Junior Rasmussen
If you're looking to officiate a wedding in Wisconsin, there are a few things you should know. First, Wisconsin has specific requirements for officiants, including being at least 18 years old and being a judge, appointed court commissioner, or ordained minister. Interestingly, Wisconsin recognizes online and nondenominational ordained ministers, so getting ordained through an organization like the Universal Life Church can qualify you to perform marriages. It is also important to check with the county clerk's office, as they may require proof of your ordination. In terms of the marriage license, it must be obtained from the county clerk before the ceremony and returned within three days after the wedding. The license is typically valid for 30 days, and there is a mandatory waiting period of around five to seven days between receiving the license and the ceremony.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Minimum age of officiant | 18 years |
| Officiant's residence | No restrictions |
| Officiant's gender | No restrictions |
| Officiant's belief system | No restrictions |
| Officiant's qualifications | Ordained minister, judge, or appointed court commissioner |
| Officiant's documents | Ordination certificate, other documents may be required by the county clerk |
| Marriage license | To be obtained from the county clerk's office, valid for 30 days, mandatory 6-day waiting period after receiving the license |
| Marriage license fee | $25 to expedite the marriage license application process |
| Marriage license delivery | To be returned to the county clerk's office within 3 days after the date of the marriage |
| Marriage license ink | Black |
| Witnesses | At least 2 competent adult witnesses other than the officiating person |
| Couple's minimum age | 18 years, 16 or 17 years with written consent from parents or legal guardians |
| Previous marriages | Submit proof of termination of the last marriage |
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What You'll Learn
Officiant requirements
To officiate a wedding in Wisconsin, you must be at least 18 years old and be a judge, an appointed court commissioner, or an ordained minister. Wisconsin recognizes online and non-denominational ordained ministers, so you can qualify to perform a marriage by getting ordained through an organization like the Universal Life Church. Ministers are not required to register in advance with the state, but it's a good idea to have a copy of your ordination documents on hand during the wedding, as the county clerk may ask for proof of your ordination.
To officiate a wedding, you'll also need to ensure 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's office, and the license is typically needed a few weeks before the ceremony. The couple must wait at least 6 days after receiving their license before the ceremony can take place, and the signed license must be returned to the county clerk within 3 days after the wedding. The marriage document must be filled out with black ink and include the signatures of the couple, the officiant, and two competent adult witnesses.
It's important to note that the practices of county clerks may differ, so it's recommended to work with the same clerk's office that issues the marriage license. Before the wedding, you should contact the marriage licensing office in the county where the wedding will take place and ask what documents you need to provide.
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Marriage license
In Wisconsin, 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 before the application. If both parties are non-residents, the license can be obtained from the county clerk of the county where the ceremony will be held. If one of the parties is a non-resident of the county, their part of the application must be completed and sworn to before the person authorised to accept marriage license applications in the county and state in which they reside.
The couple is responsible for picking up the marriage license from the county clerk's office 7-30 days before the wedding. The date, time, and location of the ceremony, as well as the officiant's name, address, phone number, and email address, must be known before applying for the license. The couple must bring the license to the wedding ceremony.
After the wedding, the officiant must file the solemnized marriage license with the register of deeds of any county clerk's office within three days. The document must be legibly and completely filled out in black ink. The marriage license must be returned to the clerk that issued it, or to any Wisconsin register of deeds.
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Couple requirements
To get married in Wisconsin, couples must adhere to several requirements. Both members of the marrying couple must be at least 18 years old. There is a provision in the law for 16- and 17-year-olds to marry, but only with the express consent of a parent or legal guardian. Additionally, Wisconsin does not allow anyone who has divorced in the previous six months to marry. If either partner has been married before, they must submit proof that the last marriage was properly terminated, such as a certified divorce decree.
