Milwaukee Courthouse Wedding Alternative
Milwaukee County stopped performing civil wedding ceremonies in 2020. Schwa Potter comes to you, anywhere in Milwaukee, for $300.
Milwaukee County Doesn't Do Courthouse Weddings
If you searched "courthouse wedding Milwaukee" hoping to walk into the Milwaukee County Courthouse and get married, here's the reality: Milwaukee County stopped performing wedding ceremonies in 2020. They issue marriage licenses, but that's it. No judge, no ceremony, no "I do" at the courthouse.
Washington and Kenosha counties don't perform ceremonies either. Some couples drive to Waukesha or Jefferson County for a courthouse ceremony, but that means coordinating schedules, driving out of your way, and standing in a government building for what should be a meaningful moment.
There's a better option.
Why Schwa Beats Driving to Waukesha
Schwa comes to you
Your backyard, a park, a restaurant, your living room. Anywhere in Milwaukee and surrounding counties. No driving to another county.
Your schedule, not theirs
Courthouse hours are limited. Schwa is available mornings, afternoons, evenings, and weekdays. Same-day ceremonies available if you have your license.
Guided through everything
Marriage license, what to bring, what county to apply in, what happens after. Schwa walks couples through the entire process.
Heartfelt, contemporary language
No stiff legal recitation. A short, warm ceremony with real words that actually mean something. Couples can add their own vows if they want.
$300, all in
Flat rate. Tax included. No hidden fees within 30 miles of Milwaukee. 50% deposit secures the date, balance due day-of.
300+ ceremonies performed
Professional officiant with Broadway training and 48 five-star Google reviews. This is what Schwa Potter does.
What's a Quickie Ceremony?
Short, sweet, and legal. A 5-7 minute nonreligious ceremony with a welcome, Declaration of Intent, ring exchange (optional), and pronouncement. Couples receive the script to review beforehand and can add personal vows or keep it simple. Note: Quickie Ceremonies are not available Saturdays after 1pm.
It's everything a courthouse ceremony would be, except couples pick the location, the time, and the vibe. And a Broadway-trained officiant who actually cares about the moment is the one performing it.
What's Included for $300
- ✓ Short, pre-written nonreligious ceremony
- ✓ Option to add your own vows
- ✓ Marriage license guidance (which county, what to bring, how it works)
- ✓ Script review before your wedding day
- ✓ Ceremony performed at your chosen location
- ✓ Legal paperwork signed and filed within 3 days
Want Something More Personal?
The Signature Ceremony ($800) is a fully custom, love-story-driven ceremony written from scratch by Schwa Potter. 15-25 minutes, personal vows, unity ceremonies, and unlimited edits.
How It Works
Reach out
Call, text, or fill out the inquiry form with a preferred date. Schwa responds within 24 hours, usually same day.
Secure your date
$150 deposit locks in the date. Schwa sends the script to review and walks couples through the marriage license process.
Get your marriage license
Apply at any Wisconsin county clerk's office. Pro tip: Dane County does it 100% over Zoom. Schwa provides all the details and officiant info for the application.
Wedding day
Schwa arrives at the chosen location, performs the ceremony, and everyone signs the marriage license. Bring two witnesses over 18. That's all that's needed.
Done. You're married.
Schwa files the signed license with the county within 3 days. Certified marriage certificates can be ordered about a week later. Boom.
Who This Is For
You were counting on the courthouse and just found out Milwaukee doesn't do ceremonies anymore.
You don't want to drive to Waukesha or coordinate schedules around courthouse hours in another county.
You want a meaningful location like a favorite park, your backyard, or the restaurant where you had your first date.
You need flexibility. Evening, weekday, weekend morning. Same-day if you already have your license.
You're practical about marriage. You want to be legally married now and maybe celebrate with a party later.
You want affordable. $300 flat rate, tax included. No surprise fees.
You want contemporary language, not a stiff legal recitation. Something that feels warm and real, even if it's short.
You're any couple. Straight, LGBTQ+, interfaith, second marriage, elopement. All welcome, always.
"My husband and I decided to elope very last minute, and we had no idea what we were doing or where to even start with getting our marriage license and certificate. He explained everything so clearly and walked us through the whole process, taking away all our worries. He made everything feel easy and stress-free, and got us married quickly while still making the moment feel special."
Aaliyah Smith
Google Review
Frequently Asked Questions
How fast can I get married in Milwaukee?
With a Wisconsin marriage license in hand, Schwa Potter can perform a same-day ceremony. The license itself takes 3-5 days after applying (waivable for $25 in most counties). Fastest path: apply for the license, waive the waiting period, and get married within a day or two.
Can we write our own vows for a Quickie Ceremony?
Yes. The ceremony includes a short, pre-written script, but you can absolutely add your own vows. Some couples keep it simple with the Declaration of Intent ("I do"). Others add a few personal lines. It's your wedding.
Can we get married at a Milwaukee park?
Yes. Schwa performs ceremonies at parks, backyards, restaurants, rooftops, living rooms, and anywhere else in the Milwaukee area. No venue required.
What if we want something more personalized?
The Signature Ceremony ($800) is a fully customized ceremony written from scratch around each couple's love story. Schwa interviews each partner individually and crafts a 15-25 minute ceremony with the love story, custom vows, unity ceremonies, and unlimited edits.
Do you travel outside Milwaukee?
Yes. Quickie Ceremonies serve Milwaukee and 10 surrounding counties: Waukesha, Ozaukee, Washington, Racine, Kenosha, Dodge, Jefferson, Walworth, Sheboygan, and Fond du Lac. Travel fee is $1/mile over 30 miles from Milwaukee.
Ready to Skip the Courthouse?
Get married on your terms. Any location, your schedule, $300.
[email protected] | Schwa responds within 24 hours.