The 43rd District Court

Does the Judge perform weddings?

Yes, the Judge performs civil wedding ceremonies at the courthouse on Tuesday mornings between 11:30 and 12:00. The ceremony takes approximately 15 minutes.

What do I need for the ceremony?

You need to provide and do the following to prepare for such a ceremony:

Reside in either the City of Ferndale, City of Madison Heights or the City of Hazel Park.
Apply for your marriage license at the Oakland County Clerk’s Office located in Pontiac.
Make a special note of the expiration date of the license.
Contact the wedding clerk at the courthouse and make an advance appointment for the ceremony to be conducted.
Bring your wedding license and all pertinent envelopes and papers to the courthouse, along with the $10.00 fee, a few days prior to the ceremony. On a separate piece of paper in legible printing provide the full names of your two witnesses.

You may have as many people attend your service as you wish. Your dress may be formal or casual, but not beach wear. Photographs may be taken anywhere within the courtroom while the ceremony is taking place.

When you arrive at the courthouse on your scheduled day, please visit the counter and let the office staff know that you have arrived and are ready for the ceremony.

Upon completion of the ceremony your two witnesses and the Judge will sign the marriage license. You will be provided with a copy of the license for your files. The court will submit the original document to the county for official record keeping.