If you are residents of Wisconsin, you must apply for your license in the county you reside in. You may marry anywhere in the state. If you are from out-of-state, you must apply for your license in the county in which you will be married in. The license is good for 30 days and may be applied for no sooner than 35 days before your wedding and no less than 5 days (7 with weekend). A waiver for the 5 day waiting period may be available depending on your particular circumstance. More information may be found on the Walworth County Clerk's site.
DO YOU NEED THE LICENSE BEFORE OUR WEDDING DAY?
Typically, no. However, by getting the license from you ahead of time, it is one less thing you have to be concerned with on your wedding day. If you apply for your license in Walworth County and make arrangements with me beforehand, you may ask them to hold the license for me and I will gladly pick it up for you before your wedding day.
WHERE CAN YOU OFFICIATE OUR CEREMONY?
DO WE NEED TO USE RINGS?
WHAT ABOUT WITNESSES?
SHOULD WE GET TOGETHER WITH YOU FOR A REHEARSAL?
WILL YOU USE A MICROPHONE IF REQUESTED?
HOW MUCH DO YOU CHARGE?
I am often asked if I can provide an average. Again, I am reluctant since circumstances, venue and wedding budget differ for each couple and it might appear I am suggesting a fee.
However, for those wishing a guideline; I have received anywhere from $0 to $600 as a gratuity. Many officiants in the area require a fee of $175 or more.
Please understand, this is not a suggestion or request! It is provided for informational purposes only.
DO YOU REQUIRE A DEPOSIT?
WHERE DO WE GET A COPY OF OUR MARRIAGE CERTIFICATE?
If not, you may follow this link to the State of Wisconsin and fill the form out online. Once you fill out the form, PRINT IT. Send the completed and signed form to the State of Wisconsin along with any fees to receive your copies. (For faster service, I suggest you take the completed form to the register of deeds office in the county in which you were married.)
Anywhere in the state of Wisconsin! Realistically though, I try to keep travel to a reasonable distance. As far as location, I have officiated marriage ceremonies anywhere from private yachts to public parks, on-stage at country fest concerts to private residences and most places in between. If you have a special location or wedding theme, just ask. I will do my best to accommodate your request.
Absolutely not! Ceremonies may be written with or without the exchange of rings.
You will need to provide two witnesses age 18 or over. If you are unable to provide them, I may be able to make arrangements with a couple of local individuals to witness the ceremony, depending on the date, location and time.
Traditionally, it is a good idea to have a rehearsal with your wedding party, depending upon your particular circumstances. Generally, it is not necessary for me to be present. Since we will have already created your ceremony by telephone and email, anything last minute that I need to know about can usually be discussed shortly before the ceremony. However, if you feel it necessary that I attend, I will do my best to accommodate.
Absolutely! Typically, a microphone is not necessary and many couples prefer it not be used. However, there are situations where a microphone is beneficial for your guests. Since I use a small book during the ceremony, a hand-held microphone is not practical. If you desire and make arrangements with me beforehand, I will bring a lapel microphone to use for the ceremony. Please inform your DJ or sound person that the microphone is a wireless Shure TPD and has both 1/4" phone and XLR outputs to connect to their sound system.
I do not set a fee. However, I do expect to receive an honorarium. My services are compensated only by gratuity and the amount is entirely up to you.
Since I do not set a fee, a deposit is not required. Once I confirm your date and time it will be placed on my calendar. All I ask is if for some reason you need to cancel or reschedule, please let me know at your earliest convenience so I may plan accordingly.
The Original Certificate of Marriage will be filed within 3 days at the register of deeds office in the county in which you were married. (Typically Walworth County) You may have received a form in your marriage packet to fill out and mail in to request copies.
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