Wisconsin Church Spiritualism: A Wedding Venue?

The Church of Spiritual Humanism offers free online ordination, allowing anyone to become a legal minister. However, it is unclear if this ordination is valid in Wisconsin. While some states require clergy registration, Wisconsin does not. The only requirement to officiate a wedding in Wisconsin is to be an ordained minister aged 18 or older.

To perform a wedding in Wisconsin, you must first check the county marriage laws and acquire a Wisconsin marriage license. The couple must apply for this license together and in person, and there is a mandatory 6-day waiting period before the ceremony can take place. The license is valid for 30 days, and the signed license must be returned within 3 days of the ceremony.

While the state does not impose any formal wording requirements, a legal wedding in Wisconsin must meet certain standards. Both partners, at least two competent adult witnesses, and the minister must be physically present for the entire ceremony. Each partner must declare their consent, and the minister must pronounce them legally married.

Check county marriage laws

To check the marriage laws in your county, you should contact your local marriage authority, typically your county clerk. They will be able to advise on what documents you will need to provide to officiate a wedding legally.

Although minister registration is not required in Wisconsin, county clerks will often ask to see proof of ordination before they will accept a marriage as legally solemnized. Therefore, it is a good idea to keep personal records of your official Ministry Credentials. You can also order a Wisconsin Minister Ordination Package, which includes an Ordination Certificate and Letter of Good Standing.

In addition, you should be aware of the rules governing marriage licenses in Wisconsin. Marriage licenses are issued by the county clerk's office and are valid for 30 days. There is a mandatory 6-day waiting period, meaning that the couple must wait a minimum of 6 days after receiving their license before the ceremony can legally take place. Once the ceremony has been completed, the signed marriage license must be returned to the issuing office within 3 days.

Acquire a Wisconsin marriage license

To acquire a marriage license in Wisconsin, couples must follow a few steps. Firstly, they must schedule an appointment with the County Clerk's office, which is the issuing office for marriage licenses. Appointments are typically available between 8:00 AM and 3:30 PM from Monday to Friday, excluding holidays. It is important to note that some counties, like Outagamie County, only accept appointments for the current and following week, and couples must still apply at least 4 days before their wedding date.

During the appointment, both parties must be present and provide the required documents, including a certified birth certificate, proof of residence, and a valid photo ID. The application fee varies across counties, with St. Croix County charging $100 and Outagamie County charging $115. It is important to note that this fee is non-refundable and usually payable in cash or check.

After a waiting period, which is typically 3 to 6 days, the couple can pick up their marriage license, which is valid for 30 to 60 days, depending on the county. It is important to be mindful of the deadline to return the signed marriage license, which is usually within 3 days of the wedding ceremony.

Additionally, it is worth noting that the minimum age to get married in Wisconsin is 16 years, and applicants under 18 years of age must have written consent from their parents or guardians.

Prepare for the wedding

To prepare for the wedding, there are a few steps you should take.

First, you should get ordained online with the Universal Life Church. Ordination is free and can be completed quickly. Once ordained, you will be a legal minister of the ULC, and you will be able to perform legally valid marriages.

Next, contact the office of your local marriage authority (usually your county clerk) and inform them that you are a minister of the Universal Life Church. Ask what documentation they will require from you to officiate a legal marriage.

After you have contacted your marriage authority, purchase the necessary documentation. It is recommended that ministers in Wisconsin obtain an Ordination Package and add on a Letter of Good Standing. Although minister registration is not required in Wisconsin, county clerks may ask to see proof of ordination before accepting a marriage as legally valid. It is also recommended that you order your materials at least three weeks before the wedding ceremony to ensure that you receive all your materials in advance.

Finally, ensure that the couple has picked up their Wisconsin marriage license from the appropriate office. This license is valid for 30 days, and there is a 6-day waiting period between when the couple applies for the license and when they can legally solemnize the marriage. The signed license must be returned to the issuing office within three days of the wedding ceremony.

Understand the requirements to become an ordained minister in Wisconsin

To become an ordained minister in Wisconsin, you must be at at least 18 years old. The ordination process is straightforward and completely free. Here are the steps you need to follow:

• Get Ordained: You can get ordained online through organizations like the Universal Life Church, Open Ministry, American Marriage Ministries, or Spiritual Humanism. The ordination is usually free and can be completed quickly.
• Contact the County Clerk: Reach out to the office of your local county clerk and inform them that you are an ordained minister. Ask about the specific requirements and documents needed to officiate weddings in your county. Requirements may vary across counties.
• Obtain Required Documents: After contacting the county clerk, purchase the necessary documents and credentials. This may include an ordination package, a Letter of Good Standing, and/or a Classic Wedding Set. It is recommended to order these materials well in advance, at least three to four weeks before the wedding.
• Understand Marriage License Requirements: Familiarize yourself with the rules governing marriage licenses in Wisconsin. Know the validity period of the license, the waiting period before the ceremony, and the deadline for returning the signed license to the issuing office.
• Prepare for the Wedding: Once you have completed the above steps, you are ready to perform the wedding! Work with the couple to prepare for the ceremony and ensure that they have obtained their marriage license from the appropriate office.

It is important to note that while ministers are generally not required to register in Wisconsin, county clerks may sometimes ask for proof of ordination. Having physical copies of your credentials can provide peace of mind for both the couple and the officials.

Learn about the Wisconsin marriage code

Marriage in Wisconsin is governed by Chapter 765 of the Wisconsin Statutes. This code outlines the requirements for a legal marriage in the state, including who can marry, the marriage license process, and the role of the officiant. Here is a detailed overview of the key components of the Wisconsin marriage code:

Who Can Marry

According to Wisconsin law, every person who has attained the age of 18 years may marry if otherwise competent. If a person is between the age of 16 and 18 years, a marriage license may be issued with the written consent of their parents or legal guardians. Additionally, no marriage shall be contracted while either of the parties has a living spouse, nor between persons who are nearer than second cousins.

Marriage License Process

To obtain a marriage license in Wisconsin, couples must apply at the county clerk's office in the county where one of the parties has resided for at least 30 days. If both parties are non-residents, they can obtain the license from the county where the marriage ceremony will take place. There is a mandatory 6-day waiting period after the application before the license can be issued. The license is valid for 30 days, and the signed license must be returned to the issuing office within 3 days of the wedding ceremony.

Officiant Requirements

Wisconsin law authorises specific individuals to solemnise a marriage, including ordained ministers of recognised churches, such as the Universal Life Church. While minister registration is not required in Wisconsin, county clerks may ask for proof of ordination before accepting a marriage as legally solemnised. The officiant must determine that the couple presenting themselves for marriage are the parties named in the marriage license and must refuse to perform the ceremony if they are aware of any legal impediment.

Marriage Ceremony

The marriage ceremony must include the mutual declarations of the two parties to take each other as husband and wife, made before an authorised officiant and in the presence of at least two competent adult witnesses, excluding the officiant. The officiant's official title will be "Minister", and the ceremony type and denomination will be listed as "Religious" and "Non-Denominational", respectively.

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