Marriage License

WHERE TO APPLY
In person at the County Clerk's office located at 801 North Sales Street, Merrill, WI 54452.
Office Hours for Marriage Licenses: Monday-Thursday 8:00-4:00pm and Friday 8:00-12:30pm.
(Scheduled appointments are appreciated 715-539-1019)

PLEASE NOTE: As of January 1, 2024 Office Hours for Marriage Licenses will change to Monday-Thursday 8:00-4:00pm and Fridays 8:00-1:00pm.

COST
The price for the license is $90.00 (which is non-refundable) there is a 3 day waiting period. There is a $25.00 fee (which is non-refundable) to have the waiting period waived. The license is only valid for 60 days once it is issued. Payment can be made by check, cash, and debit or credit cards accepted.

REQUIREMENTS

CERTIFIED copies of birth certificates are required for all applicants, regardless of age. Hospital copies will not be accepted. If you are a legal immigrant, you must show a green card, or if you have become a citizen of the United States, you must show your citizenship papers. Foreign birth certificates must be translated into English.
A Social Security Number must be provided for both of the applicants (if they have one). You are not required to show your card.
VALID Photo ID, such as a driver's license, state ID card, Passport, etc. Document must not be expired.
Proof of Residency for the past 30 days. If ID address is not current, bring in an official document with your name and address (i.e. utility bill, lease, bank statement, paystub, etc.). Each person must show where they have been living for the past 30 days. Application for a marriage license can be made in any county in Wisconsin and the license may be filed with the Register of Deeds in any county in Wisconsin.
If previously married, death certificate, "findings and facts" with the date and judge's signature from divorce papers (a six-month waiting period is required after your divorce is finalized before you can apply for a marriage license), or court annulment certificate.
If you are under the age of 18, a consent form must be signed by both parents or legal guardian.
The couple should be prepared to provide the County Clerk's Office with the date of the wedding ceremony; the county where they will be married; the municipality (city, village or township); and the name of the officiant, along with the officiant's address and phone number. Couples are responsible for determining that the officiant they have chosen to solemnize the ceremony is compliant with Wisconsin Statutes (see Statutory Requirements for who may perform marriages in Wisconsin).
Both of the parties must complete the application process together in person.

Once a marriage license has been issued by the County Clerk: WI Stats. 765.16 - The marriage may be validly solemnized and contracted in this state only after a marriage license has been issued therefor, and only by the mutual declarations of the two parties to be joined in marriage that they take each other as husband and wife, made before an authorized officiating person and in the presence of at least two competent adult witnesses, other than the officiating person.

The original marriage license will then need to be filed with the any Register of Deeds office in the state so an official marriage document will be on file with the State of Wisconsin.

HOW TO SAVE TIME
If you would like to speed the process up, you can download the Marriage License Application, enter your information, save it, and then submit to the County Clerk's office via email using the information provided below.

Below is a list of lawyers that have performed marriage ceremonies in Lincoln County:

Wausau