Family law: marriage and divorce; authority to solemnize marriage; modify. Amends sec. 16 of 1846 RS 83 (MCL 551.16).

This bill modifies Michigan's marriage laws to protect the validity of a wedding even if the person performing the ceremony lacks proper legal authority. It applies to couples who believe they are getting legally married, ensuring their union is not declared void simply because the officiant was not authorized. The key provision states that a marriage remains valid if both partners or at least one partner genuinely believed the ceremony was lawful, regardless of the officiant's jurisdiction. However, the bill will not become effective until a separate related bill, Senate Bill 1044, is also passed into law.