Marriage records in St. Joseph County, Michigan, are available through several channels. StJosephMICourt.us allows you to find public information about marriage records in the county. Additionally, records are maintained by the County Clerk's office, which issues marriage licenses and registers certificates. You can visit in person, send a request by mail, or use the Michigan state online portal to order copies.
St. Joseph Marriage Records Search
In Michigan, the responsibility for issuing marriage licenses and maintaining marriage records is entrusted to the St. Joseph County Clerk. This office keeps track of all issued licenses, submitted marriage certificates, and related documents. The collection includes both modern records and historical documents preserved since the county's formation.
Beyond the local level, the Michigan Department of Vital Records maintains a centralized database of marriage records since 1867. If a record was registered in St. Joseph County, a copy is usually available at the state level as well.
The County Clerk's office is located in the county courthouse:
Certified Marriage Record Copies and Fees in St. Joseph
The cost of services is determined by Michigan state law (MCL 333.2891) and the local fee policy of the County Clerk's office. Below are approximate fees — we recommend confirming current amounts directly with the clerk's office.
| Service | Fee |
|---|---|
| Certified copy of marriage certificate (first) | $26.00 |
| Additional certified copy (in one order) | $12.00 |
| Record search (if exact date is unknown) | Included in the cost of a certified copy |
The listed fees correspond to the standard Michigan rates for vital records. Additional processing and delivery fees may apply when ordering through the state portal. Local request processing time is usually the same day for in-person requests; mail requests are processed within 5–10 business days.
Order Marriage Certificates Online or In Person in St. Joseph
There are three main ways to order a copy of a marriage certificate in St. Joseph County.
Online
The state of Michigan offers the option to order vital records through the official Vital Records portal. To place an order, you will need:
- Full names of both spouses
- Date of marriage (or approximate range)
- County of registration
- Payment by credit or debit card
Delivery of online orders usually takes 2 to 6 weeks.
In Person
Visit the County Clerk's office at the address provided above during business hours. Bring a valid photo ID. A certified copy is usually issued immediately if the record is in the local database.
By Mail
To order by mail, send to the clerk's office address:
- A written request specifying the full names of the spouses, date of marriage, and purpose of the request
- A copy of the applicant's ID
- A check or money order for the appropriate amount, made payable to St. Joseph County Clerk
- A self-addressed stamped envelope
You can also order a record by mail through the State Department — the site offers relevant application forms for marriage records.
Necessary forms for local requests may be available in the forms and documents section on the county's website. If the required form is not available online, call the clerk's office — they will guide you on how to properly submit a request.