Marriage records in Chippewa County, Michigan, can be accessed through several channels. ChippewaMICourt.us can help you find publicly available marriage record information for the county. You can also obtain records directly from the Chippewa County Clerk's office, which issues marriage licenses and maintains marriage records. Requests may be submitted in person at the courthouse in Sault Ste. Marie, by mail, or through the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services vital records portal for marriages filed from 1997 onward.
Chippewa County Marriage Records Search
The Chippewa County Clerk is the issuing authority for marriage licenses and the custodian of local marriage records in Chippewa County. Under Michigan law, the county clerk issues marriage licenses, receives the signed marriage certificate after the ceremony, and files the completed record. The Clerk's office maintains:
- Marriage license applications and issued licenses
- Filed marriage certificates (returned by the officiant after the ceremony)
- Historical marriage records for marriages that took place in Chippewa County
For marriages filed from June 1, 1997, onward, records are also available through the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) Vital Records office. Marriages filed before 1997 are generally only available from the county clerk where the license was issued.
Contact the Clerk's office directly to confirm current office hours before visiting.
Certified Marriage Record Copies and Fees in Chippewa County
Fees for marriage record copies in Michigan are established by state statute and county fee schedules. The following table reflects standard fees for vital records in Michigan counties. Contact the Chippewa County Clerk to confirm current local fees before submitting a request.
| Service | Fee |
|---|---|
| Certified copy of a marriage record (county clerk) | $15.00 |
| Each additional certified copy (same order) | $5.00 |
| Certified copy through MDHHS (state vital records) | $26.00 |
Source: Michigan Compiled Laws § 333.2891 sets the state-level fee structure for vital records. County fees may vary slightly based on local policy. The MDHHS fee includes a search fee and one certified copy.
Processing times: In-person requests at the county clerk's office are typically processed the same day or within a few business days. Mail requests may take one to two weeks. Orders through the state MDHHS portal may take several weeks depending on demand.
Order Marriage Certificates Online or In Person in Chippewa County
Online
For marriages recorded from June 1, 1997, to the present, you can order a certified copy through the Michigan MDHHS Vital Records online ordering system. The state uses a third-party vendor (VitalChek) to process online orders. A credit card is required, and additional processing fees apply beyond the base record fee.
In Person
Visit the Chippewa County Clerk's office at the courthouse:
Bring a valid government-issued photo ID. Walk-in requests are generally accepted during regular business hours. Call (906) 635-6300 ahead of your visit to confirm availability and hours.
By Mail
Send your request to the Chippewa County Clerk at the address above. Include:
- A written request with the full names of both spouses, the approximate date of marriage, and the purpose of the request
- A copy of your valid government-issued photo ID
- A check or money order payable to the Chippewa County Clerk for the applicable fee
- A self-addressed stamped envelope for return delivery
For marriages from 1997 onward, you may also order by mail through MDHHS using the state's vital records mail-order form. Records filed before 1997 must be obtained from the county clerk where the marriage was filed.