Wisconsin Marriage License Fee & Waiting Period

In Wisconsin, marriage license fees are set by individual county clerks and vary across the state, typically ranging from approximately $50 to $110. Milwaukee County, for example, charges around $110. Couples should confirm the exact fee with their specific county clerk's office, as fees differ by jurisdiction.

Wisconsin imposes a three-day waiting period before a marriage license can be used, though this extends to five days if either party has not lived in the county for at least 30 days prior to application. The five-day waiting period can be waived for an additional $25 fee. Once issued, a marriage license remains valid for 30 days if the ceremony takes place in Wisconsin. The application process requires a certified birth certificate and two witnesses to be present during the marriage ceremony.

The fee is representative. Marriage-license fees here are county-set and vary; confirm the exact, current amount on the issuing county clerk's own fee schedule. Informational only — not legal advice.

Where the fee is actually set

In most states the marriage-license fee is set by the county, not the legislature, so a single statewide number can be wrong for you. The license document itself is issued by the county clerk — that office’s own fee schedule is the authoritative source for the current amount and any waiting period.

Full Wisconsin license guide → · Compare fee models by state →