Wisconsin marriage license: cost and requirements
Bring the certified birth certificate and apply at least 4 days ahead. If there was a divorce, 6 months must have passed.
Wisconsin summary
Official source Reviewed Nov 4, 2026 · Official source, with details that may vary.
- Cost
- Varies by county: $100 (Door) to $110 (Kenosha, cash).
- Waiting period
- 3 days after the application (not counting the day you apply); it can be waived for an additional fee ($25 in Door County).
- Validity
- 60 days from issuance.
- Witnesses
- Two witnesses age 18 or older, besides the officiant (Door County: only one if either person is on active military duty).
How much is a marriage license in Wisconsin?
Varies by county: $100 (Door) to $110 (Kenosha, cash).
What do you need to get the license?
- ID: Certified birth certificate (not a photocopy), current photo ID, proof of residence and Social Security number; both in person.
- Minimum age: 18; 16 or 17 with written consent of parents, guardian or custodian; under 16 no.
- Other requirements: If there was a divorce, it must have been final for at least 6 months. Certified translation of documents in another language.
Where do you get it, and who issues it?
County Clerk in Wisconsin.
Where it is valid: All of Wisconsin.
Is there a waiting period, and does it expire?
- Waiting period: 3 days after the application (not counting the day you apply); it can be waived for an additional fee ($25 in Door County).
- Validity: 60 days from issuance.
How many witnesses, and who can marry you?
- Witnesses: Two witnesses age 18 or older, besides the officiant (Door County: only one if either person is on active military duty).
- Who can officiate: Minister, accredited ordained priest, judge or another qualified person under Wis. Stat. § 765.16; must be identified when applying (Kenosha).
Wisconsin counties with an AltarPlan guide
We haven't published Wisconsin county guides yet: we verify them one by one against the official source. In the meantime, these rules apply statewide and the office can confirm the exact fee.
Other counties couples often look up
We haven't verified these counties yet. The Wisconsin rules on this page apply; the fee and the office depend on the county, so confirm them on the official website.
- Milwaukee CountyState rule No guide of its own yet.
How to get a marriage license in Wisconsin
- Confirm where to apply: County Clerk in Wisconsin.
- Gather your ID: Certified birth certificate (not a photocopy), current photo ID, proof of residence and Social Security number; both in person.
- Get your payment ready: Varies by county: $100 (Door) to $110 (Kenosha, cash).
- Count the waiting period: 3 days after the application (not counting the day you apply); it can be waived for an additional fee ($25 in Door County).
- Marry within the validity period: 60 days from issuance.
- Before you go, confirm everything with the office that issues the license: fees and hours change.
Frequently asked questions
Is a Wisconsin marriage license valid anywhere in the state?
All of Wisconsin.
What is the minimum age to marry in Wisconsin?
18; 16 or 17 with written consent of parents, guardian or custodian; under 16 no.
Who can officiate a wedding in Wisconsin?
Minister, accredited ordained priest, judge or another qualified person under Wis. Stat. § 765.16; must be identified when applying (Kenosha).
Does AltarPlan issue the license?
No. AltarPlan is not a government office and does not issue licenses. This information is a general guide, not legal advice: confirm with the office.
Sources and review date
- Door County Clerk, WI (opens in a new tab) Accessed Nov 4, 2026.
- Kenosha County Clerk, WI (opens in a new tab) Accessed Nov 4, 2026.
Reviewed Nov 4, 2026. If you spot an error, write to us.
AltarPlan is not a government office and does not issue licenses. General information, not legal advice. Confirm with the county office.