About Us
Planning Your Wedding in Wisconsin: A Simple Guide
I believe your wedding ceremony is more than a formality—it’s the emotional center of your day. As an ordained minister, my role goes far beyond saying the words. I guide couples through the planning process, help shape a ceremony that reflects who they are, and serve as a calm, steady presence on one of the most meaningful days of their lives. My goal is simple: to create a moment that feels authentic, grounded, and unforgettable. It is our honor to serve you—our ministerial services are always provided free of charge, with optional donations welcomed.
Celebrate Your Love With Badger State Ministries!
Set the Foundation
Choose Your Ceremony Style
Before booking anything, couples should discuss:
- Vision & vibe (formal, casual, religious, nondenominational weddings, outdoor, etc.)
- Guest count
- Budget range
- Timeline (6 months? 1 year? more?)
Choose Your Ceremony Style
Choose Your Ceremony Style
In Wisconsin, couples have a lot of flexibility when planning their special day, whether you're looking for religious, non-denominational weddings, interfaith ceremonies, civil ceremonies, elopements, or micro-weddings. You can even choose outdoor or destination-style settings like parks, lakes, or barns.
An ordained minister plays a crucial role in these celebrations, offering wedding officiant services that helps blend traditions, incorporating both faith and personal elements. This ensures that each ceremony, including gay marriage ceremonies, feels meaningful and uniquely tailored, rather than cookie-cutter.
Understand Wisconsin Marriage License Requirements
Key Wisconsin basics for marriage ceremonies:
- Marriage license must be obtained in person
- There's a 3-day waiting period after applying (waivers may be available)
- The license is valid for 60 days
- Ceremony must be performed by a legally recognized officiant, ideal for nondenominational weddings
- Signed license must be returned after the ceremony
How an ordained minister providing wedding officiant services helps:
- Walks couples through the process step-by-step
- Double-checks timing to ensure nothing delays the wedding
- Ensures paperwork is completed correctly and on time
Book Your Vendors
Create a Personalized Ceremony
Common booking order for marriage ceremonies in Wisconsin:
- Venue
- Officiant
- Photographer
- Caterer
- DJ / Music
- Florist
Many couples choose nondenominational weddings, which often includes booking professional wedding officiant services to ensure a personalized experience.
Create a Personalized Ceremony
Create a Personalized Ceremony
Create a Personalized Ceremony
This is where many couples feel stuck during their planning for marriage ceremonies or nondenominational weddings:
- Writing vows
- Choosing readings
- Deciding who participates
- Balancing emotion, humor, and tradition
How an experienced wedding officiant helps:
- Guides couples through vow writing (or writes with them)
- Suggests readings, rituals, and structure specific to marriage ceremonies
- Helps nervous couples feel confident and prepared
- Ensures the ceremony flows naturally and stays on time
The Rehearsal
Create a Personalized Ceremony
Create a Personalized Ceremony
Often overlooked—but crucial for your special day. Understanding the walking order, where everyone stands, and timing cues can significantly calm nerves during marriage ceremonies.
Here's how a wedding officiant can help:
- Leads the rehearsal clearly and efficiently
- Answers last-minute questions
- Reduces stress for the couple and wedding party
The Wedding Day
The Wedding Day
The Wedding Day
The ceremony sets the tone for the entire day. An ordained minister plays a crucial role by arriving early and prepared, ensuring everything is in place for nondenominational weddings. They handle all legal responsibilities, ground the couple emotionally, and create a moment that feels authentic, joyful, and memorable, making their wedding officiant services invaluable.