Genealogy

The Berrien County Clerk's Office maintains birth records for all  births which have occurred in the county since 1867, death records from 1867 and marriage records from 1831.

Vital Records

Death and marriage records are open to the public and these records are in libers and/or on microfilm.

Birth records are closed according to Michigan state law; however, records over 100 years old may be viewed by the public.

All of the above records may be viewed at:
County Records Department
2100 East Empire
Benton Township

Viewing Hours

• Mondays from 8:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.
• Wednesdays from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
• Fridays from 12:30 p.m. to 4:30 p.m.

Fees

Fees for certified copies of these records are $13 for the first copy and $4 for each additional copy of the same record. If the requested record is not found, the fee is retained for the search. There is a $2 per year fee for additional searches for the same record. Photo identification is required to purchase any birth records.

Divorce & Family Division

Divorce and annulment inquiries or records need to be directed to the Family Division File Clerks on the fourth floor of the Courthouse. Some of these records are not on-site and if you call first, the records will be ready for you when you arrive. Inquiries should be directed to the Family Division File Clerks:
Berrien County Courthouse
Fourth Floor
811 Port Street
St. Joseph, MI 49085

The phone number is 269-983-7111, Ext. 8410.

Non-certified copies are not issued for any records in the Clerk's Office.