Junior Rasmussen
If you're getting married in Wisconsin, you'll need to obtain a marriage license. The process for obtaining a marriage license in Wisconsin is simple, but there is a mandatory waiting period that varies by county. The waiting period is the number of days between submitting your application and receiving your license. For example, Dane County has a three-day waiting period, Brown County has a four-day waiting period, and Milwaukee has a six-day waiting period. The application must be completed at least seven days before the wedding but not more than 30 days beforehand. Once you have your marriage license, you can get married with just witnesses and the proper paperwork—you don't need an officiant or a ceremony. After the wedding, you can contact the Register of Deeds to obtain a certified copy of your marriage certificate.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Time to get a marriage certificate after the wedding | Not specified, but the couple will need to apply for it |
| Time to apply for a marriage license before the wedding | At least 7 days, but not more than 30 days |
| Waiting period for the marriage license | 3-6 days, depending on the county |
| Validity of the marriage license | 60 days |
| Cost of marriage license | $100-$125, depending on the county |
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What You'll Learn
- Marriage license applications must be completed 7-30 days before the wedding
- The license is valid for 60 days after a 3-6 day waiting period
- Couples must apply in the same county
- A certified copy of the marriage certificate must be purchased after the wedding
- A ceremony isn't required to get married in Wisconsin
Marriage license applications must be completed 7-30 days before the wedding
In Wisconsin, marriage license applications must be completed 7–30 days before the wedding. This waiting period is mandatory and begins when you file your initial application with the county clerk. The specific waiting period depends on the county—for example, Dane County has a three-day waiting period, Brown County has a four-day waiting period, and Milwaukee has a six-day waiting period.
To apply for a marriage license in Wisconsin, you must be 18 years old. If you are 16 or 17 years old, a consent form must be signed by both parents or guardians before the county clerk. If either party does not speak English, a third party must be present to interpret; couples cannot translate for each other.
Before applying for a marriage license, you must decide on the date, time, and place of the wedding, as well as the name of the officiant. The wedding officiant does not need to be registered to perform the ceremony, but their name, address, phone number, and email address must be provided. The couple is responsible for bringing the license to the ceremony.
The application process can be completed virtually via Zoom or in person at the County Clerk's Office. Both applicants must be present with valid photo ID (e.g., driver's license, state ID, military ID) and proof of residency (e.g., Wisconsin driver's license, utility bill). If either party has been married before, proof of how the previous marriage ended (e.g., divorce certificate, death certificate) must be provided. There is a fee for the marriage license, which varies depending on the county.
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The license is valid for 60 days after a 3-6 day waiting period
In Wisconsin, there is a mandatory waiting period after filing your initial marriage license application with the county clerk. The length of this waiting period varies depending on the county. For example, Dane County has a three-day waiting period, Brown County has a four-day waiting period, and Milwaukee has a six-day waiting period.
After the waiting period, the marriage license is valid for 60 days. For example, if a license is purchased on the 10th, it would have an issue date of the 14th and would be valid for 60 days after that. The ceremony may take place on the date the license is issued or any time within the 60-day validity period.
It is important to note that the marriage license application must be completed at least seven days before the wedding date, but not more than 30 days beforehand. This means that couples should aim to apply for their marriage license at least a week before their wedding date, but the specific timing will depend on the county's waiting period.
Once the marriage ceremony has taken place, the couple will need to file their marriage license in the county of their choosing within three days. They will also need to apply for a certified copy of their marriage certificate separately, as purchasing a marriage license does not automatically provide a certified copy.
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Couples must apply in the same county
To get married in Wisconsin, couples must obtain a marriage license. The process for obtaining a marriage license is relatively simple, but there are some important steps to follow. Firstly, couples must apply for the license in the same county where the ceremony will take place. This can be done virtually or in-person, depending on the county, and both applicants must be present with valid photo identification and proof of residency.
It is important to note that there is a mandatory waiting period after filing the initial application, and this varies by county. For example, Dane County has a three-day waiting period, Brown County has a four-day waiting period, and Milwaukee has a six-day waiting period. The license is typically valid for 60 days after the waiting period, and the ceremony must take place within this timeframe.
