This blog was update on July 1, 2022 following changes to Wisconsin marriage license laws.

You’ve been wedding planning away and it’s almost time for your wedding day! You are checking off your to-do list items one by one and counting down the days until your “I do’s.” While you are getting items checked off your list, there is one very important box that needs to be checked off before your wedding day: getting your marriage license.

Before we dive into the process of applying for your marriage license, let’s first answer the question: what is a marriage license? A marriage license is a document issued, either by a religious organization or state authority that you’ll need to apply for and get approved before you can get legally married; sort of like an application. This is different than your marriage certificate.

What is a marriage certificate? A marriage certificate is what you get after you are married. It is essentially legal proof that you and your new spouse are married. After your marriage license has been approved, you’ve had your ceremony, signed the marriage license, and your officiant has turned the license back into the county, then you receive your marriage certificate!

Let’s dive into the 4 steps to getting both your license and certificate below!

#1
Select the Place and Date for Your Wedding

You may have already locked down your wedding date and venue, which is great! In order to apply for your marriage license, you will need your ceremony date and the physical address of your ceremony location as well as your officiant’s name, address, phone number, and e-mail address. For our Eloise couples, see below for our venue’s address:

The Eloise
2212 County Road JG
Mount Horeb, WI 53572
County: Dane County
Town: Blue Mounds

If you are getting married off-site, you’ll want to get the physical address of that location to put on your application. 

#2
Apply and Pay for Your Marriage License

After you have your wedding date and ceremony location confirmed, then it’s time to apply! Let’s break it down:

WHERE

• As of July 1, 2022, marriage licenses may be applied for in any county within Wisconsin, regardless of your residency. If both applicants live outside Wisconsin, the applicants may also apply in any county in the State of Wisconsin. If you are looking to get your marriage license application through Dane County the address is:

210 Martin Luther King Jr Blvd
Room 106A
Madison, WI 53703

• All marriage license applications in Dane County are being issued through a virtual meeting and by appointment only. Each applicant must join the virtual (zoom) meeting. If necessary, it is okay to join from two separate locations. Click here to schedule your virtual meeting with Dane County.

When

• All marriage license applications hold a 3 day waiting period from the date of application. Your license will be issued on the 4th calendar day from the date of application and is valid for 60 days.

• If there are extenuating circumstances, a waiver of the waiting period may be granted for an additional fee.

HOW

• To apply for your marriage license, there are a few things you’ll need to bring to your appointment. Be sure to check out the Dane County Clerk’s website or call before your visit to make sure you have everything you need to apply for your marriage license, but here’s our quick list for you and your honey to check off and make sure you come prepared:
  – photo ID
  – social security number
  – a printed document proving where each of you have physically lived for the 30 days prior to the application
  – certified copy of your birth certificate issued by the state or county where you were born
  – parent information (full names)
  – wedding officiant information written on paper (first and last name, address, phone number)

• Once you’ve proven your identity and turned in your paperwork, you’ll have to pay for your marriage license. As I’m posting this blog, the Dane County Clerk’s website states that it currently “accepts credit or debit payments,” and payments are $120. Make sure to check out the county website for the complete and updated instructions on marriage license applications and payments.

Visit Dane County’s website for all updated and official information: https://clerk.countyofdane.com/Marriage

#3
Get Your Signatures

After you two say your I Do’s, it’s time to gather up the signatures you need on your marriage license.

You will need 5 signatures:
1. You
2. Your Spouse
3. Your Officiant
4. Adult Witness
5. Adult Witness

We cannot stress this enough, but make sure to read the instructions on how to complete your marriage license before your wedding date. This is an extremely important form with very specific instructions and you want to make sure you complete it accurately.

You don’t want to be combing through the instructions on the day of your wedding, trying to figure out what to do, and hoping you did it right. You’ll want to be out celebrating with family and friends, so make sure to read all of the instructions before your wedding day!

#4
Turn in License + Get Certificate

After your ceremony is complete, you or your officiant must submit the marriage license. It can be submitted to any Register of Deeds Office in Wisconsin. Check to see if this can be submitted via mail or in person.

Ask if you will either be mailed a certified copy of your marriage license, or if you will need to go in person to pick up your marriage certificate.

You will need this marriage certificate to show proof of your marital status for insurance (car, health, etc.), Social Security (if you’re changing your name), your credit cards, and your bank accounts just to name a few things.

Once again, be sure to visit Dane County’s website for all updated and official information:

https://clerk.countyofdane.com/Marriage

With love,

Photography: Damaris Photography
Venue: The Eloise
Florist: Feisty Flowers
Hair Stylist: Allison Otte
Makeup Artist: Starstruck Artistry L.L.C.
Bride’s Attire: JJ’s House
Groom’s Attire: Nedrebos Formal Wear
Rentals: Chance Productions
Stationery & Calligraphy: Kalligraphy Kat
Models: Megan Schisel + Jacob Owen