We’re backtracking a little to swing through Wisconsin and Minnesota on our 50 state tour of state marriage laws and we’re going to take a moment here in Wisconsin because there are some interesting tidbits that you need to be aware of when applying for a marriage license in the state.
Wisconsin
First and foremost, each county in Wisconsin may have different requirements, so be sure that you contact your local County Clerk for what specific requirements your county may have prior to going down to apply for your marriage license. Your marriage license fee is about $80 and you need to bring cash.
Now let’s get down to some specifics. If you are from out of state, you must apply for your marriage license in the county where you intend to get married. If you are a resident, one of you must have been a resident for at least 30 days in the county before applying there.
Applicants under 18 need to provide notarized consent from their parents. If you are under the age of 16, you cannot get married in Wisconsin. You will not need to provide any medical or blood test results.
You will need your driver’s license with your current address or provide two pieces of mail with your current address on it. You will also need a certified copy of your birth certificate as well as your social security number. Be sure that you know both of your parents’ full names, your mothers’ maiden names and that you have the name, address and phone number of your officiant as well as the date and place for your marriage ceremony.
You must show proof of annulment, divorce or death if you were married previously. You will also need to wait a minimum of 6 months after your divorce prior to applying for another marriage. Wisconsin also has a long waiting period – of 5 days after the date of your application. So a good rule of thumb is to apply at least 7 days before the date you plan to get married.
Wisconsin does not allow for:
- Covenant Marriage
- Proxy Marriage
- Common Law Marriage
- Same Sex Marriage
Cousin marriage are allowed as long as the bride is 55 years of age or older. You should check with your local county for any specific requirements related to cousin marriage. Your Wisconsin marriage license is valid for just 30 days. To obtain a copy of your Wisconsin marriage certificate:
Vital Records
1 West Wilson Street
P.O. Box 309
Madison, WI 53701
Phone: (608) 266-1371
Minnesota
Just across the border is Minnesota. You do not need to be a resident to get married in Minnesota. You do need to provide a valid photo I.D. as well as your social security numbers. You should also provide proof of dissolution of any previous marriage (death certificate, divorce decree or annulment papers). Applicants under 15 will need permission from a juvenile court judge as well as parental permission. Applicants between 15 and 18 will just need parental permission.
Minnesota requires a waiting period of 5 working days. You can request that a judge waive this waiting period if he or she deems ‘extraordinary’ circumstances. Minnesota does not require any medical or blood tests when it comes to applying for a marriage license. You will also need to have at least two witnesses over the age of 16 at your wedding ceremony to sign your marriage license.
Minnesota does not allow for:
- Cousin Marriage
- Proxy Marriage
- Common Law Marriage
- Same Sex Marriage
Your fee for a marriage license will be about $100 unless you provide written proof that you took a 12-hour premarital education course that was authorized by the state. Applicants who take the premarital course will only pay $30 for their marriage license.
According to the Minnesota statute:
The premarital education must be provided by a licensed or ordained minister or the minister’s designee, a person authorized to solemnize marriages under section 517.18, or a person authorized to practice marriage and family therapy under section 148B.33.
Your marriage license will be valid for 6 months. To get a copy of your Minnesota marriage certificate:
Minnesota Department of Health
Attention: Office of the State Registrar
717 Delaware St SE
P.O. Box 9441
Minneapolis, MN 55440-9441
Phone: (612) 676-5120
Fax: (612) 331-5776
The above information should be taken as guidance only, legal requirements for state and county marriage licenses change often. Please verify the necessary paperwork and more with the office of the county clerk prior to making your wedding plans