Who Can Officiate Wisconsin Weddings?

If you're planning a wedding in Wisconsin, you might be wondering who can officiate the ceremony. The good news is that Wisconsin law allows anyone who is at least 18 years old to officiate a wedding, as long as they are ordained by a religious organization. This means that friends or family members can officiate, making the ceremony more personal and special for the couple. However, it's important to note that there are no laws or procedures requiring officiants to register with any government office in Wisconsin. While the state has no residency requirements for marriage, there are specific rules regarding the minimum age of the couple, consent, and the waiting period for the marriage license. So, if you're planning a wedding in Wisconsin, make sure you comply with all the necessary legal requirements to ensure your special day goes smoothly and your marriage is legally binding.

Wisconsin does not require officiants to register with a government office

While Wisconsin has specific laws, deadlines, and regulations for weddings, it does not require officiants to register with a government office. The state has no laws, offices, or procedures mandating officiant registration with any government entity. This means that once an individual is ordained, they can legally officiate weddings anywhere in Wisconsin without additional registration.

Wisconsin's Requirements for Officiants

Wisconsin does specify who can solemnize marriages, and this includes all ministers, even those ordained online. To be considered a minister in Wisconsin, one must be ordained by a religious organization. While registration with the state is not required, it is advisable to keep records of official ministry credentials, as proof of ordination may be requested by the couple, government officials, or the wedding venue.

The Ordination Process

The ordination process is typically free and straightforward, and some organizations provide the necessary training materials and resources to prepare individuals for their role as officiants. It is worth noting that some counties in Wisconsin may have unique requirements, so it is essential to contact the local county clerk's office to understand the specific documentation needed.

Final Thoughts

In summary, while Wisconsin does not require officiant registration with a government office, it is important to ensure compliance with the state's marriage laws and regulations. By understanding the legal requirements and completing the necessary steps, individuals can confidently and legally officiate weddings in the state of Wisconsin.

Officiants must be ordained ministers

In Wisconsin, the legal term for the act of conducting a wedding ceremony is "solemnization of marriage". The people with the authority to perform this act are religious and government officials. For most Americans, getting ordained is the easiest way to gain the legal right to solemnize weddings.

According to the Wisconsin Statutes § 765.16, only an "authorized officiating person" can conduct a wedding ceremony. This includes:

> (1) Any ordained member of the clergy of any religious denomination or society who continues to be an ordained member of the clergy.

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> (2) Any licentiate of a denominational body or an appointee of any bishop serving as the regular member of the clergy of any church of the denomination to which the member of the clergy belongs, if not restrained from so doing by the discipline of the church or denomination.

This means that to officiate a wedding in Wisconsin, one must be an ordained minister. Wisconsin law does not require marriage officiants to register with any government office prior to performing a marriage. However, local regulations in Wisconsin stipulate that wedding officiants under the designation of "Minister" must be ordained by a religious organization.

To become an ordained minister in Wisconsin, one can pursue online ordination through organizations such as the Universal Life Church or American Marriage Ministries. These organizations provide the necessary credentials and resources to officiate weddings in the state. It is important to note that ministers must be at least 18 years of age at the time of the ceremony.

Once ordained, it is recommended to visit the county clerk's office to inquire about any additional documents or requirements. The minister should also work with the same clerk's office that issues the marriage license for the couple. In Wisconsin, the couple must apply for a marriage license together and in person, and the license is typically valid for a set number of days. The signed license must be returned to the issuing office within a specified time frame, usually within three days after the ceremony.

Officiants must be at least 18 years old

In Wisconsin, the law requires that officiants are at least 18 years old. This is a general requirement for officiants across the United States, who are typically members of the clergy, judges, justices of the peace, or government officials.

In Wisconsin, there is no requirement for officiants to register with any government office, but they must be ordained ministers. This can be done for free and online, and there is no need for a divinity school degree. However, it is important to check with the county clerk's office to see which documents are necessary, as they may ask for proof of ordination.

The Universal Life Church, for example, ordains ministers who are at least 18 years old, in keeping with state law. It is always a good idea for an officiant to have a copy of their ordination documents on hand during the wedding.

In addition to being over the age of 18, Wisconsin law also requires that officiants are physically present for the entire ceremony, and that they ask each person if they wish to marry the other.

A marriage license is required

To obtain a marriage license in Wisconsin, couples must apply in person at a county clerk's office. A marriage license can only be issued after a waiting period of around five to seven days. The cost of applying for a marriage license in Wisconsin is $45.50 plus fees.

The couple must bring a birth certificate and government-issued photo identification. If either member of the couple has been divorced, they must also provide divorce decrees. Due to COVID-19, couples must also provide proof of residency.

Marriage licenses in Wisconsin are valid for a month. The completed marriage license must be returned to the issuing county clerk within three days of the ceremony.

Who can officiate a wedding in Wisconsin?

In Wisconsin, the legal term for the act of conducting a wedding ceremony is "solemnization of marriage". The people with the authority to perform this act are religious and government officials.

According to Wisconsin Statutes § 765.16, the following people are authorized to officiate weddings:

• Any ordained member of the clergy of any religious denomination or society who continues to be an ordained member of the clergy
• Any licentiate of a denominational body or an appointee of any bishop serving as the regular member of the clergy of any church of the denomination to which the member of the clergy belongs, if not restrained from doing so by the discipline of the church or denomination
• The two parties themselves, by mutual declarations that they take each other as husband and wife, in accordance with the customs, rules and regulations of any religious society, denomination or sect to which either of the parties may belong
• Any judge of a court of record or a reserve judge appointed under s. 753.075
• Any circuit court commissioner appointed under SCR 75.02 (1) or supplemental court commissioner appointed under s. 757.675 (1)
• Any municipal court judge

Registration requirements for officiants in Wisconsin

While Wisconsin law does not require officiants to register with any government office, they must be ordained ministers to be able to legally perform marriages. Local regulations in Wisconsin stipulate that wedding officiants under the designation of "Minister" be ordained by a religious organization.

Although registration is not required, it is recommended that officiants keep personal records of their official Ministry Credentials, as proof of ordination may be requested by the couple, government officials, or the wedding venue.

The officiant must pronounce the couple legally married

In Wisconsin, a wedding officiant must be at least 18 years old and must be an ordained minister or government official. The officiant does not need to register with the state, but they must be ordained by a religious organization.

To solemnize a wedding, the officiant must ask each person if they wish to marry the other and obtain their consent, usually in the form of "I do". After the couple has consented, the officiant must then pronounce them legally married. For example, the officiant might say, "I now pronounce you [married]".

Once the ceremony is complete, the officiant, couple, and witnesses must sign the marriage license using black ink. The officiant must then return the signed license to the register of deeds of any county clerk's office within three days of the wedding.

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