Wisconsin Marriage License Requirements 2026
Everything you need to legally marry in Wisconsin: $75 to $150, varies by county license fee, 3 days waiting period, 30 days validity, minimum age 18, 2 witnesses (1 if active-duty military) witnesses required. Apply at the County Clerk.
Wisconsin Marriage License: Quick Facts
How Much Is a Marriage License in Wisconsin?
A marriage license in Wisconsin costs $75 to $150, varies by county. This is the standard fee charged by the County Clerk when you submit your application in person. The fee covers the license itself, recording, and one certified copy of the marriage certificate in most counties.
Payment is typically accepted in cash, card, or check, though policies vary by county. Some counties charge extra for additional certified copies, which you may need for name changes, passport applications, or insurance updates after the wedding. Call your county clerk in advance to confirm accepted payment methods and total cost with additional copies.
Compared to the national average of $60-$80, Wisconsin's fee is above the national average.
How to Get a Marriage License in Wisconsin
Gather required documents
Both partners need a valid government-issued photo ID. If you have been previously married, bring the final divorce decree or your former spouse's death certificate. Wisconsin does not require proof of residency.
Visit the County Clerk
Both applicants must appear in person at the County Clerk in any Wisconsin county. You can typically apply in the county where you plan to marry or the county where you live - check your specific county for any local rules.
Complete the application and pay the fee
Fill out the marriage license application and pay the $75 to $150, varies by county fee. Be ready to provide both Social Security numbers (or visa numbers for non-citizens), your parents' full names, and your places of birth.
Wait 3 days
Wisconsin has a mandatory 3 days waiting period between application and ceremony. Plan your application visit at least a week before your ceremony to allow buffer time.
Complete the signing
The license is valid for 30 days from the date of issue. Ordained ministers, priests, rabbis, and other clergy. Judges of any court, circuit court commissioners, and justices of the peace. Wisconsin also allows limited self-uniting marriages for members of religious societies that practice it (Wis. Stat. 765.16(1m)(c)).
Return the signed license for recording
The completed license or certificate must be returned to the County Clerk within the timeframe specified by Wisconsin law. Because Wisconsin allows self-uniting marriages, the couple - not a third-party officiant - is typically responsible for filing it. The county then processes your official marriage certificate.
Special Situations in Wisconsin
Previously married
Bring the final divorce decree or death certificate of your former spouse. Some Wisconsin counties require the decree be from within a certain number of months - check with the County Clerk.
Out-of-state couples
Wisconsin has no residency requirement, making it a popular state for destination weddings. Both partners just need to appear in person at the County Clerk with valid ID.
Same-sex marriages
Same-sex marriages are fully legal in Wisconsin following Obergefell v. Hodges (2015). The requirements are identical to opposite-sex marriages with no additional steps.
Non-citizens
Foreign nationals can marry in Wisconsin on a tourist visa with a valid passport. The marriage itself does not change immigration status. You may need certified translations of any foreign documents.
Self-uniting option
Wisconsin allows self-uniting marriages where no officiant is required. Ordained ministers, priests, rabbis, and other clergy. Judges of any court, circuit court commissioners, and justices of the peace. Wisconsin also allows limited self-uniting marriages for members of religious societies that practice it (Wis. Stat. 765.16(1m)(c)).
Important Wisconsin Notes
Who Can Officiate in Wisconsin
Ordained ministers, priests, rabbis, and other clergy. Judges of any court, circuit court commissioners, and justices of the peace. Wisconsin also allows limited self-uniting marriages for members of religious societies that practice it (Wis. Stat. 765.16(1m)(c)).
Good to Know
Wisconsin requires a 3-day waiting period between application and license issuance statewide (Wis. Stat. 765.08), though county clerks may waive it for good cause for an additional fee of up to $25 (statutory cap). License fees vary by county: confirmed at $75 in Crawford County up to $150 in Dane County; Washington County sits in between at $110. Only 1 witness is required (instead of 2) if either party is active-duty U.S. armed forces, reserve, or National Guard (Wis. Stat. 765.16). Self-uniting marriages are allowed on a limited basis for members of religious societies whose practices include self-solemnization, such as Quakers and Baha'is (Wis. Stat. 765.16(1m)(c)). Wisconsin abolished common-law marriage formation in 1917 (Wis. Stat. 765.01/765.21) though it recognizes common-law marriages validly formed in other states under full faith and credit.
Wisconsin Marriage License Document Checklist
- Valid government-issued photo ID for both applicants (passport, Wisconsin drivers license, state ID, military ID)
- Birth certificates if requested by the County Clerk
- Social Security numbers for both partners (visa numbers acceptable for non-citizens)
- Divorce decree or death certificate if either partner was previously married
- Marriage license fee of $75 to $150, varies by county - confirm accepted payment methods with your county
- Out-of-state couples are welcome - no residency required
- 2 witnesses (1 if active-duty military) for the ceremony, each at least 18
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Marriage License Requirements in Other States
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Wisconsin Marriage License FAQ
Everything you need to know about our free tools and how they help your wedding day.
A Wisconsin marriage license costs $75 to $150, varies by county. The fee is paid at the County Clerk when you apply. Some counties may charge slightly more for processing or a certified copy of the marriage certificate. Payment methods vary by county - call ahead to confirm whether the office accepts cash, card, or check only.
Yes. Wisconsin requires a 3 days waiting period between applying for and using your marriage license. Wisconsin requires a 3-day waiting period between application and license issuance statewide (Wis. Stat. 765.08), though county clerks may waive it for good cause for an additional fee of up to $25 (statutory cap). License fees vary by county: confirmed at $75 in Crawford County up to $150 in Dane County; Washington County sits in between at $110. Only 1 witness is required (instead of 2) if either party is active-duty U.S. armed forces, reserve, or National Guard (Wis. Stat. 765.16). Self-uniting marriages are allowed on a limited basis for members of religious societies whose practices include self-solemnization, such as Quakers and Baha'is (Wis. Stat. 765.16(1m)(c)). Wisconsin abolished common-law marriage formation in 1917 (Wis. Stat. 765.01/765.21) though it recognizes common-law marriages validly formed in other states under full faith and credit.
A Wisconsin marriage license is valid for 30 days from the date of issue. The ceremony must be performed within this window or you will need to reapply and pay the fee again. Keep the dates in mind when scheduling your application visit.
Wisconsin accepts valid government-issued photo ID for both applicants. Acceptable forms include a US passport, state driver's license or state ID card, US military ID, permanent resident card, or foreign passport. Both partners must present ID in person at the County Clerk.
Yes. Wisconsin requires 2 witnesses (1 if active-duty military) for the ceremony. Witnesses must usually be at least 18 and capable of signing the marriage license. Most couples ask the maid of honor and best man, but anyone meeting the legal age requirement can serve.
No. Wisconsin does not require residency to obtain a marriage license. Out-of-state couples can apply at any County Clerk as long as both partners are present and bring the required ID. This makes Wisconsin a popular destination wedding state.
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