Current 2026 Code Overview, Recent Legislative Revisions, and Officiant Obligations
Marriage may be validly solemnized and contracted in Wisconsin only after a valid marriage license has been issued, by mutual declarations of the parties before an authorized officiating person (such as any ordained member of the clergy or licentiate/appointee) or by the parties themselves, in the presence of at least two (2) competent adult witnesses (or one witness if a party is active military personnel) other than the officiating person.
The general minimum age to marry in Wisconsin is 18 years old. Individuals who are 16 or 17 years of age may marry with the written consent of their parents, guardian, or legal custodian, which must be given under oath before the county clerk or properly verified by a notary public.
Marriage licenses obtained in Wisconsin are valid for sixty (60) days from the date of issuance. Every officiating person (or the parties themselves if self-solemnizing) must transmit the original marriage certificate to the register of deeds of any county within three (3) days after the date of the marriage ceremony.
Any officiating person who solemnizes a marriage without a proper license, outside the 60-day validity window, without required witnesses, or who neglects to file the certificate within the 3-day timeline commits a violation punishable by statutory fines ranging from $10 to $500 or imprisonment for up to six (6) months, depending on the specific infraction.
 Member's Handbook |
 Textbook for Members |
 The Wedding Professional |
 Pre-marital Counseling |
 Funeral Book Training & Customs |
Funeral Training & Rites |
 The Fall and Rise of Christ |
|
Member's Handbook |
Textbook for Members |
The Wedding Professional |
Pre-marital Counseling |
Funeral Book Training & Customs |
Funeral Training & Rites |
The Fall and Rise of Christ |