Marriage License Information

Marriage ImageArrangements 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)

  1. Information Guide
  2. Application Checklist
  3. Translation Forms
  4. Judges or Court Commissioners

Where to Apply

Wisconsin Resident:
An application must be made in person at 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 person 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