George Boyle
Planning a wedding in Chicago? Don't forget the paperwork! It's easy to get swept up in the romance of it all, but ensuring your marriage is legally valid is a crucial part of the process. Fortunately, getting a marriage license in Chicago is a straightforward and simple process, so long as you have a grasp of the requirements.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Marriage license required | Yes |
| Where to obtain the license | Cook County Clerk's office |
| Locations | Four or six Cook County Clerk's offices |
| Requirements | Both parties must appear together, fill out and sign a marriage license application, present valid identification with proof of age, provide date of divorce finalization (if applicable) and a certified copy of the divorce decree if divorced within the last six months |
| Fee | $60 |
| Validity | Active the day after it is issued and valid for 60 days |
| Post-ceremony | Officiant has 10 days to sign and complete the bottom portion of the marriage license and mail or deliver it back to a clerk's office |
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What You'll Learn
Where to get a marriage license in Chicago
To get married in Chicago, you must first obtain a marriage license from the Cook County Clerk's office. Both parties must appear together at one of the four to six Cook County Clerk's office locations with valid identification and proof of age. You must also fill out and sign a marriage license application.
The marriage license fee is $60, and it is issued while you wait. It is effective the day after issuance and is valid for 60 days from that date. Therefore, you must obtain your marriage license at least 24 hours before your wedding ceremony.
If either applicant has been divorced within the last six months, they must provide a certified copy of their divorce decree. The marriage license must be issued in the same county where the marriage will take place. After the ceremony, the officiant has ten days to sign and complete the bottom portion of the marriage license and mail or deliver it to a clerk's office.
You can then request a copy of your marriage certificate from the Cook County Clerk's office, which is the official record-keeper for marriages in Chicago.
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What documents do I need to bring?
To get married in Chicago, you will need to obtain a marriage license from the Cook County Clerk's office. Both parties must appear together at one of the six Cook County Clerk's offices with valid forms of identification and proof of age. This can include a driver's license, passport, or birth certificate. There is a $60 fee for the marriage license, and it is recommended to go during odd hours to avoid long lines. The license is valid the day after it is issued and lasts for 60 days, so plan to get married within this time frame.
If you have been divorced within the last six months, you must provide a certified copy of your divorce decree. If you are within 60 days of your wedding day, it is time to start the application process. There is a one-day waiting period before your marriage license goes into effect, and you must obtain the license at least one day before the ceremony.
After the ceremony, your officiant has 10 days to sign and complete the bottom portion of the marriage license and return it to a clerk's office. If you want a commemorative copy of your marriage license, you must request it. Certified copies of the license or certificate are available from the Whitcomb Building 10 to 14 business days after the ceremony. To request a copy, you can include a completed Marriage Certificate Request form, a photocopy of your ID, a check or money order for $15 (plus $4 for additional copies), and a self-addressed stamped envelope.
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How much does a marriage license cost?
To get married in Chicago, you must first obtain a marriage license from the Cook County Clerk's office. The marriage license fee is $60, and it is valid for 60 days. There is a one-day waiting period before your marriage license goes into effect, meaning you cannot get your marriage license the morning of your wedding. You can pay the fee with cash, check, or credit card.
If you are an Illinois resident, you must obtain your marriage license in the county in which you plan to marry, not the county in which you live. If you are a non-resident, the same rule applies. For Chicago and the closest surrounding suburbs, that is Cook County.
There are six Cook County Clerk's offices where you can obtain your marriage license. Both parties must appear together with valid identification and proof of age, such as a driver's license, passport, birth certificate, or life insurance policy. If you have been divorced within the last six months, you must also provide a certified copy of your divorce decree.
Once you have your marriage license, you can get married at Chicago City Hall, which is a popular choice for local couples and those visiting the city. Ceremonies are performed on the lower level of City Hall, and there is a $10 fee. You can have up to 15 guests, but it will be tight with that many people in the room.
If you are looking for a more unique setting, you can opt for a waterfront view along the Chicago River or Navy Pier. Or, if you want to wow your guests, consider a cruise on an open-air deck yacht overlooking the city skyline.
