Marriage Licenses & Certificates

Getting married or need proof of your marriage?

Getting married in Wisconsin starts with applying for a marriage license before your ceremony. After the ceremony, the completed license is returned so the marriage can be recorded. Once recorded, you may request a marriage certificate as official proof of the marriage.

Use this page to find the right step and the correct Waukesha County office.

Where Are You in the Marriage Process?

Select the section that matches what you need today.

The steps generally happen in this order: apply for the license, have the ceremony, return the completed license, then request a certificate after the marriage is recorded.

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:

  • appointments
  • eligibility
  • required documents
  • fees
  • waiting periods
  • license timing

After the ceremony, the officiant completes and returns the marriage license so the marriage can be recorded.

A marriage certificate cannot be issued until the completed license has been filed and recorded.

Use the Register of Deeds Vital Records page for current filing or recording instructions.

A marriage certificate is the official record that a marriage took place. It is available after the completed marriage license has been filed and recorded.

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:

  • certified copies
  • uncertified copies
  • eligibility
  • identification requirements
  • applications
  • fees
  • ordering options

Marriage License vs. Marriage Certificate

A marriage license and a marriage certificate are not the same thing.

If you are... You need... 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

Simple way to remember

Getting married? Apply for a marriage license before the ceremony.
Already married? Request a marriage certificate after the completed license has been filed and recorded.