Plan your Madison, Wisconsin wedding around the current license process and your confirmed ceremony arrangements. Here is where to start, followed by the photography decisions we can plan together.
Details reviewed October 30, 2026. Confirm current arrangements directly with the linked office or venue for your date.
Book the virtual license appointment
Dane County processes marriage licenses through scheduled virtual appointments. Both applicants must join the meeting and prepare the required electronic documents. Review its identification, birth record, address and previous-marriage checklist before scheduling.
Arrange the ceremony first
The county requires the officiant, ceremony date, time and location before the license application. Its office issues the license but does not schedule civil ceremonies. Contact your chosen judge, commissioner or other authorized officiant separately.
Official planning information
Official instructions ↗ · Additional ceremony or appointment information ↗
Use the office’s current checklist for your circumstances and confirm the ceremony arrangements separately.
Check the waiting period and current fee
Dane County states a three day waiting period with issuance on the fourth calendar day and a 60 day validity period. Its appointment instructions say to apply at least four full days before the wedding. A waiting-period waiver carries an additional fee.
The published license fee is $150 plus a service fee. Confirm the current total and your appointment timing with the Clerk.
Plan the photographs around the people
For a Madison wedding, I would choose a meeting point around the actual ceremony location and the people joining you. Share the family combinations that matter and allow time for them before traveling to another location.
If you want outdoor portraits, discuss the season, walking distance and an indoor alternative. Camera permission and availability at a building or venue should be confirmed before we include it in the plan.
Wedding photography and next steps
Tell us your date, venue or ceremony location, guest count and the parts of the day you want photographed. We’re based in Wilmington, North Carolina; we’ll confirm destination availability and travel with your quote.
The photographs in this guide are examples from our work. We’ll plan your locations and access for your own wedding.
Let’s talk about your wedding.
Share your plans. We’ll reply with availability and a coverage option for your day.
Ask about our wedding ↗