signed up with us, you\u0026rsquo;re ready to start performing wedding ceremonies!\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003ch3\u003eStep\u0026nbsp;2: Prepare for the Ceremony in Ingham County\u003c/h3\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003ch3\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/h3\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003eNow 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.\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003eHere you can find everything from sample wedding ceremony scripts, to brainstorming prompts, tips for preparation, and more.\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003ch3\u003e\u003cbr /\u003e\r\nStep\u0026nbsp;3: Officiate the Wedding and Complete the Marriage License\u003c/h3\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003ch3\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/h3\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003eWhen it comes to the marriage license, it\u0026rsquo;s the couple\u0026rsquo;s responsibility to obtain it from the county clerk\u0026rsquo;s office, but just be sure to double-check that they have a valid marriage license before you perform the ceremony. After the ceremony, be sure to help them complete it and notarize it correctly.\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003eIt is also your job as the officiant to return the marriage license to the county clerk\u0026rsquo;s office in which the couple obtained it. Make sure to do so promptly so that the office can file it and the couple is able to retrieve their marriage certificate.\u003c/p\u003e\r\n","couple_section":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eFile for the Marriage License from the Ingham County Clerk\u0026#39;s Office\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003eNow let\u0026rsquo;s turn our attention to the couple\u0026rsquo;s responsibilities.\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003eYou can either apply \u003ca href=\"https://eweb.ingham.org/clerk/web/login.jsp\"\u003eonline\u003c/a\u003e or in person. (But if you apply online, you save yourself an extra trip to the county clerk\u0026rsquo;s office.)\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003eIf you have access to a computer, fill out the marriage license application \u003ca href=\"https://eweb.ingham.org/clerk/web/login.jsp\"\u003ehere\u003c/a\u003e. Otherwise, you can head down to the office in person to fill out an application. Then, there is a three-day waiting period that begins after you apply.\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003eAfter the three days have passed, you can obtain your actual marriage license. You should visit the county clerk\u0026rsquo;s office in which either applicant resides to pick it up.\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cul style=\"margin-left: 40px;\"\u003e\r\n\t\u003cli\u003eWhen you go, just remember to bring:\u003c/li\u003e\r\n\t\u003cli\u003e$20 for the marriage license application fee\u003c/li\u003e\r\n\t\u003cli\u003eGovernment-issued ID (showing current address)\u003c/li\u003e\r\n\t\u003cli\u003eSocial security numbers of both parties\u003c/li\u003e\r\n\u003c/ul\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003eThen, you\u0026rsquo;ll be issued your actual marriage license, which your officiant will help you to complete on the day of the wedding.\u003cbr /\u003e\r\n\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\r\n","wedding_tips":"\u003ch3\u003eThe Basics\u0026nbsp;\u003c/h3\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003eWhen trying to narrow down your wedding date, be sure to watch out for major events in town, like the jazz festivals. The Lansing JazzFest and the Old Town BluesFest are the largest music festivals that take place in the state. It\u0026rsquo;s best to steer clear of these events when choosing your wedding date if you want to avoid traffic and parking problems. To be safe, check the local events calendars before committing to a date at a venue. And speaking of venues, let\u0026rsquo;s talk about some of the options available in town.\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003eYou\u0026rsquo;ve probably been to weddings at the \u003ca href=\"https://www.facebook.com/OldTownMarquee/\" target=\"_blank\"\u003eOld Town Marquee\u003c/a\u003e and the \u003ca href=\"https://thecadillacroom.com/\" target=\"_blank\"\u003eCadillac Room\u003c/a\u003e before. Both are great options for couples that appreciate a venue with a modern vibe, and both are close to central downtown.