Please note: The steps below are specific to Polk County, Wisconsin. If you plan to get your marriage license through a different Wisconsin county, you’ll need to check that county’s requirements directly, as document requirements, fees, appointment rules, and timelines can vary.

Getting your marriage license in Polk County is pretty simple. Here’s a quick guide:

Step 1: Book your ceremony date first

Before you can schedule your marriage license appointment in Polk County, you need to have a wedding date already chosen.

Polk County only schedules marriage license appointments for couples whose wedding date is within the next 60 to 4 days and who are getting married in the State of Wisconsin.

Step 2: Call Polk County to schedule your appointment

Polk County requires an appointment for all marriage licenses.

Call: 715-485-9209
Appointment hours: Monday–Friday, 9:00 AM to 3:30 PM

Step 3: Both applicants must go together, in person

Both applicants must appear in person and at the same time for the marriage license appointment.

Step 4: Bring the required documents and information

Polk County says the following items are needed at the time of application, and documents will be verified before the application proceeds:

• Proof of identity
  (driver’s license, ID card, or passport)

• Proof of residency
  (such as a driver’s license, ID card, current bill, or bank statement)

• Certified copy of birth certificate
  (no photocopies or hospital birth records)

• Social Security numbers

• Certified copy of divorce decree, annulment, or death certificate from the last marriage, if applicable

• Name, address, and phone number of the officiant

• Address of the location where the marriage will take place

• Marriage license fee of $95, payable by cash or check only
  (no credit or debit cards)

Step 5: Make sure you meet Polk County’s eligibility rules

According to Polk County, applicants must meet the following requirements:

• Be at least 18 years old, or 16+ with parental consent

• Not currently be married

• Have the mental capacity to understand the marriage contract

• If divorced, be divorced for a minimum of 6 months from the date of application

Step 6: Bring your officiant information

Polk County requires the name, address, and phone number of the officiant at the time of application.

If you’re getting married with us, we’ll provide that information after booking, so you have it ready for your appointment.

Step 7: Have your witness names ready

Polk County requires couples to provide the names of 2 witnesses, and those witnesses must be competent adults over age 18.

If you booked your ceremony with our witness add-on, we’ll be in contact with the names you will need to provide.

Step 8: Apply early enough for the waiting period

Polk County has a 3 full-day waiting period before the marriage license becomes valid. They suggest applying 2 weeks before your wedding date..

For sufficient reason or extenuating circumstances, Polk County says the 3-day waiting period may be waived for an additional $20 fee.

Quick Polk County Checklist

• Book your ceremony date first

• Call Polk County to schedule your appointment

• Go together, in person

• Bring all required documents

• Bring officiant's name, address, and phone number

• Have the address of your ceremony location

• Have the names of 2 adult witnesses ready

• Bring $95 cash or check

• Apply early enough to account for the 3 full day waiting period

A note for our couples

This guide is based on Polk County’s current marriage license requirements. If you’re obtaining your license through another Wisconsin county, be sure to contact that county clerk directly to confirm their process and required documents before your appointment.