{"id":30897,"name":"Sterling Heights","state_id":30,"county_id":1586,"created_at":"2019-08-20T10:40:56.597-07:00","updated_at":"2024-09-20T11:47:41.208-07:00","meta_description":null,"head_tag":null,"tagline":null,"intro_section":"\u003cp\u003eIf the glamour of getting married in a big city like Detroit catches your eye, but you are hesitant to deal with the hullabaloo that comes with getting hitched in the urban sprawl, then look no further than Sterling Heights. Known as Detroit\u0026rsquo;s little sibling - Sterling Heights has all that Detroit offers, but with a little more cozyness. Located just 25 miles away, this little suburb is quiet, clean, and beautiful.\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003eWhether you are asked to officiate a wedding by the soon-to-be newlyweds or you are the happy couple looking to create a stress-free wedding, we have all you need in this guide. We will walk you through all the steps necessary to register your wedding and get the proper documents for your officiant. As you work through everything, make sure to check out all that Sterling Heights has to offer: from dancing at the \u003ca href=\"https://www.sterling-heights.net/714/Sterlingfest\"\u003eSterlingfest Art and Music Fair\u003c/a\u003e to slippin\u0026rsquo; and slidin\u0026rsquo; at the nearby Red Oaks Waterpark. But first, let\u0026rsquo;s get the legal to-do\u0026rsquo;s out of the way.\u003c/p\u003e\r\n","officiant_section":"\u003ch3\u003eStep 1: Get Ordained with American Marriage Ministries\u003c/h3\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003eThe first step is quick and easy - the ordination process. If you have been asked to officiate a wedding, congratulations. This is a big honor, so make sure to start by giving yourself a pat on the back.\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003eMichigan marriage law states that ministers and certain government officials/judges are able to solemnize marriages. When you are ordained through AMM, you meet the legal criteria to qualify as a minister able to perform those duties and are able to do so anywhere in the state.\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003eThe process is free, simple, and just takes a moment! We are the only \u003ca href=\"https://theamm.org/about/government-certifications\"\u003e\u003cb\u003eIRS Certified 501c3 Non-Profit\u003c/b\u003e\u003c/a\u003e that offers free online ordination.\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003eOnce you \u003ca href=\"/ordination-application\"\u003eget ordained\u003c/a\u003e with AMM, you\u0026rsquo;re ready to hitch that couple! There are no government offices where you need to file documents, so you can move on to the other preparation steps right away.\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003ch3\u003eStep 2: Prepare for the Ceremony in Macomb County\u003c/h3\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003eOnce you are ordained, it is time to get excited and get ready for the ceremony. We know that it can be a little stressful if it is your first time officiating, so we are here to help. Check out our \u003ca href=\"https://theamm.org/officiant-training\"\u003ewedding training pages\u003c/a\u003e. We want the process to be as smooth as possible for the officiant, so we will walk you along each part of the process.\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003eYou will find everything you need to know here, whether you are a seasoned professional or a first-timer. Take a look at our sample ceremony scripts and brainstorming ideas, to preparation tips, and more.\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003ch3\u003eStep\u0026nbsp;3: Officiate the Wedding and Complete the Marriage License\u003c/h3\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003eThe last responsibility of the officiant is to perform the ceremony and fill out the marriage license on the big day. While it is up to the couple to complete the marriage license application and obtain it, it is your job to double check that they bring it with them on the day of the wedding and to make sure it is valid.\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003eFor it to be valid, you must wait 3 days after it is issued, it must be used within 33 days of being issued, all of the names and dates must be correct, and you sign the document as the officiant. You will also need two witnesses to be present and sign the document.\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003eYour job is done! Just remind the couple to return the license to the Macomb County Clerk\u0026rsquo;s Office. And one more thing\u0026hellip; Don\u0026rsquo;t forget to have a good time dancing at the end!\u003c/p\u003e\r\n","couple_section":"\u003cp\u003eNow let\u0026rsquo;s look at the couple\u0026rsquo;s responsibilities.\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003eFirst, complete the online marriage license application which can be found \u003ca href=\"https://macombcountymi-web.tylerhost.net/web/wizard/WIZARD32S1\"\u003ehere\u003c/a\u003e. Then make an appointment with the County Clerk\u0026#39;s Office by clicking \u003ca href=\"https://queu.net/nyRgpYIrai8hZrYo\"\u003ehere\u003c/a\u003e.\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003eWhen you are applying, remember to have:\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003col style=\"margin-left: 40px;\"\u003e\r\n\t\u003cli\u003eLicense Fee of $20 for residents ($30 for non-residents).\u003c/li\u003e\r\n\t\u003cli\u003eValid driver\u0026#39;s license or State ID showing current address.\u003c/li\u003e\r\n\t\u003cli\u003eBirth certificates for both parties.\u003c/li\u003e\r\n\t\u003cli\u003eThe social security number of both parties.\u003c/li\u003e\r\n\u003c/ol\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003eAfter that, you are done! Your license will be able to be used 3 days after being issued and is good anywhere in the state. Just return the completed and signed license within 33 days of the completion of your ceremony.