How to Get a Marriage License in Wisconsin
Wisconsin marriage license at a glance
- License fee
- varies by county (~$50-$110; County Clerk; Milwaukee ~$110)
- Waiting period
- 3 days (5-day wait if a party hasn't lived in the county ≥30 days; waivable for a $25 fee)
- Minimum age
- 18 without consent
- Blood test
- no
Confirm the fee before you go. The marriage-license fee in this state is set by the county and varies, so the figure above is a representative range — check the exact, current fee on the issuing county clerk's own fee schedule. This page is informational only and is not legal advice.
This row is flagged for re-verification on publish (county-set fee and/or a statute section still being pinned).
In Wisconsin, couples seeking a marriage license must apply through their county clerk's office. At least one party must have resided in the county for a minimum of 30 days, or the application may be submitted in the county where the ceremony will take place. Applicants must provide a government-issued photo ID, a certified birth certificate, a Social Security number, and proof of any prior divorce if applicable. The minimum age is 18 without parental consent; individuals aged 16 or 17 may marry with parental consent, while those under 16 are not permitted to marry. The license remains valid for 30 days within Wisconsin for the ceremony to occur.
Wisconsin imposes a standard three-day waiting period between license issuance and ceremony, or a five-day waiting period if either party has resided in the county for fewer than 30 days. This waiting period may be waived for an additional $25 fee. The license fee varies by county, typically ranging from approximately $50 to $110, with Milwaukee's fee at approximately $110. Two witnesses aged 18 or older must be present at the ceremony. Some counties offer online application options, with finalization occurring at the county clerk's office. Applicants should confirm the exact current fee and all specific requirements directly with their county clerk's office or the official county website before applying, as fees are county-set and regulations may change.
What a marriage license actually is
A marriage license is the government document that authorizes your marriage; you apply for it before the ceremony, and once it’s signed and returned it becomes your marriage record. The fee, waiting period and ID rules below are what each state and county sets — always confirm the exact current amount with the issuing clerk.
| Requirement | Wisconsin |
|---|---|
| License fee | varies by county (~$50-$110; County Clerk; Milwaukee ~$110) |
| Fee set by | County (varies by county) |
| Waiting period | 3 days (5-day wait if a party hasn't lived in the county ≥30 days; waivable for a $25 fee) |
| License validity | 30 days (ceremony in WI) |
| ID required | government photo ID; certified birth certificate; SSN; proof of any divorce |
| Residency required | apply in the county where either party has resided ≥30 days; non-residents apply where the ceremony occurs |
| Minimum age | 18 without consent; 16-17 with parental consent; under 16 not permitted |
| Blood test | no |
| Witnesses | 2 witnesses (18+) |
| Online option | some counties offer online application; finalized at the County Clerk |
| Where to apply | County Clerk (county-administered) |
| Governing law | Set by state statute — refer to your state’s official statutes and the issuing County Clerk for the governing rule |
Full Wisconsin requirements → · Fees & waiting → · How to apply → · Look up another state →
Compiled from public-record Wisconsin marriage law and the issuing agency, verified June 2026. Primary source → · How we compile this. Informational only — not legal advice.