Obtaining a Marriage License: What you need to know.
The paperwork piece of wedding planning may not be the most romantic or fun, but it definitely is important! Having done literally 1000’s of weddings, Devotions wedding venue is here to help and make it easy! As part of all the coordinating to create the perfect wedding day, when all is said and done, let’s make sure you’re officially a married couple.
Here are some tips and highlights for obtaining a marriage license so every I is dotted and each T is crossed– all in the proper timeline. (This list is not all inclusive: tap the button at the end of the article for every detail in the state of Wisconsin.)
RESIDENCY REQUIREMENTS
If you are a Wisconsin resident or a non-resident, you may apply for a marriage license in any Wisconsin county. The license issued in that county may be utilized within any county of the State of Wisconsin.
WHEN TO APPLY (extra important!)
It is advisable that you apply for your license sixty (60) days to four (4) days prior to the wedding ceremony. Both applicants must appear to swear, or affirm, the information provided on the application is correct. After the marriage license application is completed, there is a three (3) day waiting period starting the following day before it can be issued. Once the marriage license is ready for release, it is valid for sixty (60) days in the State of Wisconsin.
MARRIAGE LICENSE APPLICATION CHECKLIST
- Both applicants must be present in-person
- Valid photo ID; i.e.: driver’s license, state I.D. card, permanent residency card, passport, etc.
- Certified birth certificates from the County in which you were born
- Previous marriage documents: final divorce judgment, divorce decree, legal annulment, death certificate
- Date of marriage ceremony
- Location of marriage ceremony: township, village or city and county where the marriage ceremony shall take place
- Officiant information; name, mailing address, and telephone number
- Issued Social Security Card(s)
- $125.00 application fee plus $25 waiver fee, if applicable and authorized by the County Clerk
- Foreign Language – Documents in another language must have a certified English translation.
- HERE is a handy, all inclusive printable checklist for 2024! This includes important contact information as well.
AFTER THE CEREMONY
Upon completion of the marriage ceremony, your Officiant has three business days from that date to file your marriage license with any county Register of Deeds Office within the State of Wisconsin. After filing, a certified copy of your marriage certificate may be obtained from any Register of Deeds in Wisconsin.
There you have it! Once you book with Devotions wedding venue near Green Bay, WI, our team of experts will also be more than happy to assist you with these steps. Like we said, it may not be the most romantic part of your wedding planning, but why not make it into a fun one-on-one with your partner. Hey– it’s an opportunity for a lunch date! Happy planning!
(Photo credit: Emily Kettner)
