How to Perform Marriage in Wisconsin

1. Become an Ordained Minister

American Marriage Ministries ordains all people, regardless of belief, who have an honest intent to administer marriage rites and other religous ceremonies according to the values of their congregation and commmunity.

There is no cost to ordination, expiration, or licensing fees. All that we ask is that you take your duties seriously and help support us through donation or a purchase from our store.

Minister Licensing Requirements in Wisconsin

In Wisconsin all ministers are required to register before performing marriage. Ministers are able to complete their registration locally, through the County Clerk’s Office. This is the same office that the couple must visit to file for their marriage license.

The minister must be at least 18 years old,. Non-resident ministers must obtain a letter of sponsorship from a minister who is a resident of Wisconsin.

2. Prepare for the Wedding

Many of our ministers are performing marriage for the first time and we are here to guide them through the process. We encourage our ministers to register their weddings with us. Once registered, we provide detailed instructions and goals to prepare them for performing marriage.

For a detailed explanation of how a wedding ceremony is conducted, its parts, and samples, visit our Wedding Ceremony Training page.

We recommend that our ministers practice their ceremony aloud prior to the wedding. By the time the big day arrives they should be fully prepared to conduct the ceremony.

3. Perform Marriage!

On the wedding day, either preceding or following the ceremony, the couple must present their marriage license to the minister, who must make sure that the license is valid, and that the couple’s information is accurate.

The minister then signs the license, ensuring that it bears any necesarry witness signatures. Once completed, the minister or the couple must return the license to the County Clerk’s office within applicable deadlines.

For further instructions on how to complete individual forms that may appear on the marriage license, please read how to complete the marriage license.