George Boyle
Wisconsin is known for its scenic landscapes, shoreline, and vast swaths of farmland, making it a popular destination for weddings. The state has specific laws and regulations that couples must follow to ensure their marriage is legally binding. These include requirements such as obtaining a marriage license, knowing the date and location of the ceremony, and adhering to age restrictions. Weddings can be held in various locations across the state, including state parks, amphitheaters, and cities like Madison and Milwaukee. Understanding and complying with the legal and logistical aspects of getting married in Wisconsin is essential for couples planning their special day.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Wedding locations | Wisconsin State Park System shelters and amphitheaters, Madison, Milwaukee, Dane County |
| Wedding requirements | Marriage license, mutual consent of the couple, officiant, two witnesses |
| Officiant requirements | Ordained, at least 18 years old, authorized by the state |
| Marriage license requirements | Date and location of the ceremony, officiant's name, address, phone number, email address, proof of divorce (if applicable), proof of permanent sterility (if first cousins marrying) |
| Marriage license fees | $49.50 (base fee), $120 (with additional fees) |
| Marriage license waiting period | Six calendar days (can be waived in some circumstances), three days (in Dane County) |
| Validity of marriage license | 30 days (from the issue date), 60 days (from the issue date) |
| Wedding ceremony requirements | No proxy marriages, no amplified music or sound without approval |
| Wedding party responsibilities | Clean up all trash generated during the event |
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What You'll Learn
Marriage license requirements
The couple must also be aware of the date and location of their wedding ceremony, as well as the officiant's name, address, and phone number, at the time of applying for the marriage license. The marriage license must be obtained from the county clerk of the county in which one of the parties has resided for at least 30 days before applying. If both parties are non-residents, the license can be obtained from the county clerk where the marriage will be performed. There is a three-day waiting period for the license to be issued, which can be waived in some circumstances for an additional fee. The license is then valid for 60 days, and the wedding ceremony must take place within this period for the license to be valid.
The cost of the marriage license is $49.50, with $24.50 going to the county and $25 to the state treasury. The county may use part of its retained funds for expenses related to domestic violence education, training, or services. Couples should ensure they receive a license for a religious or civil ceremony, depending on their preference. Wisconsin recognizes marriage equality rights for same-sex couples, and there is no religious requirement for marriages.
To apply for the marriage license, both applicants must appear in person at the County Clerk's Office with all the required documents. These documents include a valid driver's license or government-issued identification card, and if the address is incorrect, additional proof of the correct address is needed. A certified copy of the birth certificate is also required, and in the case of a previous marriage, a court-stamped copy of the signed divorce decree or annulment is necessary. Two witnesses, aged 18 or older, are required to sign the marriage license, and these witnesses must be different from the officiant and wedding party members. The officiant must be an ordained minister, priest, judge, or other qualified person, and they must be at least 18 years old.
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Wedding officiant rules
Firstly, officiants must be at least 18 years old. They must also be a judge, an appointed court commissioner, or an ordained minister. Wisconsin recognises online and non-denominational ordained ministers, so a quick process with an organisation like the Universal Life Church can qualify someone to perform a marriage. Ministers are not required to register in advance with the state, but they should check with the clerk of the exact county office where the couple's marriage license was issued to see if they require proof of ordination. It is a good idea to have a copy of the ordination documents on hand during the wedding.
The officiant is responsible for ensuring that all the marriage license paperwork is completed, signed, and valid before the wedding takes place. The couple must obtain a marriage license from the county clerk of the county in which one of the parties has resided for at least 30 days before applying. If both parties are non-residents of the state, they can obtain the license from the county clerk of the county where the ceremony will be performed. There is a waiting period of six calendar days from the time the couple applies for the license, and the wedding must take place within 30 days of the license being issued. The couple should ensure they receive a license for a religious ceremony, as ministers ordained by the Universal Life Church are considered religious actors.
The only legal requirements for a solemnized wedding are the couple's expression of consent and the minister's pronouncement of the marriage. There are no restrictions on the type of ceremony the couple chooses to create, and Wisconsin does not have a residency requirement for marriage. However, due to the COVID-19 pandemic, there is a temporary residency requirement for applying for marriage licenses. Wisconsin does not allow proxy marriages, so all necessary parties, including the minister, the couple, and two competent adult witnesses, must be present at the ceremony.
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Legal age to marry
In Wisconsin, both applicants are generally required to be at least 18 years old to marry. However, 16 and 17-year-olds can marry with the consent of both parents or legal guardians. This consent must be written and notarized.
