How to Get Married in Dane County, Wisconsin

To get married in Dane County, Wisconsin, you need a valid photo ID, $120 for the license fee, and both applicants must appear at the County Clerk's office at 210 Martin Luther King Jr Blvd, Room 106A. The license is valid for 60 days after a 3-day waiting period, and the application day does not count toward the wait.

$120
License Fee
3
Day Waiting Period
Application day does not count
60
Days License Valid
2
Witnesses Required

How It Works

Pick your date, county, and officiant

The clerk records all three on your license, so you need them before you apply. You can apply in any Wisconsin county, even if your ceremony is in a different one. Browse officiants on BareVows.

Schedule an appointment

Dane County requires an appointment. Book online through the county website.

Visit the Dane County Clerk's office together

Both applicants must appear in person at 210 Martin Luther King Jr Blvd, Room 106A, Madison, WI 53703.

Bring these documents:

  • Photo id
  • Social security number
  • Proof of current physical address
  • Certified birth record (electronic scan ok; photocopy not ok; hospital cert not acceptable)
  • Both parents' full names including mother's full maiden name
  • Divorce judgment/annulment/death certificate if previously married
  • Officiant name/address/email/phone
  • Wedding date and location (county, city/town/village)
  • All documents not in English must be translated by a certified or professional translator.

Note: Marriage date required at application.

Pay the $120 license fee

Accepted: Credit Card and Debit Card

Wait 3 full days

The application day does not count toward the waiting period. For example, apply on Monday and your license is valid starting Friday. Dane County offers a waiver for $25 at the clerk's discretion, which can reduce or eliminate the waiting period.

Have your ceremony

Your officiant performs the ceremony within 60 days of your license being issued. Two witnesses must be present to sign the marriage license.

Return the signed marriage license

Return the signed marriage license within 3 days after your ceremony. File it with the Register of Deeds (not the County Clerk) of any Wisconsin county. The document must be completed in unfading black ink.

Wedding Officiants Who Serve Dane County

Find a licensed officiant for your Dane County wedding ceremony.

Schwa Potter, wedding officiant in Milwaukee, WI
Schwa Potter
Milwaukee, WI
Broadway-trained officiant crafting personalized ceremonies in Milwaukee, WI.
Learn More

Next step: contact the clerk

Schedule your marriage license appointment. Both applicants must appear in person.

County Clerk
Scott McDonell
Dane County, Wisconsin
Address
210 Martin Luther King Jr Blvd, Room 106A
Madison, WI 53703
Call now
Office Hours
Monday–Friday, 7:45 AM – 3:45 PM (marriage license hours: Monday–Friday, 9:00 AM – 3:00 PM (Zoom appointment only))
Appointment
Required. Book online through the county website.

Other Wisconsin Counties

Explore marriage license requirements for other popular Wisconsin counties.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does a marriage license cost in Dane County?

A marriage license in Dane County, Wisconsin costs $120. Payment is accepted via Credit Card and Debit Card.

Can I get a marriage license the same day in Dane County?

Yes, with a waiver. Wisconsin has a 3-day waiting period, but Dane County offers a $25 waiver at the clerk's discretion that can eliminate the wait. Apply for the waiver when you submit your application.

Do both people need to be present to get a marriage license in Dane County?

Check with the Dane County County Clerk's office for current requirements.

What are the Dane County Clerk's office hours?

The Dane County County Clerk's office is open Monday–Friday, 7:45 AM – 3:45 PM (marriage license hours: Monday–Friday, 9:00 AM – 3:00 PM (Zoom appointment only)). Appointments are required. online.

Can a non-U.S. citizen get a marriage license in Dane County?

Yes. Non-U.S. citizens can get married in Dane County, Wisconsin. Wisconsin accepts alternative documents if your birth certificate is unobtainable, including passport, REAL ID, permanent resident card, or naturalization papers. All documents not in English must be translated by a certified or professional translator. You, your partner, and your relatives may not translate your own documents. No visa or residency status is required.