The magistrate must keep an accurate record of all marriages performed in a book expressly used for that purpose. MCL 551.104.
It is the officiating magistrate’s duty to fill in (typewritten or legible print) the marriage certificate. MCL 551.104. The magistrate must fill in the spaces regarding:
•the time and place of the marriage;
•the names and residences of two witnesses; and
•the magistrate’s own signature in certification that the marriage has been performed by him or her. MCL 551.104.
The magistrate must deliver the duplicate license and certificate to one of the parties joined in marriage. MCL 551.104.
B.Filing Certificate of Marriage
The magistrate must return the completed original marriage certificate to the issuing county clerk within 10 days from the date of the ceremony. MCL 551.104.
Misdemeanor. Failure to return the original marriage certificate to the county clerk within that time period is a misdemeanor offense, punishable by a fine not to exceed $100, 90 days’ imprisonment, or both. MCL 551.107.
“Whenever it is alleged that the facts are not correctly stated in any certificate or license of marriage heretofore registered in [Michigan], the county clerk of the county in which the certificate or license of marriage has been recorded shall require such evidence to be presented in the form of an affidavit or otherwise as may be necessary to establish the alleged facts and when so established the original record shall be changed to accord with the same. Such evidence shall be approved by the circuit court by ex parte order.” MCL 551.111.