Wisconsin Marriage Records

Marriage records in Wisconsin contain official documentation on all marriage events in the state, which state or local agencies officially record. Generally, these documents provide the following information:

• The couple’s full birth names.
• Full names of both parties’ parents (may also include their maiden names)
• The date of the marriage registration and certification.
• The location where the event occurred
• Name and residence of the officiating minister.
• Names of witnesses at the event
• The bride’s full name before the marriage event.

Wisconsin marriage records may exist as microfilms, online, or physical files. Images of marriage records, such as scanned documents or photographs, may also be available for specific periods. The Wisconsin Historical Society keeps marriage records before 1907 on microfilm. Historically, churches recorded marriage ceremonies before civil authorities took over this role. These days, they are managed by county authorities alongside other Wisconsin family court records and civil documents. Furthermore, the organization provides access to online marriage records indexes.

Note: In addition to the Wisconsin Historical Society, record seekers can find marriage records at designated state or local agencies.

What Types of Marriage Records Are Available In Wisconsin?

Public agencies in Wisconsin maintain different types of records, including marriage certificates and licenses. Civil records, such as marriage certificates, are official government documents maintained by state or local authorities, as opposed to those kept by churches.

Wisconsin Marriage Certificate

Wisconsin marriage certificates are legal documents that validate a marriage ceremony. These certificates are formal written records, and all marriage information is recorded in writing. Once issued, certificates are generally available within three weeks from the date of marriage. However, these records are not accessible to the general public. Under Wis. Stat. § 69.20(1), only persons with a tangible and direct interest can obtain a marriage certificate from custodian agencies. The list of eligible requesters may include the record subjects, a close relative, or a legal guardian.

Marriage certificates include marriage information such as the names of the bride and groom, marriage dates, and the location of the ceremony. Other details may consist of the officiant and witnesses. If official records are missing, personal documents or other forms of evidence, such as family bibles or personal journals, may be used to verify a marriage.

The law also enables third parties to access marriage certificates under this condition:

• The person must have an authorization note from the record subject.
• The applicant must prove that the data is necessary to protect property or personal rights.

Marriage certificates can be obtained from the Wisconsin Department of Health Services, via the State Vital Records Office, which serves as the primary custodian of all marriage certificates issued after October 1, 1907. In contrast, the Register of Deeds Office is the local custodian of marriage certificates, and records are filed at the town or county level.

Wisconsin Marriage License

Wisconsin’s county clerk offices issue marriage licenses to couples who are legally eligible to marry. To apply for a marriage license, you must fulfill these criteria:

• Applicants must be 18 years old or older. Applicants who are 16 or 17 years old need a consent form from a parent or guardian.
• Present a certified copy of a birth certificate.
• Submit a document showing your current address.
• A copy of a photo identification card and a Social Security number.
• A divorce certificate if previously married.

You can apply for these licenses at any county clerk’s office. It takes three days for the clerk to process the application. Nevertheless, you can waive the 3-day waiting period by paying an extra $25 fee.

Note: While certificates and licenses are marriage records, marriage licenses are not marriage certificates since they are issued before marriage. Licenses serve as government approval for a marriage ceremony to take place.

Are Wisconsin Marriage Records Public?

Under the Wisconsin Public Records Law, marriage records created after 1907 are inaccessible. However, public members can access marriage index records before 1907 via the Wisconsin Historical Society website.

Wis. Stat. § 69.20(1) allows persons with a direct and tangible interest to request and obtain the records after 1907. In this context, eligible requesters may include:

• The record subjects
• Immediate family members of the record subject. This list covers descendants, parents, legal guardians, and spouses.
• Persons authorized by the record subject. Those in this category must present a written and signed authorization form from the record subject.
• Legal representatives.

A death certificate may be required to access the marriage record if both spouses are deceased.

Note: Eligible record seekers may opt for a certified or informational copy of a marriage record. Although they contain the same information, you can’t use an informational copy for legal purposes.

Contact the Wisconsin Historical Society for assistance if you cannot access the online index.

How to Find Marriage Records in Wisconsin

Marriage records are officially recorded and maintained by the relevant agencies at the Wisconsin Department of Health Services via the Vital Records Office. They can be obtained by submitting a request in writing, either by mail or in person. Individuals may also visit the office in person to request records.

To find Wisconsin marriage records via mail, start with these simple steps:

1. Download and fill out the Vital Records Application Form in writing.
2. Next, attach clear copies of a valid government-issued photo ID. Instead of an ID, you may add copies of bank statements, health insurance cards, or utility bills.
3. Attach the required fees, including search fees, processing fees, and any additional surcharges. Payment can be made by money order payable to the STATE OF WIS. VITAL RECORDS. Mastercard and Visa are also accepted payment methods for fees. Personal checks are not accepted. Note: It costs $20 for a copy of a marriage certificate and $3 for an additional copy. The State Vital Records Office will charge $20 for every five-year search from October 1907 to 1973. This means you will pay $60 if you want the State Vital Records to search for marriage records between 1958 and 1973 (15 years). However, searches for records from 1973 to now require only a one-time search fee.
4. Send all the required files via mail to this address:

Wisconsin Vital Records Office
P.O. Box 309
Madison, WI 53701.

