Free Guide to Getting a Marriage License in Illinois

Understanding Illinois Marriage License Requirements

Before getting married in Illinois, you and your partner need to understand the basic requirements the state sets for marriage licenses. Illinois law outlines specific conditions that must be met for a marriage to be legally valid in the state. This guide explains what those requirements are so you can move forward with your wedding plans confidently.

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First, both people getting married must be at least 18 years old. If either person is 16 or 17, they may marry with parental consent and a court order, though this requires additional steps beyond the standard license process. Illinois does not allow anyone under 16 to marry, regardless of parental permission.

Neither person can be married to someone else at the time they seek a marriage license. If you were previously married, your prior marriage must have ended by divorce, annulment, or death of your spouse. You will need to provide proof of how that marriage ended when you get your license.

Illinois does not require a waiting period between the time you get your license and when you can have your wedding ceremony. Some states have waiting periods of several days, but Illinois allows you to use your license immediately. However, a marriage license is valid for 60 days from the date it is issued. If you don't get married within that timeframe, you'll need to get a new license.

The state also requires that the person performing the ceremony be legally authorized to do so. This includes clergy members of any religious faith, judges, justices of the peace, and other officials authorized under Illinois law. A close friend or family member cannot legally perform a marriage ceremony in Illinois, even if you would prefer that.

Takeaway: Check that you and your partner meet the age requirement, confirm that neither of you is currently married, and know that your license will be valid for 60 days from issuance.

Where to Get Your Marriage License in Illinois

In Illinois, you obtain your marriage license through the county clerk's office in the county where you plan to marry. Each of Illinois's 102 counties has its own clerk's office, and they handle marriage licenses for their areas. You don't need to be a resident of the county to get married there, so you can choose any county in the state.

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Most people get their marriage license in the county where they or their partner lives, or in the county where their wedding will take place. This makes practical sense since you'll already be doing business in that area. However, the law gives you flexibility. For example, if you're getting married in Cook County but you live in DuPage County, you can get your license from either office.

You can locate your county clerk's office by searching online for "[your county name] clerk" or visiting the Illinois Secretary of State website, which has links to all county clerk offices. Most clerk's offices are located in the county courthouse or government building in the county seat.

County clerk offices typically operate during regular business hours, usually Monday through Friday from 8 or 9 a.m. to 4 or 5 p.m. Some offices have extended hours or Saturday hours, but this varies by county. It's wise to call ahead or check the office's website to confirm their hours and any specific procedures they follow.

Both people getting married should go to the clerk's office together in person. You cannot send someone else to get the license for you, and you cannot get a marriage license by mail or online in Illinois. The clerk needs to meet both of you and verify your identities using the documents you bring.

If you live far from the county where you want to get married, you may want to plan your visit to the clerk's office a few weeks before your wedding date. This gives you time to gather documents and handle any issues that might come up, while still staying well within the 60-day validity period of your license.

Takeaway: Visit your county clerk's office in person with your partner during business hours. Call ahead to confirm hours and procedures specific to your county.

Documents and Information You'll Need to Bring

When you visit the county clerk's office to get your marriage license, you'll need to bring specific documents and information. Having everything prepared before you go will make the process faster and smoother.

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Both people getting married must bring a valid government-issued photo ID. This can be a driver's license, state ID card, passport, or military ID. The ID must not be expired. If you've recently changed your name and your current ID doesn't match the name you're using, bring documentation of the name change, such as a divorce decree or court order.

You'll also need to bring your Social Security number. The clerk will ask for this information and will verify it with the Social Security Administration. If you don't have a Social Security number, you should discuss this with the clerk's office ahead of time, as they can provide guidance on alternative documentation.

If you were previously married, bring documentation showing how that marriage ended. This could be a certified copy of your divorce decree, annulment order, or the death certificate of your former spouse. Each county clerk's office can tell you whether they need certified copies or if regular copies are acceptable.

You'll need to provide basic personal information, including your full legal names as they appear on your ID, your dates of birth, your current addresses, and your parents' full names and dates of birth. The clerk will record this information on the license application form.

Bring payment for the marriage license fee. As of 2024, the fee in Illinois is typically around $60, though this may vary slightly by county. Most offices accept cash, checks, and credit or debit cards, but it's wise to confirm payment methods ahead of time.

Some county clerk offices ask you to bring a small passport-style photo of yourself, though this is not universally required. Contact your specific county clerk's office to ask whether photos are needed.

Takeaway: Prepare a list of documents needed (valid ID, Social Security number, proof of prior marriage ending if applicable), and call your county clerk's office to confirm any additional requirements specific to your county.

The Marriage License Application Process

The process of getting your marriage license in Illinois is straightforward when you arrive at the county clerk's office prepared. Understanding what happens during your visit will help you know what to expect.

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When you arrive at the clerk's office, you'll check in at the marriage license counter. You and your partner will be asked to fill out a marriage license application form. This form asks for your legal names, dates of birth, addresses, parents' names, and other identifying information. The form also includes questions about whether either of you is currently married or related to each other by blood (marriage between close relatives is not allowed in Illinois).

A clerk will review the information you provided on the form and ask you to verify it's correct. They will examine your photo IDs to confirm your identities and check that the information matches what you've written on the application. If you were previously married, they'll review the documentation showing that marriage ended.

The clerk will ask you to confirm under oath (or affirmation, if you prefer) that the information on your application is true and that you meet all the legal requirements to marry. This is not a lengthy or formal process—the clerk will explain what you're confirming, and you'll say yes.

Once everything is verified and you've made your affirmation, the clerk will process your application and issue your marriage license. You will receive an original license and typically one or more certified copies. Some counties give you additional copies automatically, while others charge a small fee for extra copies.

The clerk will explain the license's validity period and answer any questions you have. They may provide information about who can legally perform your ceremony and what happens after you marry (such as how to obtain a certified marriage certificate).

The entire process usually takes 15 to 30 minutes, depending on how busy the office is. Some offices have walk-in hours, while others require you to make an appointment. Contact your county clerk's office to learn their specific procedures.

Takeaway: Expect to spend 15 to 30 minutes at the clerk's office filling out forms, verifying information, and receiving your license. Call ahead to ask whether your county requires an appointment or accepts walk-ins.

Special Situations and Considerations

Some people have circumstances that require special attention when getting a marriage license in Illinois. Understanding how your situation is handled will prevent delays or confusion.

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