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How long does it take to get a marriage license?
To get married in Chicago, you must first obtain a marriage license from the Cook County Clerk's office. The process is relatively straightforward and quick, but it's important to be familiar with the steps to avoid any delays. Here is a detailed guide on how long it takes to obtain a marriage license in Chicago and some key points to consider.
The Application Process:
Firstly, couples must appear together at one of the Cook County Clerk's four locations. They must fill out and sign a marriage license application and present valid identification with proof of age. The marriage license fee is $60, and it is issued while you wait. If either applicant has been divorced within the last six months, they must provide the date of finalization and a certified copy of their divorce decree.
Timing and Restrictions:
There is a one-day waiting period before your marriage license becomes effective. This means you need to obtain the license at least one day before your wedding. The license is then valid for 60 days, so you must plan to get married within this timeframe. The only way to waive the waiting period is by filing a petition and demonstrating a valid reason for an exception.
Obtaining the Marriage Certificate:
After the wedding ceremony, the officiant has ten days to sign and complete the bottom portion of the marriage license and return it to the clerk's office. Once this is done, you can request your own copy of the marriage certificate. You can obtain a printed copy of your license in person at any Cook County Clerk's Office location for a fee of $15, payable by cash, debit card, or credit card. Alternatively, you can request a copy online or by phone through Currency Exchange.
Processing Time:
The entire process, from applying for the license to receiving the marriage certificate, can take around two to three weeks. However, it's important to allow for potential delays, such as longer lines at the clerk's office or the time required for processing and mailing the certificate.
In summary, while the marriage license application process in Chicago is generally quick and painless, it's important to start the process early and allow for sufficient time to obtain the license, ensuring a stress-free experience for your big day.
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What happens after the ceremony?
To get legally married in Chicago, you must first obtain a marriage license from the Cook County Clerk's office. Both parties must appear together and present valid identification with proof of age, such as a driver's license, passport, or birth certificate. There is a $60 fee for the marriage license, and it is valid for 60 days. Additionally, there is a one-day waiting period before the license takes effect, so you must obtain it at at least a day before your wedding.
Now, let's discuss what happens after the ceremony:
After the Ceremony
Once the ceremony is complete, there are a few remaining legal steps to finalise your marriage. Firstly, your officiant has 10 days to sign and complete the bottom portion of the marriage license. They will then mail or deliver it back to the clerk's office. This step is crucial for the legal recognition of your marriage.
If you wish to obtain a copy of your marriage certificate, you can request one from the clerk's office. There is a $15 fee for this service, which can be paid by cash, debit card, or credit card. The printed copy of your marriage license can be obtained in person at any Cook County Clerk's Office location.
If you had a wedding ceremony at Chicago City Hall, it is customary to explore the building's gorgeous halls and archways. Many people will offer their congratulations, and you can take advantage of the photo opportunities both inside and outside the building, especially during the holidays when it is decorated. The iconic Chicago Theatre, the Board of Trade building, and the Chicago River are all within walking distance and provide great backdrops for post-wedding photos.
Additionally, if you had a judge perform your ceremony, it is worth noting that they will likely rotate, so you may not see the same judge more than once. They will have a script to follow and will allow you to exchange rings and personalise the ceremony with your own vows if you wish.
Overall, finalising your marriage after the ceremony involves completing the necessary legal steps, such as returning the signed license and obtaining a copy of your marriage certificate, while also taking the time to celebrate and capture memories through photos at various locations in and around Chicago City Hall.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, you need to obtain a marriage license from the Cook County Clerk's office before getting married in Chicago.
You need to fill out and sign a marriage license application, present valid identification with proof of age, and pay a $60 fee. If you have divorced within the last six months, you must provide a certified copy of your divorce decree.
The process is typically straightforward and does not take long. You can obtain the license on the same day you apply, but it will only be effective the following day. It is recommended to give yourself enough time to wait in line, as some days may be busier than others.
