How much does a wedding officiant cost in Milwaukee?
I offer two ceremony packages. Quickie Ceremony is $300 for a 5-7 minute elopement-style ceremony. Signature Ceremony is $800 for a fully personalized 15-25 minute ceremony with your love story woven throughout. Both prices include tax. Rehearsal attendance is available for an additional $150. Travel fee of $1/mile applies for venues over 30 miles from Milwaukee.
Where do you officiate weddings in Wisconsin?
For Quickie Ceremonies, I serve Milwaukee and surrounding counties including Waukesha, Ozaukee, Washington, Racine, Kenosha, Dodge, Jefferson, Walworth, Sheboygan, and Fond du Lac. For Signature Ceremonies, I travel throughout all of Wisconsin and nationwide for destination weddings. I've officiated ceremonies in Kentucky, New York City, Malibu, Massachusetts, Nashville, Disney World, Vermont, and San Francisco.
How far in advance should I book?
As soon as you know your date. Popular Wisconsin wedding dates, especially summer Saturdays, book up fast. That said, I've also married couples who called me the day before, so don't panic if you're planning last minute. Just reach out and we'll see what we can make happen.
Doyou require a deposit?
Yes. A 50% non-refundable deposit is required to secure your date. For Quickie Ceremonies, the deposit is $150. For Signature Ceremonies, the deposit is $400. You can pay however works best for you: credit card, ACH, CashApp, Zelle, check, or cash.
When is the remaining balance due?
The remaining balance is due the day of your wedding. You can pay however works best for you: credit card, ACH, CashApp, Zelle, check, or cash.
What's your cancellation policy?
The deposit is non-refundable since I'm holding your date exclusively for you. If you need to reschedule due to circumstances beyond your control, I'm usually flexible about moving to a new date, subject to availability.
Do you charge extra for travel?
For most locations in Milwaukee and the immediate metro area, travel is included. For venues further out, there's a travel fee of $1/mile over 30 miles from Milwaukee. I'll let you know the exact amount upfront when we chat.
Will we meet in person before the wedding?
All pre-wedding planning happens via phone call or Zoom for convenience. If you're local and really want to meet face-to-face, we can arrange that by request.
Ceremony Options
What's the difference between your ceremony packages?
Quickie Ceremony ($300) is a 5-7 minute nonreligious ceremony. It's short, sweet, and perfect for elopements, courthouse alternatives, or couples who just want to get to the "I do's." Signature Ceremony ($800) is a 15-25 minute fully customized ceremony. I weave your love story throughout, include custom vows, and can incorporate unity ceremonies, cultural traditions, or religious elements. Both packages include marriage license guidance and filing.
What's included in each package?
Both packages include marriage license guidance, ceremony performance at your venue, and license filing within 3 days. The Signature Ceremony also includes unlimited script editing, custom vow assistance, and the option to add unity ceremonies, readings, or cultural traditions.
Can we write our own vows?
Yes. Personal vows are welcome and encouraged with both packages. I can guide you through the vow-writing process if you want help. The Signature Ceremony includes unlimited script editing, so you can customize every word.
Doyou officiate LGBTQ+ weddings?
Absolutely. I celebrate love in all its forms and welcome all couples, all backgrounds, and all love stories. Every ceremony I create is inclusive and welcoming.
Canyou do religious or interfaith ceremonies?
Yes. The Quickie Ceremony is nonreligious. The Signature Ceremony can be religious, spiritual, or nonreligious based on your preferences. I love creating ceremonies that blend different cultures, religions, or family traditions into something meaningful and unique.
Can you blend different cultures or religions in our ceremony?
Absolutely. This is one of my favorite things to do. Whether you want to blend two religions, incorporate cultural traditions from different backgrounds, or create something completely new that honors both families, I'll work with you to design a ceremony that feels authentic to your relationship.
Can family members participate in the ceremony?
Yes. I love involving family and friends. Whether it's readings, unity ceremonies, ring presentations, or special blessings, we can find meaningful ways to include the people who matter most to you.
Do youdo wedding rehearsals?
Yes. Rehearsal attendance is available for $150 plus travel fee if the venue is more than 30 miles from Milwaukee. During the rehearsal, we walk through ceremony timing, positioning, and make sure everyone knows exactly what to do on your wedding day.
