George Boyle
If you're planning a civil wedding in Illinois, there are a few things you need to take care of to ensure your special day goes off without a hitch. From applying for a marriage license to finding the perfect venue, here's a quick overview of the key requirements for a civil wedding in the state of Illinois. First things first, you'll need to obtain a marriage license from the local county clerk's office in the county where you plan to wed. The requirements and fees for marriage licenses vary across counties, so be sure to check with your local office. Keep in mind that there is usually a waiting period of at least 24 hours, and licenses are typically valid for 60 days. In addition to the legal requirements, Illinois offers a variety of venue options, from the vibrant city of Chicago to charming rural settings.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Marriage license | Required; obtained from the local clerk in the county of marriage |
| Marriage license fee | $60; may vary depending on the county |
| Marriage license application | Required; completed and signed by both parties |
| Valid identification | Required; proof of age |
| Divorcees | Must provide the date of divorce finalization; certified copy of divorce decree if divorced within the last 6 months |
| Minimum age | 18 years; 16 years with parental consent |
| Validity | 60 days |
| Waiting period | 24 hours |
| Ceremony location | At a courthouse or an outside location |
| Ceremony appointment | Required; varies by county |
| Ceremony fee | $10 |
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What You'll Learn
Marriage license requirements
To get married in Illinois, you must obtain a marriage license from the state. Marriage licenses are issued by counties, so you will need to apply to the local clerk in the county where you plan to marry. The laws are the same across the state, but the requirements and fees may vary depending on the county.
In Cook County, for example, couples must obtain a marriage license from the Cook County Clerk's office. The fee for a marriage license is $60, but there is also a $10 administrative fee. Couples must appear together and fill out and sign a marriage license application. They must also present valid identification with proof of age. If either partner is divorced, they must provide the date of finalization and, if the divorce occurred within the last six months, a certified copy of the divorce decree.
In McLean County, the marriage license fee is $10, payable by check to the Marriage Fund of the Circuit Court. Couples must have an appointment for the ceremony and should bring two witnesses and their marriage license to the McLean County Law and Justice Center.
Marriage licenses in Illinois have a 24-hour waiting period and are valid for 60 days from the date of issue. Your wedding ceremony must take place within this 60-day period. You do not have to be a resident of Illinois to get married there, but you must obtain your license from the county in which you will be married.
To be eligible for a marriage license in Illinois, you must be at least 18 years old. If you are 16 or 17 years old, you can get married with parental consent and the appearance of a legal guardian. Couples must not be blood-related, although first cousins may marry if they are over the age of 50 or if one person can prove permanent sterility.
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Age and consent
To obtain a marriage license in Illinois, you must be at least 18 years old. If you are at least 16 years old, you can get married with parental consent. If there are no parents available to consent, you can appeal to the court for judicial consent. First cousins can marry if they are older than 50, or if one person can prove they are permanently sterile.
To apply for a marriage license, couples must appear together and fill out and sign a marriage license application. They must also present valid identification with proof of age. The marriage license fee is $60, but this may vary depending on the county. Applicants who have been divorced must provide the date of finalization and, if divorced within the last six months, a certified copy of the divorce decree.
Civil unions are still available for couples (same-sex or different-sex) who choose this option. Couples with civil unions who wish to marry can apply for a marriage license without a fee, and will be considered married as of the date of their marriage certificate.
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Validity and expiration
Illinois marriage licenses are valid for 60 days from the date of issue. This means that you need to hold your wedding ceremony within 60 days of acquiring the license. Importantly, the licenses don't become valid until the day after they are issued, so you cannot get married on the same day that you acquire the license.
To obtain a marriage license in Illinois, couples must appear together and follow the state's marriage license application process. The marriage license fee is $60, but this may vary depending on the county. In Cook County, the fee is $10. Couples must fill out and sign a marriage license application and present valid identification with proof of age. If divorced, applicants must provide the date of the divorce and, if the divorce was finalized within the last six months, a certified copy of the divorce decree. Couples must be 18 years of age or older (16 and 17 with parental consent and legal guardian appearance) and not blood-related.
Civil unions are still available for couples (same-sex and different-sex) who choose this option. Couples with civil unions who wish to marry can apply for a marriage license without a fee and will be considered married as of the date of their marriage certificate.
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Ceremony locations
Illinois offers a variety of ceremony locations to suit different preferences. From the urban architectural landscape of Chicago to the quaint downtowns and stunning landscapes outside the city, there is something for everyone.
If you are looking for a more traditional setting, there are several courthouses across the state that perform marriage and civil union ceremonies. These include the Maywood, Bridgeview, Markham, and Rolling Meadows Courthouses in Cook County, which cover Chicago and its suburbs. These ceremonies are typically held during weekdays and require an appointment and a valid license. Additionally, there is a $10 administrative fee.
For those seeking a more rural setting, the McLean County Law and Justice Center in Bloomington offers marriage and civil union ceremonies on Friday afternoons. Appointments are required, and a $10 fee must be paid in advance.
If you prefer an outdoor setting, Illinois has a diverse range of natural landscapes, including wide-open spaces and rural resorts. Alternatively, there are golf clubs and charming downtown areas outside of Chicago that can provide a unique backdrop for your special day.
Remember, each county in Illinois has its own marriage license requirements, so be sure to check with the local clerk in the county where your ceremony will take place.
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Fees
To get married in Illinois, you must first obtain a marriage license. The marriage license fee varies depending on the county, ranging from $15 to $75. In Cook County, the fee is $60. Couples in a civil union who wish to marry can apply for a marriage license without a fee.
Once you have your marriage license, there is usually a further fee for the marriage ceremony itself. In Cook County, there is a $10 administrative fee for the ceremony. In McLean County, there is a $10 fee to be paid in the McLean County Circuit Clerk's Office prior to the ceremony. Checks should be made payable to the Marriage Fund of the Circuit Court.
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Frequently asked questions
You will need to apply for a marriage license from the local clerk in the county you are getting married in. The marriage license fee is $60, but there is also a $10 administrative fee. The license is valid for 60 days and you must be over 18 to get married without parental consent.
Civil unions still exist in Illinois, and couples with civil unions may remain in a civil union. Couples who wish to marry can apply for a marriage license without a fee and will be considered married as of the date of their marriage certificate.
If you are 16 or 17, you can get married with parental consent and a legal guardian appearance.
If you have been divorced, you must provide the date of finalization and a certified copy of the divorce decree if it was within the last six months.
