FAQ — Schwa Potter, Milwaukee Wedding Officiant
Schwa Potter is a professional wedding officiant and celebrant at Acting Officiant, serving Milwaukee and southeastern Wisconsin since 2015. Here are answers to the most common questions about booking, pricing, ceremony options, and getting your Wisconsin marriage license.
$ How Much Does a Wedding Officiant Cost in Milwaukee?
How much does a wedding officiant cost in Milwaukee?
Schwa Potter is a professional wedding officiant and celebrant serving Milwaukee and southeastern Wisconsin. Two ceremony packages, both prices include tax:
- Quickie Ceremony: $300 (5-7 minutes) for elopements, courthouse alternatives, and simple ceremonies. Not available Saturdays after 1pm.
- Signature Ceremony: $800 (15-25 minutes) fully personalized around your love story
Rehearsal attendance is an additional $150. Travel is $1 per mile over 30 miles from Milwaukee.
Where do you officiate weddings?
Quickie Ceremonies: Milwaukee and surrounding counties including Waukesha, Ozaukee, Washington, Racine, Kenosha, Dodge, Jefferson, Walworth, Sheboygan, and Fond du Lac.
Signature Ceremonies: All of Wisconsin and nationwide for destination weddings. Past destinations include New York City, Malibu, Nashville, Walt Disney World, Vermont, and San Francisco.
How far in advance should I book?
As soon as possible for summer Saturdays, which book up fastest. That said, Schwa also does same-day and 24-hour notice ceremonies if you already have your marriage license. Couples book anywhere from one week to one year in advance.
Do you require a deposit?
Yes, a 50% non-refundable deposit secures your date. For the Quickie Ceremony that is $150. For the Signature Ceremony that is $400. Your date is held exclusively once the deposit is received.
When is the remaining balance due?
The remaining balance is due on the day of your wedding. Payment methods include credit card, ACH bank transfer, CashApp, Zelle, check, or cash.
What is your cancellation policy?
The deposit is non-refundable because your date is held exclusively for you. However, Schwa is usually flexible on rescheduling for circumstances beyond your control.
Do you charge extra for travel?
Travel is $1 per mile over 30 miles from Milwaukee. Within 30 miles there is no additional travel fee.
♥ What Ceremony Options Does Schwa Potter Offer?
What is the difference between the Quickie and Signature ceremony?
Quickie Ceremony ($300, 5-7 minutes): A short, nonreligious ceremony perfect for elopements, courthouse alternatives, and couples who want simple and legal. Includes a pre-written ceremony with the option to add your own vows, marriage license guidance, script review, and legal paperwork filing.
Signature Ceremony ($800, 15-25 minutes): A fully customized ceremony written around your love story. Includes religious or nonreligious options, custom vows, unity ceremonies, cultural traditions from any background, and unlimited script editing until it is perfect.
Can we write our own vows?
Yes, absolutely. Both packages allow you to write your own vows. In the Signature Ceremony, Schwa can also coach you through the vow-writing process and offer prompts if you need help getting started.
Do you officiate LGBTQ+ weddings?
Absolutely. Schwa Potter officiates weddings for all couples in love. LGBTQ+ couples are warmly welcomed and celebrated. Many same-sex couples have praised Schwa's comfort and expertise in creating ceremonies that feel authentic to who they are.
Can you do religious or interfaith ceremonies?
The Quickie Ceremony is nonreligious only. The Signature Ceremony can be religious, spiritual, nonreligious, or any combination you choose. Schwa specializes in blending traditions from different faiths and cultures, including Jewish and Catholic, Hindu and Christian, and any other combination.
Can you blend different cultures and religions in one ceremony?
Yes, this is one of Schwa's favorite things to do. The Signature Ceremony can incorporate traditions from any background. Whether you want a handfasting, a unity candle, a wine box ceremony, or cultural elements from multiple traditions, Schwa will weave them together seamlessly.
Can family members participate in the ceremony?
Yes. Family members can participate through readings, blessings, unity ceremony participation, ring presentations, family vows, and processional choreography. Many couples love involving parents, siblings, children, and close friends.
Do you do rehearsals?
Yes. Rehearsal attendance is available for an additional $150, plus the travel fee if over 30 miles from Milwaukee. Rehearsals are optional but recommended for larger wedding parties or complex ceremonies.
How long does the ceremony last?
The Quickie Ceremony is 5-7 minutes. The Signature Ceremony is 15-25 minutes, depending on how many elements you include such as readings, unity ceremonies, and personal vows.
✎ How Do You Get a Marriage License in Wisconsin?
How do we get a Wisconsin marriage license?
