About My Services & Qualifications

What are your qualifications as a Wisconsin wedding officiant? I'm an ordained Minister through the Universal Life Church and I've written and performed over 250+ wedding ceremonies across Wisconsin and the United States. I'm also a professional actor and emcee with 30+ years of stage experience. I bring the perfect mix of storytelling, performance skills, and genuine warmth to every ceremony.

Where do you officiate weddings in Wisconsin? I serve Milwaukee, Waukesha, Washington County, Ozaukee, Racine, Kenosha, and all of Southeast Wisconsin. If you're outside this area, just ask - I might be able to make it work. I've been Milwaukee's go-to wedding officiant since 2015.

What makes you different from other Wisconsin wedding officiants? Three things: I'm a professional actor who knows how to engage an audience, I've already done the boring marriage license research so you don't have to, and I write ceremonies that sound like your best friend created them. I take care of everything "ceremony" and "paperwork" so you can relax and enjoy every moment.

How far do you travel in southeastern Wisconsin? I'm based in Milwaukee and happy to travel throughout the metro area and nearby towns. For most locations in Milwaukee and the immediate metro, travel is included. For venues further out, there may be a travel fee depending on distance - I'll let you know upfront when we chat.

Do you perform virtual or online wedding ceremonies in Wisconsin? Wisconsin requires in-person ceremonies, so I don't offer virtual weddings. But I can perform ceremonies anywhere in Wisconsin - a park, your favorite hangout, even your backyard. Why go to the courthouse when I can come to you?

Ready to chat about your Wisconsin wedding? (414) 375-9838 | schwa@actingofficiant.com | Fill out the inquiry form

Wisconsin Wedding Ceremony Packages

What's the difference between your Wisconsin wedding ceremony packages? Great question. Here's the breakdown:

Quickie Ceremony ($300) - A romantic 5-minute ceremony that gets you legally married with zero fuss. Perfect for Wisconsin elopements and "let's just get married" couples.

Classic Ceremony ($500) - A timeless, full-length ceremony experience in contemporary language, personalized to match your style. About 10-15 minutes with all the traditional wedding moments.

Original Ceremony ($850) - Your complete love story woven into a unique ceremony that sounds like your best friend wrote it specifically for you. About 15-20 minutes. This is my signature Wisconsin wedding service.

All packages include Wisconsin marriage license guidance, ceremony script work, and all the coordination you need.

What's included in each Wisconsin wedding ceremony package? Every ceremony includes marriage license guidance, ceremony script review, all communication needed to organize your day, performance at your venue, and legal paperwork handling. The main differences are ceremony length, customization level, and whether I write your love story into the ceremony.

Can you perform religious ceremonies or interfaith weddings in Wisconsin? Absolutely. While I'm not affiliated with any specific denomination, I'm comfortable incorporating religious elements, prayers, blessings, or traditions from any faith. For interfaith couples, I love blending different traditions in a way that honors both backgrounds beautifully.

Are your Wisconsin wedding ceremonies LGBTQ+ friendly? 100%. I celebrate love in ALL its forms. Every ceremony I write is inclusive and welcoming to couples of any orientation or identity. Love is love, and I'm here for all of it.

Questions about ceremony packages? Let's chat: (414) 375-9838 | schwa@actingofficiant.com | Fill out the inquiry form

Pricing & Booking

Do you require a deposit to book your Wisconsin wedding officiant services? Yep. A non-refundable deposit is required when we book your date. You can pay however works best for you - ACH, credit card, CashApp, Zelle, check, or good old-fashioned cash.

How do we pay the remaining balance? Super easy. You can pay the remaining balance however works best for you - ACH, credit card, CashApp, Zelle, check, or cash. I usually collect the final payment a week or so before your Wisconsin wedding.

Do you charge extra for travel within Wisconsin? For most locations in Milwaukee and the immediate metro area, nope. Travel is included. For venues further out or in other Wisconsin counties, there might be a small travel fee depending on distance. I'll let you know upfront when we chat.

Will we meet you in person before our Wisconsin wedding? All our pre-wedding chats happen via text/call or Zoom for convenience (and because let's be honest, it's way easier than fighting Milwaukee traffic). But if you're local and really want to meet face-to-face, we can arrange that.

