Marriage license · Free to use

Wisconsin marriage license: fee, waiting period and how to apply

What Wisconsin's official pages say about getting married there: the fee, the waiting period, how long the license lasts, witnesses, officiants, ID and where to apply. Each rule links its source.

By Wedding RemedyPublished November 12, 2026

Editorial standards

Wisconsin marriage license at a glance

Fee: $120 in Milwaukee County, paid when the application is filed and nonrefundable. Cash and credit or debit cards are accepted (3% card convenience fee); no personal checks. Waiting period: 3 days after application; the county clerk may issue sooner for an extra fee of up to $25. How long it is valid: Authorizes the ceremony within 60 days of issuance.

Wisconsin counties set their own fee. The fee shown is from Milwaukee County, the largest county; ask your county clerk for its fee.

Wisconsin marriage license rules

The rules below restate official pages, linked with the date they were read. Last checked November 12, 2026. Rules and fees change, and this is not legal advice: confirm with the clerk where you apply before you rely on a rule.

Fee: $120 in Milwaukee County, paid when the application is filed and nonrefundable. Cash and credit or debit cards are accepted (3% card convenience fee); no personal checks. (Source: county.milwaukee.gov, checked November 12, 2026)
Premarital education discount: None stated on the official pages we read. Check with your county clerk. Official page
Waiting period: 3 days after application; the county clerk may issue sooner for an extra fee of up to $25. (Source: docs.legis.wisconsin.gov, checked October 30, 2026)
How long the license is valid: Authorizes the ceremony within 60 days of issuance. (Source: docs.legis.wisconsin.gov, checked October 30, 2026)
Where the license can be used: The license authorizes the ceremony in any county in the state. (Source: docs.legis.wisconsin.gov, checked October 30, 2026)
Witnesses: At least 2 competent adult witnesses other than the officiant; only 1 if a party is on active military duty. (Source: docs.legis.wisconsin.gov, checked October 30, 2026)
Who may officiate: Ordained clergy, licentiates, judges and court commissioners, municipal judges, or the couple themselves under a religious society's customs. (Source: docs.legis.wisconsin.gov, checked October 30, 2026)
Officiants ordained online: Not stated here. Ask the county clerk before you rely on an online ordination. Official page
Age: 18 or older; 16 and 17 year olds need written consent of a parent, guardian or custodian, or a probate court. (Source: docs.legis.wisconsin.gov, checked October 30, 2026)
ID and documents to bring: Each applicant must present documentary proof of identification and residence, plus a certified birth record or an accepted passport, REAL ID, permanent resident card or naturalization paper. (Source: docs.legis.wisconsin.gov, checked October 30, 2026)
Where to apply: A marriage license must come from the county clerk of any Wisconsin county. (Source: docs.legis.wisconsin.gov, checked October 30, 2026)
Online application: Check with your county clerk. Official page
Certified copy of the marriage certificate: Order from the state Vital Records Office online, by phone or by mail for $20 for the first copy; county Register of Deeds offices also have marriage records. (Source: dhs.wisconsin.gov, checked October 30, 2026)

Common questions

How much is a marriage license in Wisconsin?

$120 in Milwaukee County, paid when the application is filed and nonrefundable. Cash and credit or debit cards are accepted (3% card convenience fee); no personal checks. Wisconsin counties set their own fee. The fee shown is from Milwaukee County, the largest county; ask your county clerk for its fee.

Is there a waiting period to get married in Wisconsin?

3 days after application; the county clerk may issue sooner for an extra fee of up to $25.

How long is a Wisconsin marriage license valid?

Authorizes the ceremony within 60 days of issuance.

Do you need witnesses to get married in Wisconsin?

At least 2 competent adult witnesses other than the officiant; only 1 if a party is on active military duty.

Who can officiate a wedding in Wisconsin?

Ordained clergy, licentiates, judges and court commissioners, municipal judges, or the couple themselves under a religious society's customs.

How do you get a certified copy of a Wisconsin marriage certificate?

Order from the state Vital Records Office online, by phone or by mail for $20 for the first copy; county Register of Deeds offices also have marriage records.

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