Both partners must apply together at any Wisconsin county clerk's office. You will need a valid photo ID, certified birth certificate, Social Security number, and proof of residency. The license is valid for 60 days. There is a 3-5 day waiting period after applying, which most counties will waive for $25.
You can apply in any county and get married in any county. Schwa recommends Dane County for their 100% virtual Zoom appointments.
Which county should we get our license from?
Schwa recommends Dane County because they offer 100% virtual appointments via Zoom. You can apply from your couch without driving to a courthouse. The fee is $120 and they accept credit and debit cards. Since you can apply in any county and get married in any county, Dane County's convenience is hard to beat.
What documents do we need?
Both partners need:
- Valid photo ID (driver's license, passport, state ID, or military ID)
- Certified birth certificate (government-issued, not the hospital keepsake)
- Social Security number (just the number, not the physical card)
- Proof of residency from any state or country
If previously married, bring a certified divorce decree or death certificate. International partners need a certified birth certificate with a notarized English translation.
Who files the marriage license after the ceremony?
Schwa handles this for you. After your ceremony, everyone signs the license, and Schwa files it with the county clerk within 3 days. This is included in both ceremony packages at no extra charge.
Can you do courthouse weddings in Milwaukee?
Milwaukee County issues marriage licenses but does not perform ceremonies. Neither do Washington or Kenosha counties. That is exactly why the Quickie Ceremony exists. For $300, you get a short, legal ceremony at any location you choose. It is the perfect courthouse alternative.
☆ What Happens on Your Wedding Day?
What do you wear to officiate?
Schwa wears a suit to all ceremonies and is happy to match the tie and pocket square to your wedding colors if you provide them.
Do we need witnesses?
Yes. Wisconsin requires two witnesses who are over 18 years old. They will sign the marriage license along with you and the officiant.
What happens on the wedding day?
Schwa arrives early to your venue or chosen location, checks in with you and any coordinator, performs the ceremony, and then everyone signs the marriage license. Schwa files the signed license with the county clerk within 3 days. For Signature Ceremonies, the script has already been reviewed and perfected beforehand, so the day itself is stress-free.
What if something goes wrong during the ceremony?
With over 300 ceremonies performed and 30-plus years of professional stage experience, Schwa has seen it all and handled it gracefully. From weather changes to sound issues to emotional moments, a trained performer knows how to keep the ceremony moving beautifully no matter what happens.
! Can You Get Married Last Minute in Milwaukee?
Can you do same-day weddings?
Yes. If you already have your Wisconsin marriage license and two witnesses, Schwa can perform a ceremony the same day you call. Availability depends on the calendar, so call or text (414) 375-9838 as soon as possible.
Our officiant canceled last minute. Can you help?
Yes. Schwa offers emergency officiant services. Call or text (414) 375-9838 immediately. With a valid marriage license and two witnesses, Schwa can step in and perform a legal, beautiful ceremony on short notice.
What is the fastest way to get married in Wisconsin?
Get your marriage license from any county clerk (3-5 day waiting period, waivable for $25 in most counties), then book Schwa for a Quickie Ceremony at $300. If you already have your license in hand, same-day ceremonies are available.
Where can we have a last-minute wedding in Milwaukee?
Anywhere you want. Your home, a park, an Airbnb, a restaurant, a rooftop, a backyard. Schwa comes to you. Milwaukee County does not perform courthouse ceremonies, so hiring an officiant who comes to your location is the easiest option.
✓ Budget-Friendly Options
How much does a simple wedding ceremony cost?
The Quickie Ceremony is $300 and is designed for couples who want a simple, beautiful, legal ceremony without all the extras. It is 5-7 minutes long and includes a short nonreligious ceremony, the option to add your own vows, marriage license guidance, a script review, and legal paperwork filing. It is the most affordable professional officiant option in the Milwaukee area.
What is included in a Quickie Ceremony?
The Quickie Ceremony ($300) includes:
- Short pre-written nonreligious ceremony
- Option to write and include your own vows
- Marriage license guidance
- Script review before your wedding day
- Ceremony performance at your chosen location
- Legal paperwork filed with the county clerk within 3 days
It lasts 5-7 minutes and is available in Milwaukee and surrounding counties.
Can I get married without having a big wedding event?
Absolutely. The Quickie Ceremony is designed exactly for this. Many couples choose it for elopements, second marriages, practical courthouse alternatives, or simply because they want to be legally married without the big event. All you need is a marriage license, two witnesses over 18, and Schwa. You can get married in your living room, a park, or anywhere that feels right.
Still Have Questions?
Schwa responds to all inquiries within 24 hours, usually the same day. Reach out however works best for you.
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