Oakland County, Michigan, Monday, July 24, 2008 -- Getting married in Oakland County just got a little easier. A new online marriage license application will be able to save happy couples a trip to the county courthouse.

The service was launched this week, highlighted by the marriage Thursday of the first couple to use the online service. Ruth Johnson, the Oakland County Clerk/Register, performed the ceremony at their request.

"This wedding present is a little different - time, convenience and saving a little gas money," Clerk Johnson said, adding she's already heard from one mother-of-the-bride whose daughter lives in California but wants to get married back home in Oakland County.

"We're happy to make it easier for couples who want to get married in Oakland County, including those who don't live nearby or who may be living out-of-state," Johnson said. "This is one way our office is using technology to make meaningful changes."

State law previously required couples to apply in person for a marriage license, wait three days, and then pick up their approved license. The new online service eliminates one trip to the Oakland County Courthouse. Couples can apply online at www.oakgov.com/clerkrod and then pick up their license, in person, three days later at the Clerk's Office. There is no additional fee for the online service. The cost for a marriage license for Michigan residents is $20.

Married Thursday were Laura M. Barnette, 38, of Waterford who is a clerk in the Oakland County Elections Division as well as a part-time college student and mom of two. The groom was Michael H. Morgan, 42, a route manager with Ryder Logistics and lead singer of the local band, Mad Hatter. Morgan has two daughters.

Johnson said her chief deputy clerk, Stephanie Schroeder, originally suggested the online change to make it easier for customers. The Oakland County Clerk's Office took the suggestion to Lansing and successfully lobbied to change the law to allow the online applications.

"Anything that can make the process easier will be so appreciated," said Barnette. "I happen to work in the Oakland County Courthouse, so it wasn't as crucial for me. But for other couples? This could save them time, gas money and the bother of driving down here, parking and coming inside. It will be so much more convenient."

While state law empowers county clerks to perform civil marriages, Johnson rarely officiates at ceremonies. Local magistrates officiate at the majority of civil marriages.

The online marriage application joins a host of other improvements made to the Clerk/Register of Deeds web site.  Court Explorer, a nationally recognized program, improved access to Oakland Circuit Court files while the Campaign Finance Records service opened up political contribution records.

Last week, another online service was launched - the Absentee Ballot Tracker which allows absentee votes to track their ballot through the election process and confirm their vote has reached their local clerk to be counted on Election Day.