How to Officiate a Wedding in Green Bay, Wisconsin

So you’re getting married in Green Bay! First of all, congratulations! You’re sure to love the energy that this great American city has to offer, whether it's cheering on the Packers at Lambeau Field or reveling at Keggers on Broadway Street, you’re sure to have a grand time. You’ll also like to know that Green Bay has a wide selection of wedding venues, from lavish banquet halls to scenic waterfront venues, so you’re sure to find the one that suits your tastes. 

Whatever your plans, AMM is here to make sure that the logistical aspects of your wedding are taken care of - from ordaining your minister of choice to walking you through the marriage license process. 
 

Step 1: Get Ordained with American Marriage Ministries

In the State of Wisconsin, “Any ordained clergyman of any religious denomination or society, any judge of a court of record, or a family court commissioner may perform the ceremony.” This also means AMM ministers! 

If you have been asked by family or friends to officiate their wedding, but you are not yet an ordained minister, you can register with AMM! The process is free, and should only take you a few minutes to complete! 

Step 2: Prepare for the Ceremony in Green Bay

Now that the formal application process is out of the way, we can help you prepare for the more personal aspects of conducting the wedding ceremony. Being asked to officiate a ceremony is an honor, but requires a bit of preparation. You may want to check out our wedding training pages, which are a library of information to help you prepare for your first ceremony and ensure that it goes smoothly. 
 
Here you can find everything from sample wedding ceremony scripts, to brainstorming prompts, tips for preparation, and more.

Step 3: Officiate the Wedding and Complete the Marriage License

It is the couple’s responsibility to apply for and fill out the marriage license. Non-residents of Wisconsin must apply in the same county where they plan to get married. Alternatively, residents must apply in the county where at least one of the members has resided for a minimum of 30 days. The license is then valid throughout the State of Wisconsin. Once the ceremony has taken place, it is the officiant’s job to return the marriage license to the Register of Deeds office. 
 

File for the Marriage License in Brown County

Now let’s take a look at the couple’s responsibilities. Both members must appear in person, and be able to present valid state-issued identification, state-issued copies of birth certificates, and social security numbers. Information such as parents' full legal names and the wedding officiant's name should also be readily available when you visit the clerk’s office. The marriage license costs $115 in Brown County. A six-day waiting period is required unless a waiver is granted, then an extra fee of $25 is required. 
 
When you go, remember to bring the following:
 

• $125 cash
• Photo IDs
• Social Security Numbers
• A printed document proving where each member of the couple has lived for the 30 days prior to the application, e.g. a driver’s license with a current address on it, a lease, utility bill, or bank statement.
• A certified copy of a birth certificate issued by the state or county where you were born.
• Your officiant's information (first and last name, address, and phone number).
   

The Basics

If you happen to be a hard-core Packers fan, why not get married right at Lambeau Field! Here you can book an appropriately attired banquet hall and share the strong history and pride of Green Bay with family and friends. For something a little more conventional, you can also check out the Tundra Lodge, which features beautifully lit, spacious ballrooms, plus a waterpark if you’re down for a little excitement. Heritage Hill State Park makes for a classic outdoor wedding venue complete with a large seating area and a gorgeous white gazebo for capturing the best wedding photos. 

Transportation 

The Green Bay Metro bus system offers public transportation in and around Downtown. For those with disabilities who cannot use Metro, the city’s Paratransit provides an excellent alternative. Rideshare and taxi services should also be available if you want to avoid renting a car. 

Weather 

Summers in Green Bay are warm, but winters are freezing, snowy and windy. It also rains a lot, with an average rainfall of 32 inches per year. The best time to visit Green Bay is in the summer months between June and September.