Wisconsin Weddings: What You Need To Know

If you're planning to officiate a wedding in Wisconsin, there are a few things you need to know. First, Wisconsin law requires that wedding officiants be ordained and at least 18 years of age. Online ordination is recognised in the state, and there is no requirement to register with any government office. However, it's a good idea to keep records of your ministry credentials as proof of your ordination. When registering, you may be asked to present a physical copy of your ordination record, so it's important to have this documentation readily available. Additionally, when filling out a marriage license, Wisconsin may request that you use the title Minister or Reverend, and you may need to list your denomination.

Marriage requirements

To be legally married in Wisconsin, couples must follow certain procedures and meet specific requirements. Here are the key marriage requirements in Wisconsin:

• Age: Both parties must be at least 18 years old to marry. However, 16 and 17-year-olds can marry with the express consent of a parent or legal guardian.
• Previous Marriages: If either party has been married before, they must provide proof of the termination of the previous marriage, such as a certified divorce decree or a death certificate. Additionally, divorced individuals must wait at least six months after the finalisation of their divorce before remarrying.
• Kinship: Wisconsin allows first cousins to marry if the woman is at least 55 years old or if one of the cousins is permanently sterile and can provide medical proof.
• Residency: There is no residency requirement for marriage in Wisconsin. Neither party needs to be a resident of Wisconsin or the US to marry in the state. However, during the COVID-19 pandemic, there was a temporary residency requirement for applying for marriage licenses.
• Marriage Equality: Wisconsin recognises marriage equality rights for same-sex couples.
• Marriage License: Couples must apply for a marriage license in person at a county clerk's office. If one of the parties is a Wisconsin resident, the couple must apply in the county of that resident's residence. If neither party is a resident, they must apply in the county where the wedding will be held. The cost of applying for a marriage license is $45.50 plus fees. A waiting period of about five to seven days is typically required after obtaining the license, but this can be expedited for an additional fee. The license is valid for 30 days, and the completed license must be returned to the issuing county clerk within three days of the ceremony.
• Officiant: The wedding officiant must be at least 18 years old and can be any ordained member of the clergy, a licentiate of a denominational body, a judge, a court commissioner, or a municipal judge. Online ordination is recognised in Wisconsin. The officiant is not required to register with any government office but must provide proof of ordination if requested.
• Witnesses: At least two competent adult witnesses, in addition to the officiant, must be physically present at the wedding ceremony.
• Consent and Pronouncement: Both parties must express their consent to the marriage, and the officiant must pronounce them legally married.

How to get a marriage license

To obtain a marriage license in Wisconsin, the couple must apply in person at a county clerk's office. The cost to apply for a marriage license in the state is $45.50 plus fees. Typically, the couple must pick up the license in person after providing a birth certificate and government-issued photo identification. If either member of the couple has been previously married, the couple must also furnish divorce decrees.

There is a mandatory waiting period of six calendar days from the time the couple applies for a marriage license. The clerk will not issue the license until the waiting period has ended. Couples may apply for a waiver of the waiting period in some circumstances. After the license is issued, the wedding ceremony must take place within 30 days from the issue date to be valid.

If neither partner is a Wisconsin resident, the couple must apply in the county where the wedding will be held. If one partner is a Wisconsin resident, the couple must apply in the county where that partner resides. The marriage license will be valid for a ceremony performed in any Wisconsin county.

Each partner will be required to submit a valid photo identification, proof of current residence, and a certified copy of a birth certificate. Non-US residents may substitute a passport, green card, or other documentation.

Wisconsin law requires that the couple knows the date and location of their wedding ceremony, as well as their officiant's name, address, and phone number, at the time they apply for the marriage license.

Who can officiate a wedding

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

• 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 judge.

Note that an officiant must be at least 18 years old.

Registering as an officiant in Wisconsin

While Wisconsin law does specify who can solemnise a marriage, there are no laws, offices, or procedures requiring officiants to register with any government office. However, it is a good idea to keep personal records of your official ministry credentials, as proof of your ordination may be requested by the couple, government officials, or the wedding venue.

Officiant registration

In Wisconsin, wedding officiants are not required to register with any government office. However, to be able to legally perform a marriage, you must be an ordained minister. Local regulations in Wisconsin stipulate that wedding officiants under the designation of "Minister" be ordained by a religious organisation.

While registration is not mandatory, it is advisable to keep personal records of your official ministry credentials. Proof of your ordination may be requested by the couple, government officials, or the wedding venue. You can order a Wisconsin Minister Ordination Package, which includes your official Ordination Certificate and Letter of Good Standing. The latter is signed by a church officer, dated, and notarised.

To register to officiate a marriage in Wisconsin, contact the office of your local marriage authority (usually your county clerk). Let them know that you are an ordained minister and ask what information they require from you. Most clerks and agencies may ask for a physical copy of your ordination record.

When registering in Wisconsin, you may be asked to display proof of your ordination to the county clerk before they will accept the marriage license as having been legally solemnised. We recommend getting a Complete Minister Package for Wisconsin, which includes your Letter of Good Standing.

Finalising the marriage

Step 1: Complete the Marriage License

After the wedding ceremony, the minister, both witnesses, and the newlyweds must sign the marriage license using black ink. The minister should use their full legal name and write "minister" in the space provided for their title. The Universal Life Church Ministries should be listed as the ordaining body, and the minister's home address should be provided instead of the church address.

Step 2: Submit the Marriage License

Within three days of the wedding, the completed marriage license must be returned to the register of deeds of any county clerk's office. This deadline is crucial, as failing to meet it may result in legal complications.

Step 3: Record-Keeping

Although not mandatory, it is recommended that ministers maintain personal records of their official ministry credentials. Proof of ordination may be requested by the couple, government officials, or the wedding venue. Obtaining a Wisconsin Minister Ordination Package, which includes an Ordination Certificate and Letter of Good Standing, can be helpful for this purpose.

Step 4: Additional Follow-Up

While the above steps cover the legal requirements, there may be additional follow-up tasks specific to the wedding officiant or the couple. It is essential to communicate with the couple and relevant authorities to ensure that all necessary actions are taken to finalise the marriage.

By following these steps, you can ensure that the marriage is legally recognised and that all necessary records are maintained.

Frequently asked questions