Milwaukee Courthouse Wedding Alternative
Planning a Milwaukee courthouse wedding? Milwaukee County has canceled courthouse ceremonies until further notice. Schwa Potter comes to you instead: any location, 5-7 minutes, $300, license filed for you.
Milwaukee County Courthouse Weddings Are Canceled
The Milwaukee County Clerk's site says it plainly: civil ceremonies at the courthouse are canceled until further notice. The county still issues marriage licenses. You apply at the Courthouse, Room 105, by appointment.
So you can still get your license downtown. You need someone else to marry you.
Book Your Officiant Before You Apply
The license application asks for your officiant's name, address, and phone number. Book Schwa first. Then you walk into your appointment with everything you need.
Good news: the quick, simple wedding you pictured is still yours. It can happen in your backyard, at a park, or anywhere else you choose.
The Simple Courthouse Wedding Alternative in Milwaukee
Schwa comes to you
Your backyard, a park, a restaurant, your living room. Anywhere in Milwaukee and the surrounding counties.
Any day that works for you
Tuesday at noon. Sunday afternoon. 9am before work. Any day or time except Saturdays after 1pm. A same day wedding works too, if you already have your license.
Help with the license
Which county, what to bring, what happens after. Schwa walks you through every step, by phone, Zoom, text, or email.
Short and warm
5-7 minutes. A pre-written nonreligious ceremony in warm, everyday words. Add your own vows if you want them.
$300, all in
Flat rate, tax included. Travel is free within 30 miles of Milwaukee. Small travel fee beyond that. A $150 deposit holds your date. The balance is due on the wedding day.
500+ ceremonies since 2015
Former Broadway performer with 70 five-star Google reviews. Ordained since 2012. Marrying people is what Schwa Potter does.
What's a Quickie Ceremony?
Short, sweet, and legal. A 5-7 minute nonreligious ceremony with a welcome, Declaration of Intent, ring exchange (optional), and pronouncement. You review the script beforehand. Add personal vows or keep it simple. Note: Quickie Ceremonies are not available Saturdays after 1pm.
It covers everything a courthouse ceremony would. You pick the place, the time, and the vibe. And a Broadway-trained officiant who cares about your day runs the show.
What's Included for $300
- ✓ A phone or Zoom call before you book
- ✓ Short, pre-written nonreligious ceremony
- ✓ Option to add your own vows
- ✓ Marriage license guidance (which county, what to bring, how it works)
- ✓ Ceremony performed at your chosen location
- ✓ Signed license filed with the Register of Deeds within 3 days
Want Something More Personal?
The Signature Ceremony ($950) is written from scratch by Schwa Potter, a ceremony that couldn't work for anybody but you. 15-25 minutes. Religious, spiritual, or nonreligious. Unlimited edits.
How It Works, License Included
Reach out
Text or fill out the inquiry form with your date. Schwa responds within 24 hours, usually the same day. Then you hop on a quick phone or Zoom call to cover your questions.
Secure your date
A $150 deposit locks in the date. Schwa sends the script to review and the officiant details your license application asks for.
Get your marriage license
Apply at any Wisconsin county clerk. In Milwaukee County, that's the Courthouse, Room 105, by appointment. Wisconsin has a 3-day waiting period. Most counties will shorten it for up to $25. The full steps are in the Wisconsin marriage guide.
Wedding day
Schwa arrives at your spot and performs the ceremony. Then he and your two witnesses (18 or older) sign the license. That's all you need.
Done. You're married.
Schwa files the signed license with the Register of Deeds within 3 days. After that, you can order certified copies of your marriage certificate. Boom.
Who This Is For
You were counting on the courthouse and found out Milwaukee County has paused ceremonies.
You want it small. Two witnesses, a few people you love, and you're married in minutes.
You want a meaningful location like a favorite park, your backyard, or the restaurant where you had your first date.
You need flexibility. A weekday lunch, a Sunday afternoon, 9am before work. Same day if you already have your license.
You're practical about marriage. You want to be legally married now and maybe throw a party later.
You want affordable. $300 flat rate, tax included. No surprise fees.
You want warm words, even for a short ceremony. Something that feels real.
You're any couple. Schwa has married couples of every kind: gay, lesbian, bi, trans, nonbinary, straight, interfaith.
"He replied ASAP after we contacted him and helped us walk through the license process. ... We needed to be married early in the morning and he arrived right on time and ready to go! He submitted our paperwork the very next business day as well. ... I absolutely recommend his services in lieu of the courthouse if you're looking for something quick, simple and easy!"
Renee Boya
Google Review
"He explained everything so clearly and walked us through the whole process, taking away all our worries. He made everything feel easy and stress-free, and got us married quickly while still making the moment feel special."
Aaliyah Smith
Google Review
Frequently Asked Questions
Can you still get married at the courthouse in Milwaukee?
Not right now. The Milwaukee County Clerk's site says civil ceremonies at the courthouse are canceled until further notice. You can still get your marriage license at the Courthouse, Room 105, by appointment. Then Schwa can marry you anywhere you like for $300.
How fast can I get married in Milwaukee?
Wisconsin has a 3-day waiting period after you apply for your license. Most counties will shorten it for up to $25. Once you have the license, a same day wedding is possible when Schwa's calendar is open.
Can we write our own vows for a Quickie Ceremony?
Yes. The ceremony includes a short, pre-written script, and you can add your own vows. Some couples keep it simple with the Declaration of Intent ("I do"). Others add a few personal lines. It's your wedding.
Can we get married at a Milwaukee park?
Yes. Schwa performs ceremonies at parks, backyards, restaurants, rooftops, living rooms, and anywhere else in the Milwaukee area. No venue required.
What if we want something more personalized?
The Signature Ceremony ($950) is written from scratch for the two of you. It runs 15-25 minutes and can be religious, spiritual, or nonreligious. Each partner fills out a questionnaire, you get a draft 6 to 8 weeks before the wedding, and edits are unlimited.
Do you travel outside Milwaukee?
Yes. Quickie Ceremonies serve Milwaukee and 10 surrounding counties: Waukesha, Ozaukee, Washington, Racine, Kenosha, Dodge, Jefferson, Walworth, Sheboygan, and Fond du Lac. They also serve Lake, McHenry, Boone, Winnebago, and Stephenson counties in Illinois. Travel is free within 30 miles of Milwaukee. Small travel fee beyond that.
Ready to Get Married Your Way?
Any location. Any day except Saturdays after 1pm. $300.
schwa@actingofficiant.com | Schwa responds within 24 hours.