When to go: Marriage license applications are accepted 8 a.m. - 4 p.m. Monday - Friday. Apply at least eight days, but not more than thirty days before the wedding date. The license expires 30 days from the issuance date.
How much does it cost: The marriage license fee is $100, and must be payed in cash when you fill out the application. There are no refunds.
What to bring: Both the bride and groom must be present to apply. Each person must bring:
- a certified copy of his or her birth certificate (no hospital certificates or registration forms)
- proof of residency in Milwaukee County for at least 30 days -- (see residency requirements if this does not apply)
- a social security card showing his or her legal name, including any legal suffixes
- the full name, address, and phone number of the officiant performing the wedding ceremony
Age requirements:The minimum age to marry in Wisconsin is eighteen years of age. Applicants that are 16 or 17 must have consent of both their mother and father, or their legal guardian’s consent. Consent forms are available in the Office of the County Clerk, and must be notarized.
Previous marriages: If either the bride or groom has been married before, a filed copy of the final judgment of divorce, legal annulment or certified death certificate must be shown at the time of application. Wisconsin statutes make it unlawful for any person to marry again until six months from the date of the granting of a judgment of divorce.
Physical requirements: No blood test or physical examination is required.
Same sex marriages: Gay marriage is not allowed in the state of Wisconsin.
Marriage between cousins: No marriage shall be contracted between persons who are nearer of kin than second cousins; except that marriage may be contracted between first cousins where the female has attained the age of 55 years or either party has documented proof of sterilization.
Common law and proxy marriages: Neither common law nor proxy marriages are recognized in the state of Wisconsin.
