You have made a great decision to get married.Before you can walk down the aisle, you need to take care of yourself.If you want to get a marriage license, you should schedule your wedding and find someone to marry you.If necessary, hire a wedding planner.
Step 1: If you want to get married, check it out.
You have to meet a few qualifications in Wisconsin.You need to be at least 18 years old to get married.You need the consent of both your parents and your legal guardian if you are 16 or 17 years old.A consent form can be found at the county clerk's office.You can't get married to your second cousin.If the female is 55 or older, you can marry a first cousin.If you have been divorced, you must wait six months after the divorce to marry.
Step 2: Take the required documents.
A valid photo ID, such as your driver's license or state-issued ID card, is required for both parties to show the clerk.Your Social Security number.There is a birth certificate.You can get a copy from the Vital Records office.A certificate of birth issued by the hospital is not acceptable.If you were married, you will need proof of the divorce, such as a judgment of divorce.You will need a death certificate if your spouse died.You need to show proof that you live in the county where you are applying for your license to be a Wisconsin resident.It is possible to use a state ID, utility bill, bank statement, or lease agreement as proof.
Step 3: A wedding date is necessary.
Before applying for a marriage license, you need to set a wedding date.In Wisconsin, most couples get married in the summer and fall.If you are planning a big wedding, you might want to avoid popular holidays.The Wisconsin State Fair arrives in early August, while Milwaukee Summer Fest runs from late June through early July.
Step 4: You can find an osbian to marry you.
Before you apply for a marriage license, you need to pick an ostrer who will solemnize your marriage.You can be married by a judge, circuit court commissioner, or member of a religious group.You can check with the clerk's office if you are getting married by a government official.The contact information is available.
Step 5: The county clerk's office is where you should apply.
You should go to the clerk with each other.You need to go at least seven days before your wedding, but not more than 30 days.Your license will end after 30 days.Both parties have lived in the county for at least 30 days.If you haven't lived in any Wisconsin county for at least 30 days, you have to apply in the county where the wedding will be held.Both applicants have to speak English.They need a translator if one doesn't.You can't translate for your partner.
Step 6: For the license, you have to pay.
You will pay around $120, though the amount might vary by county.You have to pay in cash in the county.You can use a credit card in Milwaukee County.
Step 7: You need to pick up your license.
It will take about a week for you to pick up your marriage license from the court clerk.In certain situations, the clerk can waive the waiting period for a fee.Talk to the clerk.
Step 8: If you want to get married, choose a location.
Some people prefer to marry in a church while others prefer a public park, barn, or someone's back yard.In the summer and fall, outdoor weddings are popular in Wisconsin.The locations need to be licensed to hold a wedding.Ask people where they got married.There are buildings that look large enough to hold a wedding.Discuss with the owner if they will host a wedding ceremony.It is a good idea to confirm that your wedding venue can fit all of your guests and that it is close to your reception venue.You can get a marriage license in Wisconsin if you are a resident.Non-residents need to marry in the county where they got their license.
Step 9: The reception can be held in a venue.
You could have your reception in the same place as your wedding.Sometimes it is not possible or you might prefer a different location.You are able to rent a hall, lodge, or restaurant.Make sure your location has the necessary permits to host a wedding reception.Ask about availability.You can check out the venue on your wedding day if they have an opening.You can get quotes on how much it costs to rent.You should get a written contract from the venue you choose.
Step 10: Hire someone to serve food.
If you want a low-cost wedding, you might be able to cook your own food.It is possible that you will need to hire a caterer.If you want to get referrals from newlyweds, look online.When calling a caterer, inquire about their average price range and whether they offer packages or discounts.The caterer might be able to handle the set-up.Expect to pay more if you do.If you are serving alcohol, make sure you have a liquor license.Local foods include cheese, custard, bratwurst, and sauerkraut.A fish fry is a great meal for a less formal wedding.
Step 11: The cake can be a wedding cake.
There are many options, including a sheet cake.Half of the fun of getting married is going to different bakeries and sampling their wedding cakes.It is your wedding day and you should pick a flavor that you like.Each tier of a tiered cake can have a different flavor.This could make your guests happy.100 guests will be served a cake with three tiers.There are five tiers that will serve 200 or more.Cream puffs, Danish pastry, and fudge-bottom pie are examples of non-traditional desserts.
Step 12: Hire someone else to help.
You could hire a DJ or a wedding photographer.Look at your budget to see what you can afford.
Step 13: Send out your saved-the-date cards.
Send them in advance.Your guests have a chance to clear their schedules.Guests will need time to arrange travel if you are flying to Wisconsin for a destination wedding.You should only send the invitations to people you know you want to attend.It is too late to change your mind once these invites go out.
Step 14: If you need help, you can hire a weddingplanner.
Are you feeling overwhelmed?If you don't have a lot of time, you can hire a Wisconsin wedding planner who can find a venue.Ask newlyweds if they worked with a wedding planner.You can use the internet to search.Wedding planners use a variety of methods to bill their time.Some charge a flat fee, while others charge by the hour or percentage of your wedding budget.15% of your wedding budget can be spent on a planner.If you have a wedding budget of $20,000, you can pay up to $3,000.You need to sign up for a consultation to get to know the planner.You want someone to be comfortable with you.
Step 15: Your guests will receive formal invitations.
Two months before the wedding, send these out.Guests can RSVP two to three weeks before.If you have to rearrange your seating chart, this will give you enough time.Send the invitations a little earlier if you are having a destination wedding.Give guests a list of hotels and B&Bs where they can stay.The phone book can be used to find this information.
Step 16: Pick out wedding favors.
Give out wedding favors to show your appreciation.You should pick something more Wisconsin-inspired if you want to skip traditional wedding favors.Give an artisan cheese or picture postcards of the state.