State guide
Wisconsin
Wisconsin marriage licenses are issued by county clerks and can be used anywhere in the state. Wisconsin also has an official self-officiating pathway reflected in Department of Health Services materials, but couples should understand the witness and timing rules before applying.
Checked against official sources on October 4, 2026. Rules and links change; confirm with the office listed before you act.
- Who issues licenses
- county clerk
- Waiting period
- 3-4 days depending on county page found; waiver may be available
- License valid for
- 60 days
- Witnesses
- 2 competent adult witnesses required; 1 if one party is on active-duty military service
- License fee
- $110-$120 on official county pages found; $25 waiver fee where offered
Official resources in Wisconsin
Official state page confirming county clerks issue marriage licenses.
Official state instructions covering witnesses, officiants, and who signs the marriage record.
Official county clerk page with current application and civil-officiant guidance.
Official county clerk page with current waiting period, validity, fee, and courthouse-wedding links.
Key facts for Wisconsin
- Wisconsin county clerks issue marriage licenses; the license may be used anywhere in Wisconsin.
- County pages currently state a 3- or 4-day waiting period, with a $25 waiver in some circumstances.
- Current county pages say a Wisconsin marriage license is valid for 60 days.
- At least two competent adult witnesses are required; if one party is on active-duty military service, one witness is enough.
- County clerk fees found on official pages were $110 in Waukesha and Racine, $115 in Outagamie, and $120 in Milwaukee.
- DHS instructions say when the marriage is performed by the two parties themselves, both parties sign as officiants.
Courthouse ceremonies in Wisconsin
| County | Details |
|---|---|
| Dane County | County Clerk provides a civil wedding officiant list; couples contact judges or court commissioners directly. |
| Waukesha County | Official courthouse wedding page lists judges and court officials who perform ceremonies in and outside the courthouse. |
| Brown County | Circuit court judges officiate courthouse civil ceremonies during normal business hours; scheduling details are on the official page. |
| Racine County | County Clerk posts an official list of officiants who perform ceremonies. |
What to do next
- Apply with the county clerk after you have a ceremony date, location, and officiant or self-officiating plan.
- Ask the issuing clerk early whether your county uses a 3-day or 4-day timing rule and whether a waiver is available.
- If you want a judge or court commissioner ceremony, use the county's official civil-officiant or courthouse-wedding page before applying.
Helpful guides
- How to get married at the courthouse
- What to bring when you apply for a marriage license
- Marriage license waiting periods and expiration dates
- Do you need witnesses for a courthouse wedding?