How to Get Married in Columbia County, Wisconsin

To get married in Columbia County, Wisconsin, you need a valid photo ID, $85 for the license fee, and both applicants must appear at the County Clerk's office at 112 East Edgewater Street. The license is valid for 60 days after a 3-day waiting period, and the application day does not count toward the wait.

$85
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

Columbia County requires an appointment. Call (608) 742-9654 to schedule.

Visit the Columbia County Clerk's office together

Both applicants must appear in person at 112 East Edgewater Street, Portage, WI 53901.

Bring these documents:

  • Certified birth record with embossed seal and registrar signature
  • Parents' full names including maiden and middle names
  • Photo id (govt-issued driver's license or state id)
  • Proof of residence (past 30 days)
  • Social security number
  • Divorce decree/death certificate/annulment if previously married
  • Officiant name/business address/phone
  • Wedding date and location
  • All documents not in English must be translated by a certified or professional translator.

Note: Marriage date required at application.

Pay the $85 license fee

Accepted: Cash, Credit Card, and Debit Card. No checks. Debit: $2.50 fee. Credit: fee based on total amount.

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. Columbia 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 Columbia County

Find a licensed officiant for your Columbia 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
Lisa I. Black
Columbia County, Wisconsin
Address
112 East Edgewater Street
Portage, WI 53901
Call now
Office Hours
Monday–Friday, 8:00 AM – 4:30 PM (marriage license hours: Monday–Friday, 8:30 AM – 4:00 PM)
Appointment
Required. Call (608) 742-9654 to schedule.

Other Wisconsin Counties

Explore marriage license requirements for other popular Wisconsin counties.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does a marriage license cost in Columbia County?

A marriage license in Columbia County, Wisconsin costs $85. No checks. Debit: $2.50 fee. Credit: fee based on total amount.

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

Yes, with a waiver. Wisconsin has a 3-day waiting period, but Columbia 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 Columbia County?

Yes. Both applicants must appear in person at the Columbia County County Clerk's office at 112 East Edgewater Street, Portage, WI 53901. Note: Marriage date required at application.

What are the Columbia County Clerk's office hours?

The Columbia County County Clerk's office is open Monday–Friday, 8:00 AM – 4:30 PM (marriage license hours: Monday–Friday, 8:30 AM – 4:00 PM). Appointments are required. call.

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

Yes. Non-U.S. citizens can get married in Columbia 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.