How to Get Married in Dane County, Wisconsin

Pick your date, county, and officiant

The clerk records all three on your license, so you need them before you apply. You can apply in any Wisconsin county, even if your ceremony is in a different one. Browse officiants on BareVows.

Schedule an appointment

Dane County requires an appointment. Book online through the county website.

Apply with the Dane County Clerk's office

Both must appear on Zoom; separate locations allowed.

Bring these documents:

• A certified copy of your birth certificate. Hospital certificates and photocopies are not accepted; the copy must carry a raised or certified seal.
• A valid photo ID, such as a driver's license, state ID, or passport.
• Proof of your current residence. Your driver's license usually covers this.
• Your Social Security number, if you have been assigned one.
• If either of you was previously married, bring a divorce judgment, annulment, or death certificate.
• Any document not in English must be translated by a certified or professional translator.

If you cannot obtain a birth certificate, Wisconsin accepts a passport, REAL ID, permanent resident card, or naturalization papers instead.

Note: Marriage date required at application.

Pay the $150 license fee

Accepted: Credit Card and Debit Card. $150 plus a service fee. Card only.

Wait 3 full days

The application day does not count toward the waiting period. For example, apply on Monday and your license is valid starting Friday. Dane County offers a waiver for $25 at the clerk's discretion, which can reduce or eliminate the waiting period.

Have your ceremony

Your officiant performs the ceremony within 60 days of your license being issued. Two witnesses must be present to sign the marriage license.

Return the signed marriage license

Return the signed marriage license within 3 days after your ceremony. File it with the Register of Deeds (not the County Clerk) of any Wisconsin county. The document must be completed in unfading black ink.