FOREIGN MARRIAGES

Act 168 of 1939

AN ACT to determine whether certain marriages solemnized in another state by individuals authorized to solemnize marriages under the laws of that state are to be recognized in this state.


History: 1939, Act 168, Imd. Eff. June 6, 1939 ;-- Am. 1996, Act 334, Imd. Eff. June 26, 1996




The People of the State of Michigan enact:


551.271 Marriages solemnized in another state validated.

Sec. 1.

    (1) Except as otherwise provided in this act, a marriage contracted between a man and a woman who are residents of this state and who were, at the time of the marriage, legally competent to contract marriage according to the laws of this state, which marriage is solemnized in another state within the United States by a clergyman, magistrate, or other person legally authorized to solemnize marriages within that state, is a valid and binding marriage under the laws of this state to the same effect and extent as if solemnized within this state and according to its laws.
    (2) This section does not apply to a marriage contracted between individuals of the same sex, which marriage is invalid in this state under section 1 of chapter 83 of the revised statutes of 1846, being section 551.1 of the Michigan Compiled Laws.


History: 1939, Act 168, Imd. Eff. June 6, 1939 ;-- CL 1948, 551.271 ;-- Am. 1996, Act 334, Imd. Eff. June 26, 1996





551.272 Marriage not between man and woman invalidated.

Sec. 2.

     This state recognizes marriage as inherently a unique relationship between a man and a woman, as prescribed by section 1 of chapter 83 of the Revised Statutes of 1846, being section 551.1 of the Michigan Compiled Laws, and therefore a marriage that is not between a man and a woman is invalid in this state regardless of whether the marriage is contracted according to the laws of another jurisdiction.


History: Add. 1996, Act 334, Imd. Eff. June 26, 1996




Rendered 8/16/2025 6:32 AM
Michigan Compiled Laws Complete Through PA 5 of 2025
Courtesy of legislature.mi.gov