COLUMBIA COUNTY CLERK OFFICE:  (608) 742-9654

WHERE TO APPLY: We are currently taking marriage license applications by appointment only. Please call (608) 742-9654 to schedule an appointment. 
Appointments are held in the Columbia County Clerk Office, in the Administration Building (not the courthouse), on most weekdays 8:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.  Both applicants must apply in person, at the same time.  The County Clerk Office is located on the first floor in the:

Columbia County Administration Building
112 East Edgewater Street
Portage, Wisconsin

Note: Effective July 1, 2022, a marriage license can be obtained from the County Clerk of any county in Wisconsin, and further allows the marriage ceremony to be performed in any county in Wisconsin.

WAITING PERIOD:  After you apply, there is a waiting period of 3 FULL DAYS before your license is issued. This means, after your appointment in our office, one of the applicants must come back to pick up the license on or after the issuance date.  The 3-day waiting period begins after the date of application and ends on the 4th day, which is also the issuance day.  (For instance, if your appointment is on Monday, your issuance date would be on Friday.)  Keep in mind that our office is closed on weekends and holidays, so plan accordingly.  The ceremony may take place on the date the license is issued or any time within 60 days thereafter.

Note:  The 3-day waiting period may be waived for an additional $25 fee. However, the waiver is only granted for a good cause that is approved by the County Clerk. This waiver must also be requested no later than 3 FULL DAYS in advance of the marriage date. If you believe you may qualify for a waiver, call our office as soon as possible.

DOCUMENTATION & INFORMATION NEEDED:  For more information, see printouts at the bottom of the page.

• Certified Birth Record.  Certified birth records are required for ALL applicants, except non-U.S. citizens (see third bullet point).  A certified birth record must bear the official embossed seal and a signature of the state registrar, register of deeds, or city health officer.  The seal of a notary public does not suffice for a certified copy of a vital record.  The souvenir birth document given by a hospital is NOT a legal document and is unacceptable.  If the birth certificate is not in English, the applicant is responsible for having it translated into English and notarized by a third party; the applicant cannot translate it themself.
  
• Accurate and complete full names of parents, including maiden and middle names.  Note that your birth certificate may not include this information.  Please double check before you get here and be ready to provide the information.
  
• If an applicant is not a U.S. citizen, a current and valid passport is required.  If the passport has expired, then the applicant will need to apply for an extension.  If the passport is not in English, the applicant is responsible for having it translated into English and notarized by a third party; the applicant cannot translate it themself.  If a non-U.S. citizen applicant does not have a certified birth certificate, the passport will be sufficient.
  
• Translator.  If one of the marriage applicants does not understand or speak English, you need to provide a certified translator who is not a relative or friend to translate when applying.
• Photo ID.  Current (un-expired) government-issued driver's license or State ID.
  
• Proof of Residence.  A current driver's license with a current address is the best proof.  If this is not available, the applicant may provide different proof of residence, such as a checkbook, utility bill, income tax record, payroll record, military papers, student record, medical and/or dental bills, etc.  If on the day you apply for a license you have not resided at your current address for 30 days, be prepared to prove your previous address.  Your "residence", for marriage license purposes, is where you have physically lived for the past 30 days.
  
• Location of Residence.  Applicants should know their municipality (city, village or township) and county of residence.
• Social Security Number.  Applicants must provide their social security number if one has been assigned to them.
  
• If an applicant has been previously married, proof of termination of the most recent previous marriage.
• Final Divorce Decree.  It is not lawful for any person, who is or has been a party to an action for divorce in any court in this state, or elsewhere, to marry again until 6 months after judgment of divorce is granted.  The final Divorce Decree or final Judgment of Divorce (with the Judge's or Court Commissioner's signature and final divorce date on such papers) must be presented to the County Clerk if your most recent previous marriage was terminated by divorce. 
• Death Record.  A signed death certificate must be presented to the County Clerk if your most recent previous marriage was terminated by death.
• Court Annulment.  A certified copy of annulment certificate or court annulment decree must be presented to the County Clerk if your most recent previous marriage was terminated by annulment.
  
• Location and Date of Marriage.  The wedding date MUST be set before you can come in to apply for the license.  Applicants should also know the municipality (city, village or township) and the county in which the ceremony will take place.
  
• Officiant Information.  Correct spelling of the officiant's name, business address, and phone number.
• Marriage License Fee.  The license fee is $85.00.  If a waiver to the 3-day waiting period is granted, there will be an additional $25.00 fee.  You must apply for a waiver in advance (see the note in "WAITING PERIOD" section above).  These fees are payable in CASH or CREDIT/DEBIT cards on the day you come to apply for the license.  If you use a debit card, the transaction fee is $2.50.  If you use a credit card, the credit card transaction has a fee depending on the total amount charged.  We do not accept checks.
  

Note:  Physical examinations and/or blood tests are not required.

Note:  Persons under the age of 16 may not marry.  Persons age 16 and 17 are required to provide both parents' or legal guardians' notarized written consent to marry.  The consent forms are available in the County Clerk Office and must be signed by both parents or guardians in front of a notary public or the County Clerk.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION OR QUESTIONS CONTACT:

Columbia County Clerk's Office

112 East Edgewater Street

Portage, WI 53901

(608) 742-9654