Do you do wedding rehearsals in Wisconsin? Yes. Wedding rehearsals are available for an additional $150 and honestly, they're worth every penny. We'll walk through everything so your Wisconsin wedding day flows perfectly and everyone knows exactly what to do. No stress, just smooth sailing.

How far in advance should we book our Wisconsin wedding officiant? I always say: as soon as you know your date. Popular Wisconsin wedding dates (especially summer Saturdays) book up fast. But honestly, 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.

What's your cancellation policy? Life happens. The deposit is non-refundable since I'm holding your date exclusively for you, but if you need to reschedule due to circumstances beyond your control, I'm usually pretty flexible about moving to a new Wisconsin wedding date (subject to availability).

Ready to book your Wisconsin wedding? (414) 375-9838 | schwa@actingofficiant.com | Fill out the inquiry form

Wisconsin Marriage License Help

How do we apply for our Wisconsin marriage license? You can use any Wisconsin County Clerk's online system to book your appointment. You'll need photo IDs, birth certificates, proof of residency, and the county fee (usually around $110-120).

HOT TIP: Go through Dane County instead. They do virtual appointments on Zoom (so convenient), it's legal to get your Wisconsin marriage license in any county, and their fee is only $120. Way easier than dealing with downtown Milwaukee parking.

Who submits the signed marriage license after our Wisconsin ceremony? That's all me. I'll coordinate with you (or your planner) to sign the Wisconsin marriage license before, during, or after the ceremony, then submit it to the County Clerk's office on your behalf. One less thing for you to worry about. This is included in all my ceremony packages.

Do you return the marriage license to Wisconsin authorities? Yes. After your ceremony, I handle all the Wisconsin marriage license paperwork. I'll make sure it's properly signed by everyone (couple, witnesses, and me), then submit it to the appropriate Wisconsin County Clerk's office within the required timeframe. You'll get confirmation once it's filed.

Do you perform courthouse weddings in Milwaukee? Nope - Milwaukee County doesn't allow courthouse ceremonies (I know, weird right?). But I offer something way better: a private, personalized Wisconsin wedding ceremony that meets all the legal requirements anywhere you choose. Think of it as a courthouse alternative that actually feels special.

What's the fastest way to get married in Wisconsin? Apply for your Wisconsin marriage license with any County Clerk (there's a mandatory 4-day waiting period unless waived for a $25 fee), then book me for a quick ceremony. My Quickie Ceremony is perfect for urgent Wisconsin elopements and last-minute weddings.

Need help with Wisconsin marriage license requirements? I've got you covered: (414) 375-9838 | schwa@actingofficiant.com | Fill out the inquiry form

Download My FREE Wisconsin Marriage Guide

Want to skip the Wisconsin marriage license confusion?

Grab my comprehensive guide that breaks down everything you need to know about getting married in Wisconsin. I've helped 250+ couples navigate this process, so I put together all the insider knowledge you need.

Download My FREE Wisconsin Marriage Guide

No strings attached - just want you to avoid the headaches I've seen other Wisconsin couples go through.

Last Minute & Emergency Weddings

Can you perform a last minute wedding in Milwaukee or Wisconsin? Yes. I regularly officiate last minute weddings throughout Milwaukee and southeastern Wisconsin. If you've got your Wisconsin marriage license in hand, I can marry you today or whenever you're ready (even if the officiant listed on your license is omeone else!) If you don't have your license yet, I can marry you as soonas you can get an appointment at the clerk. Just shoot me a text or call and I'll help you figure it out!

Do you offer emergency wedding officiant services in Wisconsin? Yes. I'm available for emergency Wisconsin ceremonies when your original officiant bails or plans suddenly change. I've stepped in for countless Wisconsin couples at the last minute. Some of my favorite weddings have been the "oh crap, we need help NOW" ones.

What if our Wisconsin wedding officiant canceled last minute? Ugh, that's the worst. But I can help. If your Wisconsin wedding officiant ghosted or canceled suddenly, I offer emergency services with fast response times. I'll step in, prepare everything needed, and perform your ceremony legally and professionally - even on crazy short notice in Wisconsin.

Where can we have a last minute wedding in Milwaukee? Pretty much anywhere. Your home, Lakeshore State Park, a cute Airbnb, or even your backyard. Since Milwaukee courthouses don't do weddings, I'm like your personal courthouse alternative that comes to you.