Wisconsin does not have a residency requirement for marriage, so neither member of the couple needs to live in the state. However, due to the COVID-19 pandemic, there is a temporary residency requirement for applying for marriage licenses. The couple must obtain a marriage license from the county clerk where one or both partners reside. The marriage license application must be completed at least six days and no more than 30 days before the wedding. The license fee is $49.50, and the wedding ceremony must take place within 30 days of the issue date for the license to be valid.
While Wisconsin law allows for both religious and civil ceremonies, ministers must be ordained religious actors and at least 18 years old. Ministers are not required to register in advance with the state. However, they should check with the clerk of the county office where the marriage license was issued to verify whether proof of ordination is required.
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Wedding venues
Wisconsin is a beautiful state filled with farmland, forests, and lakes, making it an ideal location for a gorgeous wedding in nature. There are plenty of wedding venues in Wisconsin, ranging from European-inspired villas to lakeside spots and intimate outdoor gardens.
For those seeking a more cosmopolitan setting, the cities of Madison and Milwaukee offer elegant and unique venues. One such venue is The Fitzgerald, a historic mansion in Milwaukee's East Side Neighbourhood, constructed in 1874. Another is St. James 1868, also in downtown Milwaukee, which features two venues: the Hyde and the Abbey, both boasting European elegance. Greenhouse No. 7 is the only greenhouse in Milwaukee that doubles as a venue, showcasing the city's unique architecture and offering prime views of the historic Mitchell Park.
For those dreaming of a lakeside wedding, The Commodore on Nagawicka Lake in Hartland offers a picturesque and elegant setting. The Riviera Ballroom, located on the shores of Geneva Lake, blends elegance and lake views with nostalgia and tradition. Villa Bellezza in Pepin is another option, offering a Tuscan-inspired outdoor pavilion surrounded by lush vineyards and a central piazza, perfect for cocktail hours and receptions.
If you're looking for a more intimate setting, the Kneeland-Walker House provides a cozy, backyard wedding feel with elegant charm. The Paine Art Center and Gardens in Oshkosh is a European-style mansion and botanical garden with a carriage house, an English-inspired mansion, and lush foliage, offering a unique and stunning setting.
No matter your style or preference, Wisconsin has a wedding venue to offer a magical experience.
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Wedding planning
To obtain a marriage license in Wisconsin, couples must apply for it at least six calendar days before the wedding, and the ceremony must take place within 30 days of receiving the license. The couple must know the date and location of the wedding ceremony, as well as the officiant's name, address, and phone number, at the time of application. The officiant must be at least 18 years old and ordained, but they don't need to be a resident of Wisconsin or even of the US. The wedding ceremony must include the couple's expression of consent and the officiant's pronouncement of the marriage in the presence of two competent adult witnesses.
When it comes to wedding planning services in Wisconsin, there are several options available. Full-service wedding planning companies like Olive Branch Events Co. and Weddings with a Twist, LLC, based in Minneapolis and Madison, and Milwaukee and southeast Wisconsin, respectively, offer personalized planning, design, and elopement services. These companies can handle everything from logistics to creating a unique atmosphere that reflects the couple's personality. They also have strong relationships with top venues and vendors in the region, making it easier for couples to access the best resources for their dream celebration. Online platforms like The Knot also provide reviews, quotes, and details on various vendors in Wisconsin to help couples find the right match for their needs.
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Frequently asked questions
A marriage license must be obtained from the county clerk of the county in which one of the parties has resided for at least 30 days prior to the application. If both parties are non-residents, the license may be obtained from the county clerk of the county where the marriage ceremony is to be performed. There is a mandatory waiting period of six calendar days from the time the couple applies for a marriage license. The wedding ceremony must take place within 30 days from the issue date to be valid. The couple must be at least 18 years of age, and if either party has been married before, they must submit proof of the termination of the previous marriage.
Ministers who are at least 18 years of age and ordained can officiate weddings in Wisconsin. Ministers ordained by Universal Life Church are granted authority to perform weddings in Wisconsin. Any supreme court, circuit court, or municipal judge, or any court commissioner may perform civil wedding ceremonies in the state of Wisconsin.
There are many options for holding a wedding in Wisconsin. You can choose from scenic locations in nature or opt for a more cosmopolitan setting in cities like Madison or Milwaukee. Some state park system shelters and amphitheaters can be reserved for weddings, offering beautiful outdoor settings. Alternatively, you can hold your wedding in a county office or a location of your choice, such as a rented venue or a public space.
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