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Getting married in Wisconsin starts with applying for a marriage license with the County Clerk before your ceremony. After the ceremony, the completed license is returned so the marriage can be registered with the Register of Deeds. Once registered, you may purchase your marriage certificate from the Register of Deeds as official proof of the marriage.
Use this page to find the right step and the correct Waukesha County office.
A marriage license and a marriage certificate are not the same thing.
| If you are... | You need a... | What it means | County office |
| Getting married | Marriage License | Permission to get married in Wisconsin | County Clerk |
| Already married | Marriage Certificate | Official record that the marriage occurred | Register of Deeds |
Getting married? Apply for your marriage license before the ceremony with the County Clerk.
Already married? Request your marriage certificate after the completed license has been filed and registered with the Register of Deeds.
Where Are You in the Marriage Process?
The steps generally happen in this order: apply for the license with the County Clerk, have the ceremony, return the completed license to the Register of Deeds, then purchase your certificate after the marriage is registered with the Register of Deeds.
Select the section that matches what you need today.
Getting Married? Apply for a Marriage License
A marriage license gives a couple permission to get married in Wisconsin. It is needed before the wedding ceremony.
Marriage licenses are handled by the Waukesha County Clerk’s Office.
Use the County Clerk’s marriage license page for current information about:
Filing the License? How to Return the Completed License
After the ceremony, the officiant completes and returns the marriage license to the Register of Deeds so the marriage can be registered.
A marriage certificate cannot be issued until the completed license has been filed and registered.
Use the Register of Deeds Vital Records page for current filing or registering instructions.
Already Married? Purchase a Marriage Certificate
A marriage certificate is the official record that a marriage took place. It is available after the completed marriage license has been filed and registered.
Marriage certificates are handled by the Waukesha County Register of Deeds Office through Vital Records.
Use the Register of Deeds Vital Records page for current information about:
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