Do you help with urgent elopements in Wisconsin? Absolutely. I actually specialize in urgent Wisconsin elopements and quick weddings throughout Milwaukee, Racine, Waukesha, Kenosha, Ozaukee, and Washington counties. Whether it's same-day or next-week, I'll guide you through the whole Wisconsin marriage process and deliver a legal, joyful, low-stress experience.

What should I include in a last-minute Wisconsin wedding checklist?

Here's your simplified emergency Wisconsin wedding checklist:

Wisconsin marriage license (get it from any County Clerk)

Government-issued photo IDs & birth certificates

Two witnesses over 18 (grab some friends)

Rings (optional but cute)

Something to wear that makes you feel awesome

A quick ceremony plan (I'll help with this)

An officiant (hi, that's me)

Bonus emergency kit: Tissues, water, and a charged phone for photos

Do you offer affordable urgent elopement options in Wisconsin? Yes. My Quickie Ceremony ($300) is perfect for Wisconsin couples who need to get married fast without breaking the bank. It's legally binding, heartfelt, and still feels special - just without all the extra bells and whistles.

Need to get married in Wisconsin TODAY? (414) 375-9838 | schwa@actingofficiant.com | Fill out the inquiry form

Ceremony Details & Personalization

How long does a Wisconsin wedding ceremony last?

Quickie Ceremony: About 5 minutes (short, sweet, and to the point)

Classic ceremony: About 10-15 minutes (perfect for a timeless experience)

Original ceremony: About 15-20 minutes (perfect for getting those happy tears flowing)

Where can we hold our Wisconsin wedding ceremony? Literally anywhere you like in Wisconsin. Your home, a gorgeous park, your dream venue, or that super meaningful spot where you had your first date. I've married Wisconsin couples in living rooms, on lakeshores, in breweries, and even in a few driveways. If it's special to you, it works for me.

Can we personalize ceremony elements like vows or readings? Absolutely. Both the Classic and Original Wisconsin wedding ceremonies can be tailored to your preferences - from custom vows to your favorite readings to that poem your grandma always quotes. Let's make your Wisconsin wedding yours.

Can we write our own vows for our Wisconsin wedding? Yes. I love personal vows. All my Wisconsin ceremony packages give you the option to write your own vows, and I'm happy to help guide you through the process if you want. Some of the most beautiful moments I've witnessed have been Wisconsin couples sharing their own words.

Do you require us to be religious or have specific beliefs? Not at all. I welcome Wisconsin couples of all backgrounds, beliefs, and non-beliefs. Whether you're deeply religious, spiritual, agnostic, atheist, or somewhere in between - I'll create a Wisconsin ceremony that feels authentic to YOU. It's your day, your way.

Can family members participate in the Wisconsin ceremony? Absolutely. I love involving family and friends in Wisconsin weddings. 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.

What do you wear to Wisconsin ceremonies? I dress appropriately for your Wisconsin venue and style. For formal weddings, I'll wear a suit. For casual outdoor ceremonies, I might go more relaxed. Beach wedding at Lake Michigan? I've got that covered too. I always ask about your dress code and venue so I fit right in with your Wisconsin wedding vision.

What happens if you get sick or have an emergency before our Wisconsin wedding? Don't worry - I have a network of amazing Wisconsin officiant friends who can step in if needed. In 250+ weddings, I've never had to miss one, but I always have a backup plan because your Wisconsin wedding day is too important to leave to chance.

Do you perform ceremonies for Wisconsin couples who are already legally married? Yes. Sometimes Wisconsin couples do the legal part quietly and want a big celebration later, or maybe you eloped during COVID and want to have the party you missed. I love doing Wisconsin vow renewals and celebration ceremonies - they're pure joy.

Questions about your Wisconsin ceremony details? Let's talk: (414) 375-9838 | schwa@actingofficiant.com | Fill out the inquiry form

Ready to get married in Wisconsin?

Whether you need same-day service or you're planning ahead, I'm here to make your Wisconsin wedding awesome. I've officiated 250+ ceremonies across Wisconsin and I know exactly how to make yours perfect.

Let's get you married! (414) 375-9838 | schwa@actingofficiant.com | Fill out the inquiry form

Serving Milwaukee, Waukesha, Racine, Kenosha, Ozaukee, Washington County, and all of Southeast Wisconsin