Secret Marriage - Can a nonresident of Michigan apply for a secret marriage
in Michigan?
Question
Can someone that is not a resident of the state of Michigan apply for a
secret marriage in your state and is it valid in other states? The women
I love and I would like to be married and our families loath each other
and do not wish us to be together, We are 34 and 36 and both live in Ohio
and wish to keep our union private.
Answer
The residency requirements for a secret marriage are the same as the residency
requirements for any other Michigan marriage license. If Michigan
residents, at least one party must be resident of county where application
filed, and license is valid anywhere in Michigan. If both parties
are non-Michigan residents, they can apply in any county, but license is
only valid in county of issuance. Such a marriage would generally
be recognized in other states if valid in Michigan.
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Last Updated: 12-28-07
Send your comments, questions and suggestions to Phil Harter at 161
E Michigan Avenue, Battle Creek, Michigan 49014 or e mail to pharter@calhouncountymi.gov