Instant certificate. Valid for life. Legally recognized in Wisconsin.
Get Ordained NowBest months for an outdoor ceremony here: June, July & August (avg 66°F)
Scenic settings for a ceremony: Amacoy Lake, Bunyans Hat Island & Atwood Lake
Source: U.S. Census Bureau — 2023 Population Estimates, ACS 5-year estimates & 2020 Census. Wedding estimate: population × Wisconsin's 2023 CDC marriage rate. Ceremony months: NOAA county climate normals, 1995–2024. Places: USGS Geographic Names Information System.
Same-sex couples have married legally in Wisconsin since 2014. The story of marriage equality in Wisconsin →
Plan ahead6 days (may be waived by judge) waiting period after getting the license · 2 witnesses must sign
Online ordination accepted
No registration required
Documents typically requested:
Wisconsin accepts online ordinations with no registration required. Verify with the county clerk.
Wisconsin allows ordained ministers to perform marriages without prior registration.
Wisconsin Stat. § 765.16Get Ordained
Get ordained online through the Church of Pride for $20. Your ordination is instant, valid for life, and recognized under First Amendment protections. Confirm local requirements with the Rusk County County clerk before officiating.
Confirm Requirements
Call (715) 532-2100 and confirm that Rusk County accepts your online ordination. Ask about any documents you’ll need to present.
Prepare Your Documents
Have your ordination certificate ready for the ceremony and to present to the clerk if asked.
Perform the Ceremony
Officiate the wedding ceremony. Make sure both parties and any required witnesses sign the marriage license. Keep the tone personal and celebratory — this is their day.
Return the License
Return the signed marriage license to the Rusk County clerk within 3 days. This is a critical step — the marriage isn’t official until the license is filed.
Yes — Rusk County accepts online ordination for wedding officiants. Wisconsin accepts online ordinations with no registration required. Verify with the county clerk.
No — Rusk County does not require officiants to register before performing a wedding.
2 witnesses must sign the marriage license.
The completed marriage license must be returned within 3 days. As the officiant, returning it is usually your job — don't leave it in a glovebox.
Rusk County Clerk's Office — 311 Miner Ave E Rm 115, Ladysmith, WI 54848 — phone (715) 532-2100.
Get ordained with the Church of Pride. $20, instant certificate, valid for life.
Get Ordained — $20Disclaimer: This page is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Marriage laws change frequently and can vary by county. Always verify current requirements with the local county clerk's office before officiating any ceremony. Information was last reviewed 2026-02-20.