Marriage records in Milwaukee County, Wisconsin, are available through several channels. MilwaukeeCourt.us allows you to quickly find public information about marriage records in the county. Additionally, you can contact the Milwaukee County Clerk's office directly—either in person, by mail, or through the Wisconsin Vital Records online portal. Below is a practical guide on how to search, order, and obtain marriage documents.
Milwaukee Marriage Records Search
According to Wisconsin state law (Chapter 765 of the Wisconsin Statutes), marriage licenses are issued by the County Clerk's office in the county where the application is submitted. In Milwaukee County, this function is performed by the Milwaukee County Clerk. After the ceremony, the officiant returns the signed license to the clerk, and it is registered as an official marriage record.
The county's marriage records collection includes:
- Issued marriage licenses
- Registered marriage certificates
- Historical records stored in the Milwaukee County Register of Deeds office
To search for court cases related to family law—divorce, alimony, custody—use the Wisconsin Circuit Court Access portal. This is a free public resource for viewing state circuit court cases.
Milwaukee County Clerk's Office
Certified Marriage Record Copies and Fees in Milwaukee
The cost of marriage record copies is set according to the Wisconsin Statutes and the Wisconsin Vital Records Office fee schedule. Note: Certified copies of marriage certificates for events registered after October 1, 1907, can also be ordered through the Wisconsin DHS Vital Records.
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Certified copy of marriage certificate | $20.00 |
| Additional copy (in one order) | $3.00 |
| Informational (non-certified) copy | $20.00 |
These rates apply when ordering through the Wisconsin Vital Records Office. If you order directly through the Milwaukee County Clerk, confirm the current cost by calling (414) 278-4067—local fees may vary slightly. Processing time for mail requests is typically two to four weeks.
Certified Marriage Record Copies and Fees in Milwaukee
Order Marriage Certificates Online or In Person in Milwaukee
There are three main ways to obtain a copy of a marriage certificate in Milwaukee County.
Online
The state of Wisconsin offers a centralized online portal for ordering certified copies of vital records. Visit the Wisconsin Vital Records website and select the appropriate category. Payment is made by credit or debit card. Delivery by mail takes approximately two to four weeks.
In Person
Visit the Milwaukee County Clerk's office at:
Bring a valid photo ID. Copies are usually issued the same day if the record is available in the database.
By Mail
Send a request to the County Clerk's office address. Include in the envelope:
- A completed application for a copy (the form can be downloaded from the county's website or written in free form, indicating the full names of the spouses and the date of marriage)
- A copy of the applicant's ID
- A check or money order for the appropriate amount, payable to Milwaukee County Clerk
- A self-addressed stamped envelope
For inquiries regarding family court cases, such as divorce or name changes after marriage, refer to the Wisconsin Circuit Court case search system. The MilwaukeeCourt.us resource can also help navigate public records in Milwaukee County.