Conversely, each county's Register of Deeds Office is responsible for maintaining and recording marriage records. You can find the addresses of these local agencies on the State Records website. Note that Milwaukee and West Allis City’s health offices maintain access to marriage records, which can be obtained by submitting a written request or visiting the office in person.

How to Get a Marriage License in Wisconsin

Wisconsin residents can apply for a marriage license via the Office of the County Clerk. Note that the application process may differ in each county. So, here’s a general guide to getting a marriage license in Wisconsin.

1. Book an appointment with the Office of the County Clerk. You may find a contact number on their official website.
2. Next, ensure you have these documents, all provided in writing:
   1. A valid photo ID.
   2. A document showing your current home address. This could be a utility bill, dated mail, or a lease agreement.
   3. Birth certificates from both the bride and groom. Note that the county clerk will not accept a hospital-issued birth certificate.
   4. Proposed marriage dates.
   5. Social security number.
   6. Name and contact details of the officiant.
   7. Application fee for the marriage license. The cost may differ for each county. For example, Dane County charges a $120 application fee.
3. Submit these documents in person at the Office of the County Clerk. The application is a written document, and all information must be accurately provided in writing. It takes three days for the clerk’s office to process the request. The marriage license authorizes the marriage ceremony and is filed with the town or county clerk. Note that you must get married within 60 days of receiving the license.

Note: You may pay an extra fee to waive the waiting period. In Dane County, you may pay $25 to receive the license on the same day you apply.

Who Can Obtain Marriage Records in Wisconsin?

Per Wis. Stat. § 69.20(1), only persons with a direct and tangible interest can obtain certified copies of marriage records issued after October 1907. Eligible individuals can obtain these records through official channels. Records before this date are publicly accessible and are under the purview of the Wisconsin Historical Society. According to state law, eligible requesters for marriage records include the following:

• The record subjects
• Current spouses of the record subjects
• Close relatives, such as descendants, parents or legal guardians, and siblings
• Legal representatives of the record subjects
• State or local government officials.
• Third parties authorized by the record subject to receive the document.
• A third party may also access marriage records if the disclosure will lead to the protection of property or personal rights.

Marriage records must be requested in writing, and all authorizations must be provided as written documentation. Evidence of eligibility, such as legal documents, may be required to support the request. A death certificate may be required to obtain the marriage record if both spouses are deceased.

Nevertheless, all eligible requesters may fulfill these requirements to obtain marriage records:

• Present a copy of a valid government-issued identification card.
• Complete the application form in writing.
• Present a duly signed written authorization form from the record subject (applicable only to third-party requesters)
• Pay the required search fee.
• Make an in-person or mail-in written request to the custodian agency.

Note: Legal guardians must provide court documents establishing their guardianship.

Can You Lookup Online Marriage Records For Free in Wisconsin?

You can search indexes for marriage records online via the Wisconsin Historical Society. Some online indexes may include images of original marriage records, allowing you to view scanned photographs or visual documentation from specific periods. However, the organization only maintains records before 1907. You can contact the Wisconsin Historical Society for assistance if you cannot access the online indexes. Some third-party websites may provide free access to Wisconsin marriage records. Personal records—such as family bibles or private documentation—may be used to verify marriage details if official records are unavailable online. You may provide details to access records on these sites, such as the record subjects’ names.

Is Wisconsin a Common Law State for Marriage?

No. As of January 2024, Wisconsin state laws do not recognize common-law unions. Since the state abolished common-law unions in 1917, you must be legally married to enjoy marital rights.

In common-law unions, couples must live together for an extended period of time and announce their status to friends and family.

Does Wisconsin Recognize Common Law Marriages Formed in Other States?

Yes. Under Chapter 15 of Wisconsin’s Family Law, common-law marriages become legal only when contracted in other states that approve such unions. As of January 2024, only eight US states have legalized common-law marriages. This means common-law couples from these states can enjoy full marital rights in Wisconsin.

What Other Marriages are Legal in Wisconsin?

Domestic partnerships are also legal in Wisconsin. The union became legal on August 3, 2009, after the state senate overwhelmingly voted to support it. Although it was primarily enacted/reserved for same-sex couples, heterosexual couples have also adopted it.

Couples in a domestic partnership will enjoy marital rights, such as the right to inherit, visitation rights, and access to family medical leave. However, they are not eligible to receive over 1,138 federal rights allocated to couples in traditional marriages.