Marriage Licenses

Under Illinois law, only eligible persons can marry. Both partners must:

• be 18 years of age or older
• not be blood relatives
• not already be legally married to someone else or each other
  

Exceptions

• Under state law, first cousins older than 50 years of age may marry.
• Under state law, applicants who are 16 and 17 years old may obtain a marriage license with parental consent

Both parents or legal guardians must:

If a court-appointed legal guardian is providing consent, a certified copy of the appointment is required.

Applicants who are 16 or 17 must present the following:

• a certified copy of their birth certificate
• a second form of identification showing their date of birth
  

Applying for a Marriage License

All couples must appear together at one of the Clerk’s locations for marriage licenses

They may fill out the entire application at the Clerk’s office, or begin the process online and finish it at the Clerk’s office. Couples who begin the application online must still appear at one of the Clerk’s offices to finish filling out and sign the application.

• Appear together at one of the Clerk’s four Vital Records locations.
• Present valid identification with proof of age.
• Fill out and sign the marriage license application.
• Pay the marriage license fee of $60.

• Fill out the Clerk’s Online Marriage Application.
• Appear together at one of the Clerk’s Vital Records locations.
• Inform the clerk that you filled out your application online.
• Present valid identification with proof of age.
• Sign the marriage license application.
• Pay the marriage license fee of $60.

• Appear together at one of the Clerk’s Vital Records locations.
• Present valid identification with proof of age.
• Fill out and sign the marriage license application.
• Pay the marriage license fee of $60.

Applicants who have divorced must provide the date the divorce was finalized upon applying for a marriage license. Applicants who have divorced within the last six months must provide a certified copy of their divorce decree.

Timelines and restrictions

Marriage licenses are:

• Issued while you wait.
• Valid only for ceremonies performed in Chicago and suburban Cook County.
• Effective 1 day after issuance.
• Valid for 60 days from the date of issuance.
• Must be returned to the Cook County Clerk's Office within 10 DAYS after the ceremony, by mail or in person.
• Note: a marriage ceremony taking place after the expiration date is not valid.

Getting Married

If you do not have your own officiant, you can be joined in marriage or a civil union by a Cook County judge at the Marriage and Civil Union Court, in the lower level of 119 W. Randolph St. (the City Hall/County Building). Marriages and civil unions are performed there six days a week. You should check the court’s website or call to confirm its hours. Marriages and civil unions are also performed at the suburban municipal district courthouses. Times and restrictions vary, and some are by appointment only, so call in advance.

Wedding Officiants Requirements

Wedding officiants in Illinois are not required to register with any government office prior to performing a marriage. The Illinois State Government has no laws requiring officiant registration or office dedicated to the registration, certification, or licensing of wedding officiants.

After the marriage ceremony occurs

The officiant performing the ceremony must complete the bottom portion of the marriage license and mail or deliver it to the Clerk's office.