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Marriage License Information
VIRTUAL APPOINTMENTS ONLY - NO IN-PERSON APPOINTMENTS
Due to the Covid19 pandemic, we are currently only doing marriage license application appointments virtually. No In-Person appointments. You will need to request the application forms from us, and we will email or mail them to you. You need to fill the forms out completely, including signing them and will then need to physically get your application along with your payment back to us, either by mail or put in our drop box outside the Government Center by the 5th Avenue entrance door. Once we receive your application, we will then schedule a virtual meeting with you to go over your documents to verify the application. When that is done, we will mail you your marriage license. So please plan ahead to allow enough time to go through this process.
Arrangements must be finalized prior to applying for your marriage license, including:
- Your wedding date
- The city, village or township where your marriage is taking place
- The officiant’s name, address & phone number
Printable version of Marriage License Information (PDF)
Where to Apply
Wisconsin Resident:
An application must be made in the County Clerk’s office in the County where one or both parties have resided for at least 30 days, no matter where they are getting married in Wisconsin
Out-of-State Resident:
If both parties are residents of another state, the application must be made in the County Clerk’s office in the county where the ceremony will be held.
When to Apply
Both parties must apply together in person at the County Clerk’s Office. The application should be made at least 5 full days prior to the marriage date, as a 5 day waiting period is required in the State of Wisconsin. The license can first be issued on the 6th day, provided it is a business day (closed weekends and Holidays).
Special Dispensation: A 5-day waiting period is required by law, but under Special Dispensation may be waived for an additional fee.
Marriage License applications are taken Monday - Friday, (excluding Holidays) BY APPOINTMENT, from
8:00 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. and 1:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. on the half hour. Please call at 920-746-2200 or email the County Clerk to make an appointment.
Marriage Licenses are valid for 30 days from the date issued. You cannot apply more than 35 days prior to your ceremony.
** See Application Checklist Tab above for Information required to apply for a marriage license **
Fees:
- $75.00 - Marriage License fee
- $25.00 - Waiver fee
Age:
Any person who has attained the age of 18 years may marry. If a person is between the ages of 16 and 18 years, the license will be issued only with written consent of parents, guardian or custodian. Parents must be present in the County Clerk’s Office to complete consent forms.
Persons Who May Not Marry:
- Blood relatives who are nearer of kin than second cousin, except when the female is 55 years of age or older, or proof of sterility is provided
- Persons who are incompetent
- A person under the age of 16
- Persons who have not been divorced for more than six months, whether the divorce was granted in Wisconsin or elsewhere.
Ceremony Information
Officiants: Accredited ordained minister, priest, judge, or other person qualified to be an “Officiant” can perform the ceremony (per WI SS 765.16). Neither our office nor the State Vital Records Office is able to confirm the legality of a religious officiant. If you have a question about the legality of the officiant you have chosen you should seek private legal counsel.
Witnesses: Two witnesses, age 18 or older, are required, in addition to the person officiating, but do not have to be in the wedding party.
Validity:
Non-Wisconsin Residents: Marriage in Wisconsin of non-residents is null and void if such marriage would be prohibited in the state of their residence.
Wisconsin Residents - Out-of-State: Marriage of Wisconsin residents in another state is null and void if such marriage would be prohibited in Wisconsin
Arrangements must be finalized prior to applying for your marriage license including:
• Your wedding date
• The city, village or township where your marriage is taking place
• Officiant’s name, address & phone number
Make an appointment to apply for your marriage license
Phone: 920-746-2200
Email the County Clerk
Items to bring along to your appointment:
Certified Birth Certificate (long form) with raised or ink seal issued from County or State.
(No photocopy and NOT a Hospital Certificate or State Notification of Birth Registration)
Note: Passports ARE NOT acceptable in exchange.
Valid Photo IDs (unexpired)
Proof of Residency for both applicants: Drivers License, lease, bank statement, utility bill, paystub, etc.
Social Security Numbers
If previously married, proof of how last marriage ended: Death Certificate, Findings & Conclusions of final
Divorce Judgment or State Annulment signed by a judge
Correct spelling of parents’ legal names: First, Middle and Last (maiden name for mother)
NOTE: Any documents that are in a foreign language, including Birth Certificates, Death Certificates and Divorce papers, must be translated in English and certified by a translator – No Exceptions.
(See Translation Forms Tab above)
FEES
*$75.00 Application Fee (Check or Cash only)
*$25.00 Waiver fee (in addition to Application fee) if applying less than 6 days prior to wedding
Note: Waiver is provided only under special circumstances
Certified Documents from the Register of Deeds: Birth Certificates, Death Certificates and Marriage Certificates are available from the county where the event occurred.
Divorce Judgments from the Clerk of Courts: Copies of final Divorce Judgments are available from the county
where the divorce occurred.
Note: Without the required information, a marriage license WILL NOT BE ISSUED
Translation Forms
Any documents that are in a foreign language, including Birth Certificates, Death Certificates and Divorce papers, must be translated in English and certified by a translator – No Exceptions.
You can provide your own translation papers along with this Translation Certification Statement
or you may use the documents below for translation.
Door County Judges
Judge D. Todd Ehlers (920) 746-2204
Judge David Weber (920) 746-2280
Door County Court Commissioners:
Attorney Randall Nesbitt (920) 493-0783
Attorney Nina Martell (920) 746-4475
Attorney James Downey (920) 487-5571
Attorney Jon Pinkert (920) 743-6505
Attorney Jennifer Moeller (920) 746-2482