Marriage Licenses

Fees

License Fee: $90
Waiver Fee: $25
The three-day waiting period may be waived for good cause (i.e., out-of-state applicants, military, serious illness) by the County Clerk for an additional $25. The applicants will be required to fill out an application stating the reason for the waiver. Once the waiver is approved by the County Clerk, the license can be issued immediately following the application.

Where to Apply

Applicants can apply in any County in Wisconsin

When to Apply

The license is valid for 60 days after the 3-day waiting period. Example: if a license is purchased on the 10th, it would have an issue date of the 14th, and would be valid for 60 days after that. The waiting period may be waived in certain circumstances or by approval of the County Clerk. Please note: Beginning May 18, 2015, you MUST have a marriage date when you apply.

What to Bring

Both applicants should appear at the time of application and present the following documents:

Record of Birth
Must have a certified birth certificate. If you were born in Wisconsin, you can purchase a copy from the Register of Deeds.
Photo ID - A Driver's License, Passport, State ID Card, or Military ID
Social Security Number (Do not have to have the actual card)
A copy of the divorce judgment, annulment paper, or a death certificate must be presented for the last previous marriage, if any applicant has been married before.
Name and contact information (address, email address, and/or phone number) of your officiant.
Cash, check, or money order for payment.
Credit cards are now accepted, but an additional fee applies to their use.

How to Change Your Name

Once your license is filed in the County of your choice within 3 days of the ceremony, you will need to apply and purchase a certified copy of your marriage certificate. You can request a copy of the marriage certificate in any county in Wisconsin. Once you receive your certified copy, take that along with your birth certificate and driver's license to the Social Security Office. The closest Social Security Office is located at 4120 Oakwood Hills Pkwy, Eau Claire, WI 54701.

Keep in mind that just purchasing a marriage license will not automatically get you a certified copy of the marriage certificate.
Applications to obtain a marriage certificate from Chippewa County and Social Security applications are also given at the time of purchasing your marriage license.
A printable brochure on how to obtain a marriage license is located in our Marriage License Brochure (PDF).
It is illegal to make photocopies of a Marriage Certificate/License!

Minimum Age To Marry

Males and females: 18 years of age.

Individuals who are 16 or 17 years of age will need both parents' consent, or a guardian's consent is required.
Males or females under 16 cannot marry under any circumstances. A Court can no longer grant special permission in such cases.

Witnesses to the Marriage

Both witnesses must be 18 years of age or over.

Persons Who May Not Marry

Blood relatives who are nearer of kin than second cousins, except when the female is 55 years or older.
Any person who has not been legally divorced in this state or any other state for a period of six months.
A marriage may not be contracted if either party has such want of understanding as renders them incapable of assenting to marriage (Section 765.03(1), Wis. Stats.)

Courthouse Ceremonies

Marriages performed at the courthouse by any of the three judges are free of charge. Please call 715-726-7781 or 715-726-7783 to make an appointment. (Marriage license fee still applies.)

Judges will not marry anyone under the age of 18.

Court Commissioners who perform marriages (for a fee) and will travel are:

Kari S Hoel: 715-202-0505
Dave Raihle Jr.: 715-723-3256

Chapter 765, Wisconsin Statutes (PDF)