Couples should be mindful of these waiting periods and plan their application accordingly. While some counties may allow for a waiver of the waiting period in certain circumstances, it is generally recommended to apply for the license at least a week before the wedding date to ensure timely processing. Additionally, if either partner has been married before, proof of how the previous marriage ended, such as a divorce certificate or death certificate, may be required.
After the wedding ceremony, the couple can obtain a certified copy of their marriage certificate from the Register of Deeds in the county where they were married. This is an important step as purchasing the marriage license does not automatically provide a certified copy of the marriage certificate. The certified copy, along with birth certificates and driver's licenses, will be needed when applying for a name change or updating records with the Social Security Office.
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A certified copy of the marriage certificate must be purchased after the wedding
To obtain a certified copy of the marriage certificate, newlyweds in Wisconsin can contact their local Register of Deeds or the County Clerk's Office. The application process for a marriage certificate can vary slightly between counties, so it is advisable to check the specific requirements for the county in which the marriage took place. Some counties, such as Chippewa County, provide applications for marriage certificates at the time of purchasing the marriage license. This can streamline the process and ensure that couples have all the necessary information.
It is important to note that the marriage license and marriage certificate are two distinct documents. The license is a prerequisite for the wedding ceremony, while the certificate serves as an official record of the marriage. In Wisconsin, couples can apply for a marriage license in any county within the state, and the ceremony can be performed in any county within 60 days of the issuance of the license. However, the specific waiting period and validity period of the license may vary across counties. For example, Dane County has a three-day waiting period, while Brown County has a four-day waiting period.
The application process for a marriage license typically requires both applicants to provide valid photo identification, proof of residency, and certain documents related to any previous marriages. The couple also needs to know the name and contact information of the wedding officiant, as well as the date and location of the ceremony. Once the license is obtained, the couple is responsible for bringing it to the ceremony.
While the process of obtaining a marriage license and certificate may seem straightforward, it is always advisable to consult with an attorney or legal professional if any questions or unique circumstances arise. They can provide guidance and ensure that all the necessary steps are completed accurately and on time.
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A ceremony isn't required to get married in Wisconsin
To get married in Wisconsin, you must obtain a marriage license from the county clerk where one or both partners reside. The marriage license application must be completed at least 7 days before the wedding date but not more than 30 days beforehand. The application must be submitted to the County Clerk's office in the county where at least one of the parties resides. The marriage license should be ready for pickup a week after applying, and either partner can pick it up with their photo ID. The cost of the marriage license varies depending on the county, but it is typically around $100.
While marriage laws in Wisconsin require a marriage license, a ceremony is not necessary. In Wisconsin, you don't even need an officiant to get married. A couple can get married with just witnesses and the proper paperwork. The legal age to get married in Wisconsin is 18. However, with parental or legal guardian consent, individuals aged 16 or 17 can marry. This consent must be written and notarized. If either party was previously married, proof of how the last marriage ended is required. Divorced persons may not remarry until six months after the divorce judgment.
If you do choose to have a ceremony, any supreme court, circuit court, or municipal judge, or any court commissioner may perform civil wedding ceremonies in the state of Wisconsin. The name of the person performing the ceremony and the time and place of the wedding must be known before applying for the marriage license. Wedding officiants do not need to register with the county office to perform ceremonies in Dane County. However, the couple must provide the officiant's name, address, phone number, and email address at the time of application.
After the marriage, the license must be returned to the Register of Deeds of any Wisconsin County within three days.
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Frequently asked questions
The marriage license application must be completed at least 7 days before the wedding, but not more than 30 days before. Different counties have different minimum waiting periods. For example, Dane County has a three-day waiting period, Brown County has a four-day waiting period, and Milwaukee has a six-day waiting period.
You will need to provide the Clerk's office with a valid photo ID (Driver's License, State ID, Military ID, etc.), proof of residency, and the wedding officiant's name, address, and telephone number. If either partner was married in the past, you will need to provide a copy of the final judgment of divorce, a certified divorce certificate, legal annulment, or certified death certificate.
A marriage license is typically valid for 60 days after a waiting period of a few days, depending on the county. For example, in Chippewa County, there is a three-day waiting period, and the license is then valid for 60 days after that.
After you are married, you may contact the Register of Deeds in your county to obtain a certified copy of your marriage certificate. You can request a copy of the marriage certificate in any county in Wisconsin.
