How to Officiate a Wedding in Warren, Michigan

Warren isn’t only a great industrial and innovative town. It’s also a great place to get married. So whether this is where you call home, or you came here from out of state, AMM is here to guide you through the process of getting married in Warren, from ordaining your minister of choice to signing the marriage license.

The logistical aspects of getting married are often the most challenging and confusing. This page should help ease and simplify the process to help you have a smooth and memorable ceremony. 

Step 1: Get Ordained with American Marriage Ministries

Let’s start with the ordainment process. According to Michigan state law, marriages may be performed by “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.”
 
If you’re not an ordained minister yet, no sweat. You can sign up with AMM to perform marriages in the state. The process is free and takes just a few minutes.
 
The Michigan state government does not license, register, or certify ministers or wedding officiants, so once you’re signed up with us, you’re ready to start performing wedding ceremonies!

Step 2: Prepare for the Wedding Ceremony in Greenville

Now that the formal application process is out of the way, we can help you prepare for the more personal aspects of conducting the wedding ceremony. Being asked to officiate a ceremony is an honor but requires a bit of preparation. You may want to check out 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, preparation tips, 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 the couple has 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 executed all of your functions as the wedding officiant. 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 a Marriage License from the Macomb County Clerk’s Office 

In Macomb County, it is preferred that an application for the marriage license be made online at least thirty days before the planned date of the wedding. If this is not possible, an application by mail is also available. The couple should complete the affidavit and then mail it to the County Clerk’s Office. The fee for the marriage license is $20, as long as one member is a Macomb resident, and $30 for non-residents. An appointment with the County Clerk’s Office can be made by following this link. 
 
When visiting the County Clerk’s Office, don’t forget to bring:

• Valid ID (State ID or Driver’s License for proof of residence)
• Social Security Number
• Marriage License Payment
   

The Basics

The great thing about getting married in Warren is that you’ve got access to all the options around Detroit. The Detroit area has endless possibilities: a delicious wedding banquet at Fogo de Chao or a sophisticated dinner at The Gazebo. 
 
If you’re looking for a gorgeous spot to have the ceremony, check out the White Chapel. This elegant venue offers a picturesque setting and a beautiful landscape with water fountains and greenery as an excellent backdrop for wedding photos and videos.

Transportation

Warren’s SMART bus system is excellent for getting around the city if you want to go carless. Otherwise, you can use rideshare, taxi, or limousine services that are readily available. 

Weather

The Detroit area has four distinct seasons, but the weather can be unpredictable, especially in 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.