How to Apply for a Marriage License in Wisconsin

With everything you need to remember to prepare for your wedding, the one thing that you do not want to forget is your marriage license. Here's how to apply for a marriage license in Wisconsin.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Things You’ll Need:

• Identification
• Cash

1. Select the date and location of your wedding. If one or both of you is a Wisconsin resident, then you will need to apply for your Wisconsin marriage license in the county where you reside although it will be vaild anywhere within the state. Find out where the County Clerk’s office is located by searching online or referring to a phone directory (see Resources below).
2. Choose an officiant to conduct your ceremony in advance of getting your marriage license. You will be required to give the name, address and phone number of the person who will be performing the wedding ceremony when you apply for the license.
3. Go together to the Clerk's Office to apply for your marriage license. You will need a certified copy of your birth certificate and your social security card. You must also show proof of residence, and some counties may require a minimum of 30 days residency in the state. This rule does does not apply if you are not a Wisconsin resident. If you are divorced or your previous spouse is deceased, you will need to provide the appropriate documentation.
4. Be 18 years or older to get your license. If one or both of you is 16 or 17, you will need either your parents or guardian to be present and must have certified documents showing their approval.
5. Pay in cash for your marriage license at the County Clerk's Office. The cost will be $70 and $100 depending on the county. Your license will not be issued to you that day, but after you receive it, no additional waiting time is necessary before you can get married.

Tips & Warnings

• You’ll need at least two witnesses for your marriage ceremony, and they will need to sign the license.
• Schedule your wedding day at least six days after you apply. This does not include weekends and holidays. Out-of-state residents may pay a $10 for a waiver of this policy.
• Your license expires if not used within 30 days.
• Do not try to get married within six months after your divorce has been finalized because doing so is illegal in Wisconsin.
• If you are a non-resident in the county where the marriage is to take place, apply for your marraiage license in that county otherwise it will be void outside the county.
• Wisconsin does not permit marriage between cousins under the age of 55 or covenant, common-law, same-sex or proxy marriages.

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