Plan your Grand Rapids, Michigan wedding with the current application process, a separately confirmed ceremony and time for photographs. The details below help you decide what to arrange before choosing your coverage.
Details reviewed October 30, 2026. Confirm current arrangements directly with the linked office or venue for your date.
Check where you should apply
Kent County accepts applicants when at least one lives in the county, or both live outside Michigan and the wedding is in Kent County. The county lists $20 for qualifying resident applicants and $30 for two out of state applicants.
Allow three days before collection
You can apply online or in person. The county says to wait three days before collecting the license and have a wedding scheduled within 33 days of applying. Bring the identification, government birth certificates and Social Security information on its checklist for both applicants.
Arrange the ceremony and return
Book your authorized officiant separately. The 61st District Court publishes its own ceremony eligibility and scheduling rules; check those before planning a courthouse wedding. Return the signed license within ten days after the ceremony.
Official planning information
How I would plan the photographs
I would confirm which Grand Rapids court or venue is actually hosting your ceremony before choosing portrait locations. Keep an indoor option and allow time for your witnesses and guests to meet you after the ceremony.
Confirm photography permission at your ceremony location before booking coverage inside. Share your date, guest count, ceremony address and any portrait stop so we can account for travel and walking in your quote.
Wedding photography and next steps
Tell us your date, venue or ceremony location, guest count and the parts of the day you want photographed. We’re based in Wilmington, North Carolina; we’ll confirm destination availability and travel with your quote.
The photographs in this guide are examples from our work. We’ll plan your locations and access for your own wedding.
Let’s talk about your wedding.
Share your plans. We’ll reply with availability and a coverage option for your day.
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