Applications are accepted by appointment only: 8:30AM–3:00PM Monday–Thursday and 8:30AM–11:30AM Fridays.
Please call (608) 685-6209 to schedule your appointment. Walk-ins are not accepted.
When & Where Do We Apply?
You may apply for a Wisconsin marriage license in person in any Wisconsin county, whether you are a Wisconsin resident or an out-of-state resident.
The license is valid for 60 days. Wisconsin law requires a 3-day waiting period before the license may be issued. The day you apply does not count toward the waiting period (for example, if you apply on the 10th, you may be married on the 14th). In special circumstances only (out-of-state applicants, military, etc.), the County Clerk may waive the waiting period for an additional fee of $25. A wedding date must be finalized and an officiant scheduled before you apply.
Information & Documents Needed
All documents must be in English or include a certified English translation. If either applicant does not speak and/or understand English, an independent interpreter (not related to either party) must be present at the appointment.
- Both applicants shall provide a certified copy of their birth certificate. Birth certificates with footprints or hospital photos are “hospital souvenirs,” not certified birth certificates. If the birth certificate is not in English, it must be translated and certified. If a birth certificate is determined to be unattainable by the County Clerk under Wis. Stat. Section 765.09(3)(c), a Real ID or passport may be considered in place of a birth certificate. Mere failure to bring the birth certificate, or a preference not to obtain it, is not unobtainability. If the birth certificate is determined not to be attainable, the applicant must know all information shown on the birth certificate (correct spelling of parents’ names, mother’s maiden name, and the applicant’s name as shown on the birth certificate).
- Both applicants must provide valid, unexpired photo identification (for example, a driver’s license or passport).
- Both applicants must provide proof of their current address (where the applicant(s) have lived for the past 30 days). Examples include a driver’s license/ID card, bank statement, lease, or utility bill showing the current address.
- If either applicant was previously married, they must provide proof of how and when the prior marriage ended (for example, a certified death certificate or a certified divorce judgment). If the prior marriage ended by divorce, 6 months must have passed since the final divorce date before the applicant may remarry.
- Both applicants must provide their Social Security numbers (if they have one). The Social Security card is not required.
- Applicants must provide the ceremony date and location (city, village, or township). They must also provide the name, address, and phone number of the person performing the ceremony. It is the couple’s responsibility to verify the legitimacy of the officiant they choose to perform their marriage. Wisconsin State Statute 765.16 specifies who may perform marriages in Wisconsin. If you are unsure of the legal status of the officiant you have chosen, you should seek legal counsel. The County Clerk’s Office cannot provide advice on this matter.
- Both parties must be present at the time of application to swear or affirm that the information provided is true and correct and to sign the application in the presence of the County Clerk or Deputy County Clerk.