Obtaining a wedding license is a necessary element of marriage. To avoid delays and hassles it is best to plan ahead and have all the information gathered together before going to apply. You can use the following as a guide to get you started.

When to apply

An application should be made not less than five days prior to the date of marriage. The license becomes effective for 30 days after the five working day waiting period. If necessary, applicants may request a waiver of the waiting period, this will incur an extra $10 fee. You must make the request for the waver at least five days prior to the date of the marriage.

Where to apply

Both the bride and groom must apply in person, at the same time, in the county where one or both parties have resided for at least 30 days prior to the date of application for the marriage license. The license may be used in any of the 72 counties in Wisconsin.

If you are getting married at The White Rose B&B or Sherman House and are an out of state resident you must apply to:

Columbia County Court House
(400 De Witt Street, Portage WI 53901) See Map
You can start the process over the phone by calling: 608 742 9654.

License fees are cash only, and are non-refundable. Currently, area fees range from $50-$75. All offices are open Monday through Friday, 8am to 4pm, closed Saturdays, Sundays and legal holidays. Fees and hours are subject to change.

A $10 fee paid at the court house will initiate the issuance of two sealed marriage certificates for your records which will be mailed to you two to three weeks after the ceremony. You will need these to change your name on your driver’s license and for Social Security purposes. They cost $7 for the first copy and $3 each additional. Ask the County Clerk about this while you are at the court house.

Requirements

• Both the bride and groom must apply in person at the same time, providing the following:

• Both the bride and groom must provide a certified copy of their birth certificate (some counties only if under the age of 30). They will not and do not accept hospital copies, photocopies, carbon copies of baptismal certificates. The certified copy is a copy purchased from the County Register of Deeds of the State Vial Records Department.

• All documents in a foreign language must have a certified English translation attached.

• Both applicants must bring their Social Security Cards.

• Both applicants must have proof of residency of the county they have resided in for at least 30 days; a driver’s license with current address is adequate proof.

• If either person was previously married, a filled copy of the final judgment of divorce or a certified death certificate must be provided, whichever terminated the previous marriage. Wisconsin law prohibits anyone to marry again until six months after a judgment of divorce, regardless of where the divorce was granted.

• Applicants ages 16 and 17 years old must have both the mother and father sign a consent form available at The County Clerk’s Office.

• Fees must be paid at time of application. Most County’s accept cash only, no checks or charge cards. Call your own county for the appropriate fee. Out of state residents must call Columbia County Court House at:

• 608 742 9654.

• Blood tests are no longer required in the state of Wisconsin.

• When you are ready to apply for the license, we will provide you with the name of your minister.

The address where the ceremony will be performed is:

The White Rose B&B
910 River Road,
Wisconsin Dells, WI, 53965
Phone: 608-254-4724

If any of the above information is missing, the application cannot be filed.