Wisconsin Officiants

Marriage Laws United States Wisconsin

Marriage license Laws in the state of Wisconsin, here is what you need to bring with you, and what you need to know about the Wisconsin marriage laws before filling out the Wisconsin marriage license form.

In order to get married, you need to apply and receive a marriage license. This is the document in your state that allows you to officially tie the knot under the law. The rules for acquiring your marriage license varies from state to state, so you should check with your city's marriage bureau at your clerk of court's office to find out what your local rules are.

You'll typically need to apply for your marriage license at least one month before your wedding ceremony. You'll traditionally need to send in your birth certificates, tax information, and other official documents. You don't, however, want to apply for your marriage license too early. In some states, the licenses do expire, if you don't get married within a few months.

When you apply for your license, you'll not only need a proof of identification and age, but you'll need to apply for the certificate together, will need to provide any information about previous marriages, and will need to pay a nominal fee. You will also need to have a witness when you sign the application, so plan on bringing your maid of honor or best man with you. The bride will need to know what her married name will be before she signs the marriage certificate. You'll have to write that name on the application.

And, believe it or not, just because you have your marriage license sent to you in the mail does not mean you are officially married. You need to have a justice of the peace or a religious clergyman sign the document. On your wedding day, you'll give your chaplain your marriage license, then after the ceremony, he'll sign it and send it to the proper government agency for validation.

ID Requirement: You must bring your Social Security Number, show proof of residence, have a certified copy of your birth certificate if you are under the age of 30. Know your parents
full names, mothers' maiden names. Make sure you have the
date and place of your marriage ceremony and the name,
address and phone number of the officiant.

Residency Requirement: One of you needs to have resided in the county where you are applying for at least 30 days. If you are from out-of-state, you must apply in the county where the ceremony will take place.

If Previously Married: You must show proof of divorce, death or annulment from your most recent marriage. You need to wait six months after a divorce before getting remarried. Copy of judgment of divorce, legal annulment or death certificate from most recent marriage.

Application Requirement: Both the bride and groom must appear in person at the time of applying.

Waiting Period: 6 days. If one or both of the parties is coming from out of state for the wedding, you can ask for a waiver of the waiting period when you apply for your license. The cost of the waiver is $10, making the total needed at time of application $70 in cash.

Fees: $60.00. Be prepared to pay in cash.

Blood Tests: No blood test requirement.

Under 18: If either the bride or groom is under 18, you must have written, notarized consent from his or her parents or guardian. There is a Consent form available to be signed by parents or guardian before a County Clerk.

Proxy Marriages: No.

Cousin Marriages: No.

Common Law Marriages: No.

Same Sex Marriages: No.

Officiants: Ordained member of the clergy, a judge, a court commissioner, or certain religious appointees. You and your prospective spouse may officiate under established customs or rules of some religions.

Valid: License is valid for 30 days.
The license can only be used within the State of Wisconsin.

Wisconsin County Clerk's Office