Where to Apply:
County Clerk's Office
Kenosha County Administration Bldg.
1010 56th Street
8:00 a.m., to 4:30 p.m.
262-653-2552
Kenosha County Center
19600 75th St. (Hwys 45 & 50)
8:00 a.m., to 3:30 p.m., Closed 12-1 p.m.
262-857-1845
Monday through Friday
Closed Saturdays, Sundays and Legal Holidays.
Persons Who May Not Marry:
Blood relatives - nearer of kin than second cousins, except when the female is 55 years of age or older.
Persons declared incompetent by the Court.
A Person under the age of 16.
Persons who have not been divorced for six months whether the divorce was granted in Wisconsin or elsewhere.
Persons Who May Marry:
Every person who has attained the age of 18 years is of age to marry. If a person is 16 or 17 years of age, a license may be issued with the written consent of the person's parent(s), guardian(s) or custodian(s). Parent, guardian or custodian consent forms must be executed at the time of application before the County Clerk or certified in writing or verified before a Notary Public.
FEE: $80 CASH ONLY paid at the time of application (No checks, debit or credit)
MARRIAGE APPLICATION REQUIREMENTS:
Applicants must apply in person and together.
Picture ID: Male and Female - BOTH must show at the time of application a Current un-expired VALID State issued ID, Drivers License or Resident Alien ID. We are unable to accept the Mexican Metricula Consular Card or the Passport issued by them as proof of ID.
Proof of Residency: Current un-expired State issued ID, Drivers License or Resident Alien ID with current address or mail (utility bill or government correspondence dated within 30-60 days) with name and street address. At least one party must be a resident of Kenosha County for at least 30 days. BOTH APPLICANTS NEED TO PROVIDE PROOF OF WHERE THEY RESIDE.
RESIDENTS of the State must apply in the County in which either applicant is a resident. They may be married in any County of the State.
NON-RESIDENTS must apply in the County in which the marriage ceremony is to be performed. Proof of out-of-state residence must also be submitted.
Certified Birth Certificates are required from all applicants, regardless of age. Certified copies can be obtained from the County or State in which one was born. Photocopies or Hospital records can NOT be accepted. Certified Birth Certificates in a foreign language must be translated into English and notarized. Translation must be done from the Certified Copy by a third uninvolved party and their signature must be notarized. Both the Certified Birth Certificate and the notarized translation must be presented at the time of application.
SOCIAL SECURITY NUMBERS ARE REQUIRED.
Divorce Papers/or Certified Death Certificate are required if one or both of the applicants have been previously married. They must provide a copy of the court filed stamped with the judge's signature Divorce Judgment, Annulment papers or a Certified Death Certificate from their last marriage. If the marriage ended in divorce, it must be final for a minimum of six months whether the divorce was granted in Wisconsin or elsewhere.
Name, Address and Phone Number of the Officiant performing your wedding ceremony is required.
NON-WI RESIDENT MARRIAGE OFFICIANTS REQUIRE A LETTER OF SPONSORSHIP. A sample letter is available from the County Clerk's Office upon request.
"Neither our office nor the State Vital Records Office is able to confirm the legality of a religious officiant. If you have a question about the legality of the officiant you have chosen, you may want to seek legal counsel."
Other Information: Other information required for completion of the application is the date of the intended marriage, location of marriage ceremony, number of this marriage, race and highest grade of education completed. Parties must take an oath that the information provided is correct and that they are free to marry under the laws of this state.
WAITING PERIOD: Upon making the application, a 5-day waiting period is required by law. This is exclusive of the day of application. The license will be issued on the sixth day and is good for 30 days from the date of issuance.
When should you apply: No more than 35 days before your date and no less than 7 days.
Weddings at the Courthouse: The Office of the County Clerk will be happy to assist you in making arrangements for a Judge to perform your wedding ceremony at the Courthouse. The date will be scheduled at the time of your application. Weddings performed at the Courthouse are scheduled with the Judges generally Monday-Friday at 11:30 am.
Judicial Officiants: A list of Judicial Officiants is available from the County Clerk's Office upon request.
Witnesses: At least two adult witnesses (18 years of age or older) are required in addition to the person officiating. Witnesses are required for the ceremony but not for the application process.