\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003eBut if you\u0026rsquo;re looking for a unique alternative, you might want to check out the \u003ca href=\"http://www.cpa.msu.edu/beal/wedding/wed_frames.htm\" target=\"_blank\"\u003eW.J. Beal Botanical Garden\u003c/a\u003e at Michigan State University. You can say \u0026ldquo;I do\u0026rdquo; surrounded by 2,000 species of plants! Or, if you\u0026rsquo;re feeling really adventurous, why not rent out the \u003ca href=\"https://www.weddingwire.com/biz/michigan-princess-riverboat-lansing/c087c0fa08c2a219.html\" target=\"_blank\"\u003eMichigan Princess Riverboat\u003c/a\u003e for the evening for a nautical-themed wedding?\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003eThe options are abundant! But if you want to check out more options outside of Lansing, feel free to do so. If at least one of the members of the couple is a Michigan state resident, then your marriage license is valid throughout the state.\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003ch3\u003eTransportation \u0026nbsp;\u003c/h3\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003eIf you\u0026rsquo;re coming in from out of town and you don\u0026rsquo;t want to spend a fortune on transportation, there is the public transit system, the Capital Area Transit Authority (\u003ca href=\"https://www.cata.org/Routes-Schedules\" target=\"_blank\"\u003eCATA\u003c/a\u003e). However, it\u0026rsquo;s really better for commuting to work than it is for getting around town in a hurry. Another option is to use Lyft and/or Uber during your stay, if you really want to avoid renting a car while you\u0026rsquo;re in town.\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003ch3\u003eWeather\u003c/h3\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003eLansing receives heavy rain in autumn and heavy snowfall during its winters, which last from late November through April. Its summers get hot and humid, starting in late May or June, and can sometimes last until October. The best time for a wedding in Lansing is during the fall, when the temperature is perfectly mild. Spring can also be a nice option, when the flowers are in bloom, but you are risking rain showers. Either way, it\u0026rsquo;s a good idea to invest in wedding insurance in case of inclement weather.\u003cbr /\u003e\r\n\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\r\n","faq":"\u003ch4\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAre Internet ministers legal in Michigan?\u003c/strong\u003e\u003cbr /\u003e\r\nYes, ministers that have been ordained through online ministries are perfectly legal in the state of Michigan.\u003c/h4\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003ch4\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eDo I need to register my ministerial credentials with the state?\u003c/strong\u003e\u003cbr /\u003e\r\nNo, the state does not keep track of ministers, so there is no need to register your ordainment with any governing body.\u003c/h4\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003ch4\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWhere should we apply for our marriage license?\u003c/strong\u003e\u003cbr /\u003e\r\nApply for your marriage license in the county in which one of the applicants resides. If one or both of you have an Ingham County address, you must apply at the Ingham County Clerk\u0026rsquo;s Office for your license.\u003c/h4\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003ch4\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eDo both parties need to be present in order to pick up the marriage license?\u003c/strong\u003e\u003cbr /\u003e\r\nNo, both parties do not have to be present to pick up the application in person. However, if only one person comes in to apply, they must be the Ingham County resident.\u003c/h4\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003ch4\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCan we get married outside of Ingham County?\u003c/strong\u003e\u003cbr /\u003e\r\nYes, you can get married anywhere in the state of Michigan with your Ingham County-issued marriage license, as long as one applicant is a Michigan resident. If neither applicant is a Michigan resident, then apply for your marriage license in the county in which you attend to get married.\u003cbr /\u003e\r\n\u0026nbsp;\u003c/h4\u003e\r\n","content_live":true,"marriage_licensing_info":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eIssuance Office:\u003c/strong\u003e 313 West Kalamazoo Street\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eFee:\u003c/strong\u003e $20\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWaiting Period:\u003c/strong\u003e 72 hours\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eExpiration:\u003c/strong\u003e 33 days\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eReturn:\u003c/strong\u003e By officiant\u003cbr /\u003e\r\n\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\r\n","meta_description_esp":null,"head_tag_esp":null,"tagline_esp":null,"intro_section_esp":"","officiant_section_esp":"","couple_section_esp":"","wedding_tips_esp":"","faq_esp":"","content_live_esp":false,"marriage_licensing_info_esp":""}