Anywhere you like. Your home, a park, your dream venue, a brewery, a backyard, or that spot where you had your first date. I've married couples in living rooms, on lakeshores, in barns, and yes, even a few driveways. If it's special to you, it works for me.
Marriage License
How do we get a Wisconsin marriage license?
Both partners must apply together in person at any Wisconsin county clerk's office. Bring valid photo ID, certified birth certificates, and your Social Security numbers. You'll also need your officiant's information (that's me), your wedding date, and the county where your ceremony will take place. The license is valid for 60 days with a 3-5 day waiting period after applying (waivable for $25 in most counties).
Which county should we get our license from?
My #1 recommendation is Dane County. They offer 100% virtual appointments via Zoom for $120, so you can apply from your couch without driving anywhere. You can get your license from any Wisconsin county and get married in any Wisconsin county, so Dane County's virtual option is available to everyone.
What documents do we need for the marriage license?
Both partners need: valid photo ID (driver's license, passport, state ID, or military ID), certified birth certificate (government-issued, not the hospital keepsake), Social Security number (just the number, not the card), and proof of residency from any state or country. If you've been married before, bring your certified divorce decree or death certificate.
Who files the marriage license after the ceremony?
I handle all the paperwork. After your ceremony, I file your signed marriage license with the county clerk within 3 days. This is included in all ceremony packages at no additional charge.
Canyou do courthouse weddings in Milwaukee?
Milwaukee County does not perform courthouse wedding ceremonies. Neither do Washington or Kenosha counties. But I offer something better: a private, personalized ceremony at any location you choose that meets all legal requirements. Think of it as a courthouse alternative that actually feels special.
Do you have a free marriage license guide?
Yes. I created a free Wisconsin Marriage Guide that covers everything: which county to choose, what documents to bring, waiting periods, common myths, and a wedding day checklist. Download the Free Wisconsin Marriage Guide
Day-of Details
What do you wear to ceremonies?
I dress appropriately for your venue and style. For formal weddings, I wear a suit. For casual outdoor ceremonies, I go more relaxed. Beach wedding? I've got that covered too. I always ask about your dress code so I fit right in with your vision.
Do we need witnesses?
Yes. Wisconsin requires two witnesses over 18 years old. They'll sign the marriage license along with you and me. Grab a couple friends or family members. If you're eloping with just the two of you, let me know and we can figure out a solution.
What happens on the wedding day?
I arrive early to check in with you and your coordinator (if you have one). We do the ceremony. Everyone signs the marriage license: you, your two witnesses, and me. Then I file the paperwork with the county within 3 days. You focus on celebrating.
What if something goes wrong on our wedding day?
In 300+ ceremonies since 2015, I've never missed a wedding. Your ceremony is my priority. I always have backup plans for the unexpected: rain locations, mic issues, nervous family members, you name it. With 30+ years of stage experience, I'm calm under pressure and can handle whatever comes up.
Canyou perform ceremonies for couples who are already legally married?
Yes. Sometimes couples do the legal part quietly and want a celebration later. Or maybe you eloped during COVID and want the party you missed. I love doing vow renewals and celebration ceremonies. They're pure joy.
Last-Minute & Emergency Weddings
Can you do last-minute or same-day weddings?
Yes. I regularly officiate last-minute weddings throughout Milwaukee and Wisconsin with as little as 24 hours notice. If you already have your marriage license, I can marry you today. The main requirement is having your Wisconsin marriage license in hand.
What if our officiant canceled last minute?
I offer emergency officiant services and have stepped in for countless couples when their original officiant bailed. Contact me immediately by phone at (414) 375-9838 or text. I can prepare everything needed and perform your ceremony legally and professionally, even on short notice.
What's the fastest way to get married in Wisconsin?
Get your marriage license from any county clerk (there's a 3-5 day waiting period, waivable for $25), then book me for a ceremony. My Quickie Ceremony is perfect for couples who need to get married fast. If you already have your license, I can marry you as soon as today.
Doyou help with urgent elopements?
Absolutely. I specialize in urgent elopements and quick weddings throughout Milwaukee and southeastern Wisconsin. Whether it's same-day or next-week, I'll guide you through the process and deliver a legal, joyful, stress-free experience.
Where can we have a last-minute wedding in Milwaukee?
Pretty much anywhere. Your home, Lakeshore State Park, a cute Airbnb, your backyard, or even your living room. Since Milwaukee doesn't do courthouse ceremonies, I'm your personal courthouse alternative that comes to you.
