Marriage License Information

Adams County is currently taking marriage license applications by appointment only.  Please call 608-339-4200 to schedule an appointment.  Both applicants must apply in person at the same time when applying for a marriage license.  

The County Clerk’s Office is processing Marriage License Applications for applicants who have an officiant willing to perform their ceremony and are getting married in the State of Wisconsin.

Applications for out-of-state residents are processed for applicants who have an officiant and only if the wedding ceremony is taking place in the State of Wisconsin.  You do not need to be a Wisconsin resident to get married in the state.  

Arrangement for the wedding must be set PRIOR to applying for a marriage license.  (Legally a ceremony consists of five (5) people - the couple, the officiant, and two witnesses.)  

Officiants.  Wedding officiants must be ordained either on-line or through a religious organization.  The State of Wisconsin does not require registration or proof of ordination.  As long as the officiant is ordained, they’re able to perform the ceremony legally.  

The County Clerk’s office handles only the issuance of the marriage license.  We do not schedule courthouse weddings or provide judicial or officiant information. 

When to Apply - Waiting Period.  All marriage license applications have a three (3) day waiting period from the date of application.  Your license will be issued on the fourth (4th) calendar day from the date of application.  It is valid for 60 days.  

See the Marriage License Information sheet below for a listing of all required items to bring with you to your appointment.  

If you need to obtain a certified copy of your birth certificate from the Adams County Register of Deeds Office, you will need to do that at a separate time prior to your application for a marriage license.  

Please note that we only accept cash or credit card.  (No checks.)  Credit card use fees apply.  Call 608-339-4200 or email with any questions you may have.  

Wisconsin ACT 84  (effective July 1, 2022).