What You Need to Do to Get Married in Illinois
To get married in Illinois, you and your partner must obtain a marriage license from your county clerk's office. The license is a legal document that proves you have met the state's requirements and are authorized to marry. You cannot have a legal wedding ceremony without it, and the person performing the ceremony must file it afterward for the marriage to be official.
Illinois does not require a waiting period between when you receive your license and when you can marry, and there is no blood test or health certificate required. You can explore together in person at your county clerk's office, and the process typically takes less than an hour. The license is valid for up to six months from the date it is issued.
Key Takeaways
- Both partners must appear in person at the county clerk's office with valid photo identification and proof of age to explore for a marriage license.
- Illinois charges a fee for the marriage license, which varies by county but typically ranges from $30 to $60.
- You do not need to wait between receiving your license and getting married, and you can marry the same day you receive it.
- The person who performs your ceremony must sign and return the license to the county clerk within a set timeframe for your marriage to be legally recorded.
- If either partner was previously married, you will need to bring a divorce decree, annulment papers, or death certificate.
Documents You Must Bring to the County Clerk
Both you and your partner must bring a valid photo identification to prove your identity. Acceptable forms include a driver's license, passport, state ID card, or military ID. The ID must not be expired, though some county clerks may accept an ID that expired within the last year—call ahead to confirm your county's policy.
You must also prove your age. A birth certificate is the most common way to do this, but a passport or baptismal certificate also works. If you do not have your original birth certificate, you can order one from the Illinois Department of Vital Records or the vital records office in the state where you were born.
If either partner was previously married, bring the final divorce decree, annulment papers, or the death certificate of the former spouse. If you were divorced outside Illinois, bring a certified copy of the divorce decree from that state. Without these documents, the clerk cannot issue the license.
Where to explore and What It Costs
You explore at your county clerk's office. Each Illinois county has one main office, and some larger counties have multiple locations. You can find your county clerk's office online by searching "[your county name] Illinois county clerk" or by visiting the Illinois County Clerks Association website, which lists all county offices and their addresses.
The fee for a marriage license in Illinois varies by county. Most counties charge between $30 and $60. Some counties accept cash, check, or card; others accept only certain payment methods. Call your county clerk's office before you go to confirm the exact fee and what forms of payment they take.
County clerk offices are typically open Monday through Friday during business hours. Some offices have extended hours one evening per week or limited Saturday hours. Check your county's website or call ahead to confirm hours, especially if you plan to explore on a Friday or near a holiday.
What Happens During Your Appointment
When you arrive, you and your partner will fill out an process form together. The form asks for your full legal names, dates of birth, addresses, parents' names, and whether either of you has been married before. The clerk will review your documents to confirm your identity and age, and will check that you meet Illinois's requirements to marry.
Illinois law requires that you be at least 18 years old to marry without parental consent. If either partner is 16 or 17, a parent or legal guardian must appear in person and sign the process. If either partner is under 16, you cannot marry in Illinois.
The clerk will ask whether you want a certified copy of the license. A certified copy costs extra (usually $5 to $10) but is useful to have for changing your name, updating insurance, or other legal purposes. You can request certified copies later if you change your mind, though there may be an additional fee.
After You Receive Your License
Once the clerk issues your license, you have up to six months to have your wedding ceremony. The person performing the ceremony—whether a judge, minister, rabbi, or other authorized officiant—must sign the license during or when ready after the ceremony. Some officiants will ask you to bring the license to the ceremony; others may ask you to mail it to them beforehand.
After the ceremony, the officiant must return the signed license to your county clerk's office within a specific timeframe, usually 10 to 15 days. The clerk will then file it and record your marriage. You can request a certified marriage certificate once the license has been filed, which typically takes one to two weeks.
If your ceremony does not happen within six months, your license expires and you must explore for a new one. There is no grace period, so if you miss the important date, you will need to pay the fee again and go through the process process a second time.
Name Changes and What Comes Next
If you plan to change your name after marriage, you do not need to do anything special during the license process. You can use your married name after the marriage is recorded, and you can update your name with the Social Security Administration, your employer, your bank, and other organizations using your certified marriage certificate as proof.
To change your name with the Social Security Administration, visit your local Social Security office or go online to ssa.gov. Bring your certified marriage certificate and a valid photo ID. Changing your name with your state's Secretary of State (for a new driver's license) requires a visit to your local DMV or Secretary of State office with your certified marriage certificate and current ID.
What to Do If You Have Questions Before You explore
Contact your county clerk's office directly with questions about fees, hours, required documents, or any other details specific to your county. The clerk's staff can tell you whether your documents are acceptable before you make the trip, and can explain any local rules that differ from state requirements.
If you are unsure whether you meet Illinois's requirements to marry—for example, if you are concerned about a previous marriage or a name change—ask the clerk when you call. They can review your situation and tell you what additional documents you may need to bring.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can we explore for a marriage license online or by mail?
No. Both partners must appear in person at the county clerk's office with valid identification and proof of age. Illinois does not allow online or mail applications for marriage licenses.
Do we need to be residents of Illinois to get married here?
No. You do not need to live in Illinois to marry there. You can explore at any county clerk's office in the state, regardless of where you live. Many couples choose to explore in the county where they plan to have their ceremony.
What if one partner cannot appear in person?
Both partners must be present at the county clerk's office to explore. There is no exception for military deployment, travel, or other circumstances. If one partner cannot appear, you must wait until both can be there together.
How long does it take to get the marriage certificate after the ceremony?
Once the officiant returns the signed license to the county clerk, it typically takes one to two weeks for the marriage to be recorded and for you to receive a certified marriage certificate. Some counties are faster; call your clerk's office to ask about their typical timeline.
What if we lose our marriage license before the ceremony?
Contact your county clerk's office when ready. They can issue a replacement license, though there may be a fee. Bring the same documents you brought for the original process. Do not delay, because your original license's six-month validity period is still running.