Marriage License Fees

Wisconsin · 2026

Wisconsin Marriage License: Cost and Requirements

A marriage license in Wisconsin costs $110–$150, depending on the county, and you wait 72 hours before the ceremony. The license is good for 60 days.

Wisconsin marriage license fees by county

Fees for the 10 counties we have verified, largest first. Each row links to a county page with where to apply and the official clerk link.

CountyLicenseCertified copyCourthouse ceremonyWait
Milwaukee County$120$20Not offered96 hours (4 days)
Dane County$150$20Not offered72 hours (3 days)
Waukesha County$110——72 hours (3 days)
Brown County$125—Not offered72 hours (3 days)
Racine County$110——72 hours (3 days)
Outagamie County$115——72 hours (3 days)
Winnebago County$100——72 hours (3 days)
Kenosha County$110—Not offered72 hours (3 days)
Rock County$115——72 hours (3 days)
Marathon County$125——72 hours (3 days)

— means the figure is not in our data. Check the county's official page.

Wisconsin marriage license rules

License fee

$110–$150 (Wis. Stat. 765.15)

State law sets a $49.50 base, and county boards can add any amount. Waukesha charges $110, Milwaukee $120 and Dane $150 plus a service fee.

Source: waukeshacounty.gov

Waiting period

72 hours (3 days)

There is a 3-day wait (Milwaukee's page calls it 4 days). The clerk can waive it for a fee of up to $25 (765.08(2)).

Source: docs.legis.wisconsin.gov

How long the license is valid

60 days

The license is valid for 60 days from issuance (765.12(2), shown on the same legislature page).

Source: docs.legis.wisconsin.gov

Minimum age and parental consent

16 with consent; 18 without

16- and 17-year-olds can marry with sworn written consent from a parent or guardian.

Source: docs.legis.wisconsin.gov

What to bring

Each applicant shows a certified birth record (or a REAL ID, passport, permanent resident card or naturalization papers), proof of address, their Social Security number, and any divorce or death record that ended a prior marriage.

Source: docs.legis.wisconsin.gov

Do both of you have to appear?

Yes

Both applicants sign and swear to the application. A nonresident may swear before an official in their home county (765.05). Dane lets them join the Zoom from two places; Waukesha requires both to appear together.

Source: docs.legis.wisconsin.gov

Applying online

Varies by county

Dane County does applications entirely over Zoom; Waukesha requires an in-person visit. It depends on the county.

Official online application

Source: clerk.danecounty.gov

Who can officiate

Includes self-uniting

Self-uniting is allowed only when it follows the customs of either party's religion (e.g., Quaker). Clergy, judges and court commissioners can also officiate.

Source: docs.legis.wisconsin.gov

Witnesses

2 required

Two adult witnesses are required (only one if a party is in the military).

Source: docs.legis.wisconsin.gov

Out-of-state couples

Out-of-state couples can apply in any Wisconsin county.

Source: waukeshacounty.gov

Who issues the license

County clerk

The county clerk issues licenses.

Source: docs.legis.wisconsin.gov

Not in our data yet: premarital course discount, blood test, proxy marriage. Ask your county office.

Frequently asked questions

How much is a marriage license in Wisconsin?

$110–$150, depending on the county. State law sets a $49.50 base, and county boards can add any amount. Waukesha charges $110, Milwaukee $120 and Dane $150 plus a service fee.

Is there a waiting period in Wisconsin?

Yes, 72 hours (3 days). There is a 3-day wait (Milwaukee's page calls it 4 days). The clerk can waive it for a fee of up to $25 (765.08(2)).

How long is a Wisconsin marriage license valid?

60 days. The license is valid for 60 days from issuance (765.12(2), shown on the same legislature page).

How old do you have to be to get married in Wisconsin?

16- and 17-year-olds can marry with sworn written consent from a parent or guardian.

Do you need witnesses to get married in Wisconsin?

Two adult witnesses are required (only one if a party is in the military).

Sources

Last verified . Fees and rules change; confirm with your county before you go. Spot an error? Report it.

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