How to Officiate a Wedding in Michigan

As a Minister of the Church of the Flying Spaghetti Monster

Pastafarian minister officiating a wedding

The Short Version

There are two things: the wedding ceremony, and the legal marriage. One is a ceremonial ritual, a performance, and the other is paperwork. You’re leading the ceremony. You may also assist the clerk with the marriage paperwork in some places. In Michigan?

Michigan is straightforward. You can handle the paperwork here, but you’ll need to produce your ordination credentials and a Letter of Good Standing to the County Clerk before the ceremony. It’s not a formal registration system, but documentation is required. One thing to watch: Michigan marriage licenses are only valid for 33 days — the second shortest in the country — so timing matters.

You Can Do This

The couple asked you because they want you standing up there — not a stranger, not a professional, you. That means something. Here’s what you need to know:

It’s not as scary as you think. Most ceremonies are 5–15 minutes. The couple does most of the talking (vows, “I do”). You’re the guide.

At a minimum, your ceremony needs two elements: 1. Declaration of Intent — “Do you take this person…” / “I do” 2. Pronouncement — You declare them married

Everything else — readings, vows, stories, jokes, Pastafarian blessings, the whole production — is optional and up to you and the couple.

FSM Ordination Package

The Ordination Package — $79

  • Paper Certificate of Ordination
  • Black/Silver Resin Wallet Card
  • Two Vinyl Car Decals
  • Digital credentials (PDF) delivered same-day
  • Free shipping worldwide

Get Ordained →

Preparing for the Ceremony

  1. Get ordained — Get ordained with the Church of the Flying Spaghetti Monster. Takes a few minutes. The digital credentials come within hours, and the physical package ships in a few days.
  2. Present credentials to the County Clerk — Michigan requires ministers to produce ordination credentials and a Letter of Good Standing to the County Clerk before performing ceremonies. This isn’t a formal registration, but the clerk needs to verify your credentials.
  3. Talk to the couple — What kind of ceremony do they want? Religious? Secular? Funny? Short? This is their day — find out what matters to them.
  4. Write your script — Include the Declaration of Intent and the Pronouncement. Fill in the rest with whatever feels right — personal stories, readings, vows, humor.
  5. Practice — Read it out loud at least twice. Time it. Speak slowly — you’ll talk faster on the day.

Ceremony Day

  • Bring: Your script (printed), your ordination credentials and Letter of Good Standing, and a black pen
  • The ceremony: Walk through your script. Declaration of Intent → Pronouncement → done. Everything else is gravy.
  • Relax. You’ve prepared. The couple picked you. Enjoy it.

If You’re Also Handling the Paperwork

Michigan allows ordained ministers to sign the marriage license once they’ve presented credentials to the County Clerk.

Statute: Michigan Compiled Laws § 551.7 — ministers of the gospel, clerics, or religious practitioners ordained or authorized by their denomination may solemnize marriages.

Can an FSM Minister Handle the Paperwork?

Detail Info
Can officiant sign the license? Yes (with credential verification)
Registration required? Credentials and Letter of Good Standing must be presented to County Clerk
Marriage license cost $20–$30
Waiting period 3 days (can be waived for extra fee)
License valid for 33 days
Return deadline 10 days after ceremony
Witnesses needed 2 witnesses

Before the Wedding

  • Present your credentials to the County Clerk — Bring your ordination certificate and Letter of Good Standing. Do this well before the wedding. Call the County Clerk first to confirm what they need.
  • Call the County Clerk — Tell them you’re an ordained minister performing a wedding. Ask what they need from you. They do this every day and they’re almost always helpful.
  • The couple gets their marriage license — They apply at the County Clerk’s office. 3-day waiting period (can be waived for an extra fee). Valid for only 33 days — one of the shortest in the country. The license is only valid in the issuing county. Make sure the ceremony location is in the same county.

Right After the Ceremony

Sign the marriage license — you, the couple, and two witnesses. Black pen. Do this immediately after the ceremony — don’t wait.

After the Wedding

Return the signed license to the County Clerk within 10 days. Mail it or drop it off. Set a phone reminder right after the ceremony.

Michigan Tips

  • 33-day license validity — second shortest in the country. Coordinate timing carefully with the couple.
  • License is only valid in the issuing county — make sure ceremony location matches
  • 3-day waiting period (waivable for extra fee)
  • 2 witnesses required
  • 10-day return deadline — don’t procrastinate
  • Have your Letter of Good Standing ready
  • Non-resident ministers authorized in their home state also qualify
  • Online ordination is widely accepted

County-Specific Info

Questions?

Contact us. And the #1 rule: talk to your local County Clerk before the ceremony. They do this every day. They’ll tell you exactly what you need.

This page is a helpful guide, not legal advice. Laws change. Always verify current requirements with your local County Clerk.