Church Licensing Information

Required State License(s):

None

Further Information:

To perform marriage ceremonies, one must be either an ordained minister, magistrate (a civil officer with power to administer and enforce law -- Justice of the Peace) or a judge.

For interpretation of the law about performing marriage ceremonies, contact the local County Clerks Office.

An ordained minister of the gospel recognized by a church may perform marriages whether or not the church has filed a charter with the State of Michigan, Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs, Corporation Division or an elected government official. To determine if a church has filed a charter, telephone: (517) 241-6470.

When forming a religious organization, there is a tax guide available from the IRS, publication "tax Guide For Churches and Other Religious Organizations; Publication 1828 (9/94) Catalog Number 21096G; address: IRS, Freedom of Information Reading Room, P.O. Box 795, Ben Franklin Station, Washington, D.C. 20044; telephone: (800) 829-1040.

Many churches are required to have a "Church Copyright License." For further information about this license call (800) 234-2446. Marriage licenses are obtained at the local county clerk's office.

Revised:  4/2005