Michigan requires two witnesses at a wedding, and each one must be at least 18 years old. That is the entire rule on how many witnesses you need to get married in Michigan. Neither witness can be the person officiating the ceremony, and the two must be separate individuals who actually see the couple exchange vows.1Michigan Legislature. MCL 551-9
What a Witness Is There to Do
A Michigan witness has two jobs. The first is being physically present when the couple exchanges vows. The statute requires the couple to “solemnly declare, in the presence of the person solemnizing the marriage and the attending witnesses, that they take each other as husband and wife.”1Michigan Legislature. MCL 551-9 Witnesses don’t need to speak, hold anything, or play any role in the ceremony. They just need to be there, watching.
The second job is signing. After the vows, each witness signs the marriage license along with the couple and the officiant. Those signatures certify that the witness saw the couple consent to the marriage. The officiant fills in each witness’s name and residence on the certificate before everyone signs.2Michigan Legislature. Michigan Compiled Laws Chapter 551 – Marriage
Who Qualifies as a Witness
The qualifications are short. A witness must be at least 18 years old and cannot be the officiant.3Michigan Courts. Michigan Courts – Witness Requirements for Marriage That’s it.
Michigan law does not require witnesses to be state residents, U.S. citizens, or unrelated to the couple. A parent, sibling, best friend, coworker, out-of-state guest, or a stranger pulled from the courthouse hallway all qualify equally. Most couples pick two people from their wedding party or close family, but the choice is personal, not legal.
What Happens If You Don’t Have Two
Michigan treats the two-witness requirement as mandatory. A ceremony performed without two qualifying witnesses risks being challenged as improperly solemnized. Michigan courts have historically been reluctant to void otherwise valid marriages over procedural defects when both spouses genuinely consented, but skipping the witness requirement creates an unnecessary legal gray area that could complicate things later, from name changes to spousal benefits to probate.
If you’re eloping, having a courthouse ceremony, or planning something small at home, the simplest fix is to make sure two adults are coming with you. Clerks’ offices in some counties can help couples who arrive without witnesses, but don’t assume this; call ahead if you’re planning to show up alone.
The Witness Signature on the License
The signing happens right after the ceremony. The officiant completes the marriage certificate portion of the license with the date and place of the marriage and the names and residences of both witnesses. The officiant, the couple, and both witnesses all sign. One copy goes to the couple, and the officiant keeps the original for filing with the county clerk.2Michigan Legislature. Michigan Compiled Laws Chapter 551 – Marriage
Because the witness’s residence goes on the certificate, it helps if your witnesses know their current address off the top of their heads. There’s no requirement that the address be in Michigan.
Can a Witness Also Be the Officiant?
No. The witnesses are a separate requirement from the officiant. The statute describes the vows being made “in the presence of the person solemnizing the marriage and the attending witnesses,” treating them as distinct roles.1Michigan Legislature. MCL 551-9 A judge, minister, mayor, or county clerk performing your ceremony cannot also serve as one of your two required witnesses. You need the officiant plus two more adults.
Picking Your Two
Since the law gives you so much latitude, the choice comes down to who you want standing with you. Some practical things to think about:
- Both people need to be 18 or older. A younger sibling or child in the wedding party doesn’t count, even if they’re part of the ceremony.
- They need to be present for the actual vows, not just the reception or the photos.
- They need to sign the license on the day of the ceremony, so they shouldn’t disappear right after the vows.
- Their names and addresses go on the official record, which becomes part of your marriage certificate.
Beyond that, Michigan leaves the decision to you. Two is the number, 18 is the age, and the rest is yours.