Plan your Wedding in Traverse City

Choose a location for your ceremony

You'll find a detailed listing of area churches in our Places of Worship section, categorized by affiliation. If you prefer a less traditional location for your ceremony, contact us for information about beach weddings, winery weddings, and other possibilities.
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Choose a venue for your reception

Gathering spaces of all sizes are available in Traverse City, from cozy rooms to massive meeting halls. We will soon add a comprehensive guide to Traverse City meeting spaces to this page. For now, if you would like assistance in choosing a place for your reception or other gathering, please Contact Us.

Choose a restaurant for your rehearsal dinner

Want to offer a fine Italian meal to your guests, served in a century-old stone building? Or perhaps spicy Mexican cuisine? Seafood? Or distinctive regional cuisine? Take your pick in Traverse City!  For information and contact information for the region's fine selection of dining facilities, use our Guide.

Choose lodgings for yourselves and your guests

Looking for a private cottage nestled in the woods? Or do you prefer a large hotel that can accommodate your entire wedding party? Perhaps a condominium with water view for your immediate family? Or maybe a few rooms at a bed and breakfast winery in the midst of a picturesque vineyard? Traverse City can provide everything you desire. Explore our Accommodations section to select  lodgings for you and your guests.

Plan fun-filled days for your guests

Explore the pull-down menu at the top of this page to learn about the many activities available in and around Traverse City. Beach volleyball, tall ships, hot air balloon rides, golf, waterparks, art galleries, theater, festivals and more await your wedding party! You may also want to consult our online Events.

Getting a marriage license

To obtain a marriage license in Grand Traverse, Antrim or Leelanau counties, contact the following clerk's offices:

Michigan marriage license requirements:

Age Requirements: Minimum age 18. Person 16-18 with written consent of at least one parent (or legal guardian). Under 16, through consent of the Probate Court.

Application: Non-Michigan residents must apply for a marriage license in the county where they will be married no more than 30 days before the wedding date. Michigan residents must apply for a marriage license no more than 30 days before the wedding date in a county in which one of the parties resides. One or both parties can apply for the license. If one party is a county resident and the other is not, a photocopy of the county applicant's driver license must accompany the application if he/she does not apply in person. The application must be typed or legibly printed. A daytime phone number must be included in case there is a need to contact you regarding your application. One or both parties must sign the application. Do not sign the application until you come in to the office. The signature(s) must be notarized by a notary public.

Time:  There is a three-day waiting period from the day you apply before you can pick up your license. The license is good for 30 days. If you mail the application, the day the clerk receives it is considered the day you filed it. The three-day waiting period can be waived at the discretion of the county clerk. Your marriage license can be picked up in the County Clerk's office between the hours of 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. Monday through Friday.

License fee:  Application fee is $20 for Michigan residents and $30 for non-Michigan residents. Check or money order should be made payable to "County Clerk."

Witnesses: Two witnesses are required.

Persons able to perform ceremony: Any judge, magistrate, priest, minister or rabbi.

More questions?
If you have more questions, please contact our Wedding Consultant.

Wedding Assistance request form