The Basics

Both partners must apply together, in person, at any Wisconsin county clerk's office. You can get your license in any county and get married in any county.

Before your appointment, you'll need:

Your officiant's name and contact information

Your wedding date

The county where your ceremony will take place

What's the timeline?

Apply no more than 60 days before your ceremony

3-5 day waiting period after applying (waivable for $25 in most counties)

Must be 18+ to marry without parental consent

What to Bring to Your Appointment

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 (you don't need the card, just the number)

Proof of residency from any state or country

If you've been married before: Bring your certified divorce decree or death certificate.

International couples: Bring your certified birth certificate with a notarized English translation. Proof of residency can be from any country.

My #1 County Recommendation: Dane County

Why it's the best: 100% virtual appointments via Zoom. No driving to a courthouse.

Fee: $120 (credit/debit accepted)

Waiting period: 4 days (waivable for $25)

How it works: Schedule online, upload documents, meet via Zoom from your couch

Website: clerk.danecounty.gov/Marriage

Phone: (608) 266-4121

Pro tip: You can apply in any county and get married in any county. If Dane County's virtual appointments appeal to you, go for it.

Other County Quick Guide

After "I Do"

Your officiant files the license: Within 3 days of your ceremony, your officiant returns the signed license to the county clerk. I handle this entirely.

Order your marriage certificate: Within about a week of filing, you can order certified copies through VitalChek online or any county clerk's office.

Order 3-5 certified copies ($20 for first, $3 each additional). You'll need them for:

Name changes and ID updates

Bank, insurance, and benefit changes

Future loans or legal documents

Common Myths Busted

"We can get married at Milwaukee courthouse!" Nope. Milwaukee County issues licenses but doesn't perform ceremonies. Neither do Washington or Kenosha counties. That's what I'm here for.

"Online-ordained officiants aren't legal in Wisconsin" False. Wisconsin law allows any ordained minister to perform marriages. Online ordination is 100% legal statewide.

"Name changes must be done within two years" Also false. There's no time limit in Wisconsin. You can change your name any time after marriage.

"It's too complicated if my partner was born abroad" Not true. Same process, just bring a certified birth certificate with notarized English translation.

Wedding Day Checklist

Must-haves:

Valid marriage license (check the expiration date!)

Officiant who's legally authorized

Two witnesses over 18 years old

Nice-to-haves:

Rings (optional but cute)

Something to wear that makes you feel amazing

Tissues for happy tears

Celebration plan

Ready to Get Married?

I'm Schwa Potter, Milwaukee wedding officiant with 300+ ceremonies since 2015. I'll guide you through the entire process and handle all the paperwork so you can focus on celebrating.

Two ceremony options:

Quickie Ceremony ($300): 5-7 minutes, perfect for elopements

Signature Ceremony ($800): 15-25 minutes, fully personalized with your love story