\u003c/p\u003e\r\n","wedding_tips":"\u003ch3\u003eThe Basics\u003c/h3\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003eSterling Heights has a lot of bang for your buck. It is a quick drive over to Detroit, making it a safe and clean alternative to the big city but keeping all the fun stuff at your fingertips. We recommend heading to Detroit and taking a \u003ca href=\"https://detroitexperiencefactory.org/public-tours\"\u003efree walking tour\u003c/a\u003e and then checking out the \u003ca href=\"https://www.dia.org/\"\u003eDetroit Institute of Arts\u003c/a\u003e. When it\u0026rsquo;s time to ride over to Sterling Heights, grab a bite to eat at Ike\u0026rsquo;s restaurant, one of the best places in the city.\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003eBut, we know that what you are really looking for is the best-of-the-best wedding spots, so here are the two we like most:\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003e\u003ca href=\"https://www.pennasofsterling.com/\"\u003ePenna\u0026rsquo;s of Sterling\u003c/a\u003e - This family-owned business brings a traditional taste of Italian heritage. Owning both Penna\u0026rsquo;s of Sterling and Villa Penna, this family has been in business for over 40 years. You will taste authentic Italian cuisine made from old-family recipes, and can rent one of their many regal ballrooms. Penna\u0026rsquo;s is sure to treat you right and give you the memory of a lifetime.\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003e\u003ca href=\"https://vintagebanquetsandcatering.com/banquet-facilities/\"\u003eVintage House\u003c/a\u003e - Another venue with over 50 years of experience, Vintage House is able to give up to 400 guests the time of their life. They have a 5000 square-foot garden and offer full service catering. This is a great choice for the cold Michigan winters, but also you can rock out on their patio bar and grill in the summer. You can\u0026rsquo;t go wrong.\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003ch3\u003eTransportation\u003c/h3\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003eSterling Heights is easily drivable and has minimal traffic. You should be able to hop back and forth between Detroit easily, and it won\u0026rsquo;t take more than a few minutes to get to where you need to go. There is a bus system with routes online, but ride-share services like Uber and Lyft are easily accessible as well.\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\u003eYou will experience all four seasons in Sterling Heights, but winter-time can be harsh. Storms, snow, and thunder can all be expected in the winter, so you will need to be sure you have indoor accessibility at your wedding. You want to be prepared for all types of weather. Michigan summers are temperate and wonderful, but you want to book early as this is the busy season.\u003c/p\u003e\r\n","faq":"\u003ch4\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eDoes the couple need to bring their social security cards in order to apply for a marriage license?\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/h4\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003eNo, but you do need to know both of your social security numbers.\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003ch4\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWhen can I apply for my marriage license?\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/h4\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003eNo more than 33 days before the ceremony, but no fewer than three.\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003ch4\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eOnce I register to become ordained through AMM, do I need to register my credentials with the state of Michigan?\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/h4\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003eNo, the state government does not require ministers to register their credentials with any office. Once you have registered with AMM, you are ready to perform weddings in Michigan.\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003ch4\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCan we get married the same day that we apply?\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/h4\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003eNo, there is a three-day waiting period.\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003ch4\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eDoes our marriage license expire?\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/h4\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003eYes. Once you apply for your marriage license online, you have 33 days to use your marriage license. Since there is a mandatory three-day waiting period between the date of your application and the first day you can pick it up from the office, you actually have 30 days to hold your ceremony. Once the ceremony has been performed, you have 10 days to return it to the county clerk\u0026rsquo;s office for filing according to Michigan law.\u003c/p\u003e\r\n","content_live":true,"marriage_licensing_info":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003eIssuance Office: \u003c/b\u003eMacomb County Marriage Desk - 120 North Main Street, Mount Clemens, MI 48043 (Temporarily Closed)\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003eFee: \u003c/b\u003e$20.00 for residents, $30.00 for non-residents\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003eWaiting Period:\u003c/b\u003e 3 Days\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003eExpiration: \u003c/b\u003e33 days\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003eReturn: \u003c/b\u003eBy couple\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":""}