The couple must obtain a marriage license from the county clerk's office. If one of the parties has resided in the county for at least 30 days, the license can be obtained from the county clerk of that county. If both parties are non-residents of the state, the license can be obtained from the county clerk of the county where the marriage ceremony will be performed. The non-resident partner can complete and sign their portion of the application before a person authorized to accept marriage license applications in the county and state in which they reside. The couple must wait at least six days after receiving their license before holding the wedding ceremony. The marriage license must be returned to the issuing county clerk within three days of the wedding. The document must be legibly and completely filled out with unfading black ink.
The couple must know the date and location of their wedding ceremony, as well as their officiant's name, address, and phone number, when applying for the marriage license. The officiant is responsible for ensuring that all marriage license paperwork is completed, signed, and valid before the wedding. The couple must also ensure that their officiant has the proper credentials, as some counties may require proof of ordination.
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Ceremony requirements
In Wisconsin, marriage licenses are issued by the county clerk's office and are valid for 30 days. Couples must wait at least six days after receiving their license before holding a ceremony. If they wish to marry sooner, they may pay a fee, usually around $25, to expedite the marriage license application process.
To officiate a wedding in Wisconsin, you must be at least 18 years old and be a judge, appointed court commissioner, or ordained minister. Wisconsin recognizes online and non-denominational ordained ministers, so a quick process with an organization like the Universal Life Church can qualify someone to perform a marriage. Ministers are not required to register in advance with the state of Wisconsin. However, it is recommended to have a copy of their ordination documents on hand during the wedding.
The couple must pick up the marriage license at the county clerk's office 7-30 days before the wedding. The marriage document must be legibly and completely filled out with unfading black ink and returned to the register of deeds of any county clerk's office within three days after the wedding. It is the officiant's responsibility to ensure that all the marriage license paperwork is completed, signed, and valid before the wedding.
The marriage license must include the signatures of the couple and their witnesses. The couple must also be aware of 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.
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$5.98
Paperwork submission
To officiate a wedding in Wisconsin, you must be at least 18 years old and be a judge, an appointed court commissioner, or an ordained minister. Wisconsin recognizes online and non-denominational ordained ministers. You can pursue online ordination through organizations like the Universal Life Church, which offers a free and straightforward process.
Once ordained, you must obtain a marriage license from the county clerk's office. The couple must pick up the license in person from the county clerk's office in the county where one of them has resided for at least 30 days before the application. If both parties are non-residents, the license can be obtained from the county where the ceremony will be held. The couple must also know the date and location of the wedding, as well as the officiant's name, address, and phone number, when applying for the license.
After receiving the license, there is a mandatory waiting period of five to seven days before the ceremony can take place. The couple may pay a fee, typically around $25, to expedite this process. The marriage license is valid for 30 days, and the completed ceremony must be returned to the issuing county clerk within three days.
The marriage document must be legibly and completely filled out with unfading black ink. It requires the signatures of the couple, the officiant, and two competent adult witnesses. The officiant is responsible for ensuring that all marriage license paperwork is completed, signed, and valid before the wedding.
To avoid complications, the officiant should also verify with the clerk's office whether they need to provide any additional documentation, such as proof of ordination, as requirements may vary between counties. It is recommended to have a copy of the ordination certificate on hand during the wedding.
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Frequently asked questions
You must be at least 18 years old and be a judge, appointed court commissioner, or ordained minister. Wisconsin recognizes online and nondenominational ordained ministers.
You need to have an ordination certificate and other documents such as an embossed and signed ordination certificate. You can obtain these documents through an organization like the Universal Life Church.
First, you need to contact the marriage licensing office in the county where the wedding will take place and ask what documents you need to provide. Then, you need to obtain a marriage license from the county clerk's office. After the wedding, you must sign the marriage license and return it to the county clerk within three days.
No, Wisconsin places no restrictions on ministers other than they are ordained and at least 18 years of age. The residence, gender, and belief systems of ministers do not matter.
Both members of the couple must be at least 18 years old. There is a provision in the law for 16- and 17-year-olds to marry with the express consent of a parent or legal guardian. Wisconsin does not allow anyone who has divorced in the previous six months to marry.
