New bill expands who can officiate Michigan weddings
Published on Jun 12, 2025, 4:00:37 PM
Total time: 00:03:43
Published on Jun 12, 2025, 4:00:37 PM
Total time: 00:03:43
A new bill would allow friends and family members to officiate wedding ceremonies without getting ordained.
Currently, Michigan law only permits certain city officials, judges, or ordained individuals—such as ministers—to perform weddings.
State Senator Veronica Klinefelt sponsored the bill. She says some religious leaders have denied couples based on personal beliefs. She shared her own experience:
“The priest I was seeing made the determination that I shouldn’t be getting married and wouldn’t conduct the ceremony. This year, I will be married 40 years. So I don’t know that he was any more equipped to make that call than my family members who were at that wedding.”
The bill would also expand officiating privileges to township clerks and state lawmakers. It has passed in the Senate and is now headed to the House.
The Detroit Greenways Coalition is expanding its bike trail guide to include a route across the Gordie Howe International Bridge into Canada.
The group is working with Bike Windsor Essex to compile a list of trails and attractions for cyclists on both sides of the border.
Coalition Executive Director Todd Scott said the potential for tourism is significant:
“I was at the Ontario Bike Summit recently, and they said that bike tourism in Ontario contributes $900 million to that province’s economy. That really opened my eyes to how much potential there is for expanding that bike tourism into the Detroit area.”
The guide will answer questions about cross-border documentation and differing cycling laws. It’s expected to be ready before the bridge opens later this year.
The City of Dearborn has revised its food truck regulations, allowing permanent operations in areas zoned for commercial and light industrial use.
The update includes requirements for proper electrical hookups, propane storage, and sanitation. Trucks will not be permitted in business districts near restaurants to protect brick-and-mortar establishments, but they may operate in public parks if they meet city standards for power and waste disposal.
The new rules take effect September 1st.
Bamboo Royal Oak is hosting its first Juneteenth Black-Owned Business Market on June 18th, celebrating Black excellence and economic empowerment.
The event features local entrepreneurs offering handcrafted jewelry, fashion, cuisine, wellness products, and more. It’s free for attendees and vendors.
The market runs from 3–8 PM. For more information, email ally@bamboocowork.com.
The Dearborn Summer Market returns this Friday at 4:00 PM in West Downtown Dearborn.
The market highlights downtown businesses, local vendors, and free kids’ activities including face painting, balloon twisting, and caricature art.
More information is available at dearbornsummermarket.com.
The Detroit Evening Report is a three-minute daily round-up of the news that city residents need to know. Stories focus on the concerns, problems, passions and needs of Detroiters – specifically residents of color. On the weekends, we take a break from the news and spend some time with community members. Hosted by Sascha Raiyn, Jerome Vaughn, Tia Graham, Nargis Rahman, and Hernz Laguerre, Jr. Detroit Evening Report is a production of WDET, Detroit's NPR Station.