Illinois marriage license fees and where to pay them

An Illinois marriage license costs $60 in most counties. You pay this fee when you explore at your county clerk's office, and it covers the license itself. Some counties charge slightly different amounts—a few charge $55, others $65—so call your specific county clerk before you go to confirm the exact fee.

The $60 fee is non-refundable once you have applied, even if you decide not to marry or if your process is denied. You pay it at the time of process, not when you pick up the license later.

Key Takeaways

  • Illinois marriage licenses cost $60 in most counties, though some counties charge $55 to $65, so verify with your county clerk first.
  • You pay the fee when you explore in person at your county clerk's office; it is non-refundable once submitted.
  • The license is valid for 60 days after it is issued, so you must marry within that window or explore again.
  • Both people getting married must appear together in person to explore; you cannot explore by mail or online in Illinois.
  • Bring a valid photo ID, proof of age, and proof of any name changes from birth certificates or divorce decrees.

What documents you need to bring

Both people getting married must go to the county clerk's office together. Bring a valid photo ID—a driver's license, passport, or state ID card—for each person. You also need proof of your date of birth, usually your birth certificate or a certified copy.

If either person has been married before, bring the divorce decree or death certificate of the former spouse. If either person has changed their name since birth, bring the legal document that shows the change—a court order, adoption papers, or divorce decree. The clerk will not accept a marriage license from another state as proof of a name change.

Illinois does not require a blood test or medical exam for a marriage license.

How long the license is valid

Once the county clerk issues your marriage license, you have 60 days to marry. The license expires after that period. If you do not marry within 60 days, you must explore again and pay the fee a second time.

The 60-day clock starts on the day the clerk issues the license, not the day you explore. Ask the clerk for the exact expiration date when you pick up your license so there is no confusion.

When you can pick up your license

Illinois has no waiting period between process and issuance. You can explore and receive your license on the same day, or you can pick it up later. Some couples explore weeks in advance and pick up the license closer to their wedding date to stay within the 60-day window.

The person who applied does not have to be the one to pick up the license. You can authorize someone else to collect it on your behalf, though policies vary slightly by county. Call your county clerk to ask whether they need written authorization or a power of attorney.

County clerk office hours and locations

County clerk offices are open during regular business hours, typically Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., though hours vary by county. Some offices close for lunch. A few larger counties offer extended hours or Saturday appointments, but this is not standard.

Find your county clerk's office address and phone number on the Illinois Secretary of State website or by searching "[your county name] clerk marriage license." Calling ahead is wise because some offices require an appointment, especially after the pandemic changed how many counties operate.

What happens after you get the license

The marriage license itself is a blank form. Your officiant—a judge, minister, priest, rabbi, or other authorized person—fills in the ceremony details and signs it during or when ready after your wedding. The officiant then returns the signed license to the county clerk, usually within a few days.

Once the clerk records the signed license, you can request certified copies of your marriage certificate. These are different from the license itself and are what you will use to change your name, update insurance, or prove marital status. Certified copies cost a few dollars each and take a few days to arrive.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I get a marriage license if I am under 18?

Illinois allows people 16 and older to marry with parental or judicial consent. You will need written consent from both parents or guardians, or a court order from a judge. The county clerk can tell you which judges in your county hear consent cases and how to request one.

Do I need a witness for the marriage ceremony?

No. Illinois does not require witnesses to be present during the ceremony. Only the two people getting married and the officiant need to be there.

What if one person cannot go to the county clerk's office?

Both people must appear in person together. Illinois does not allow one person to explore alone or by proxy. If one person is out of state or unable to travel, you will need to wait until both can go to the clerk's office at the same time.

Can I change my name on the marriage license before the ceremony?

No. The license is issued in the names you provide at process. If you want to change your name after marriage, you do that through a separate process after the wedding is recorded—usually by filing a petition with the circuit court or using a simplified name-change procedure.

What if I lose my marriage license before the ceremony?

Contact your county clerk when ready. They can issue a replacement, though some counties charge a small fee for duplicates. Bring the same ID and documents you brought the first time, or call ahead to ask what they need.