County Clerk

Marriage Records

The Ottawa County Clerk’s Office electronically certifies documents filed with the Clerk pursuant to MCL 565.232. However, certain entities may require a certified copy that contains a traditional raised seal on the document even though an electronic certification is legally permissible under Michigan law. In this event, you will need to provide the Ottawa County Clerk’s Office with appropriate written documentation from the entity indicating they refuse to accept an electronically certified copy prior to receiving a raised seal certified document. Furthermore, if you are requesting a certified copy of a Clerk record for purposes of submitting a passport application or for international issues, such as international marriage, adoption or custody issue, you most likely will need a traditional raised seal on the document.

Pursuant to MCL §750.248, any person who falsely makes, alters, forges or counterfeits a public record or a certificate or attestation of a Clerk of Court on an order or in relation to a matter in which the certificate or attestation may be received as legal proof with the intent to injure or defraud another person is guilty of a felony punishable by imprisonment for not more than 14 years.

Online

Order certified copies of marriage records online . Search fee for a vital records is $15.00 and includes one certified copy. Additional copies of the same record on the same order are $6.00 for each copy. A convenience fee also applies to your order total.

By Mail or Fax

To order a certified copy by mail, complete the application for certified copy of marriage record (requires Acrobat Reader). Cash/Money order/Visa or MasterCard can be used. Certified copies by mail are $15.00 for initial copy and $6.00 for each additional copy. Send completed application and appropriate fee, payable to:

Ottawa County Clerk
12220 Fillmore Street, Room 130
P.O. Box 296
West Olive, MI 49460