George Boyle
Illinois has allowed weddings since Phase 4 of its reopening plan, but they have looked different from normal. In-person weddings are held Tuesday through Friday from 9 am, and ceremonies are available by appointment only at various courthouses. Couples must obtain a marriage license at least one day but no longer than 60 days prior to the ceremony. Additionally, Illinois has allowed video conference wedding ceremonies using platforms like Zoom and Skype. Weddings must follow the indoor dining guidelines with social distancing, and guests must wear masks when they are up and about.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Wedding guest limit | 15 guests maximum |
| Social distancing | Guests cannot mingle at cocktail hour. They must be seated when eating or drinking. Guests must wear masks when moving about. |
| Multiple rooms | Guests in different rooms cannot co-mingle or share spaces. |
| Inspections | The BACP will be working with inspectors and the police to go to venues, private events, bars, and restaurants to ensure guidelines are followed. |
| Virtual weddings | Illinois allows Zoom wedding ceremonies. |
| In-person weddings | In-person weddings are allowed in Phase 4 of reopening. |
| Marriage license | Couples must obtain a marriage license from the Cook County Clerk's office. |
| Officiants | Wedding officiants in Illinois are not required to register with any government office. |
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What You'll Learn
Illinois allowed weddings in Phase 4 of reopening
Illinois has a five-phase reopening plan, called "Restore Illinois", which is overseen by Governor J.B. Pritzker. The state entered Phase 4 of the plan on Friday, June 26, 2020, which allowed for the reopening or expansion of several industries, including indoor dining at restaurants, health and fitness, movies and theaters, museums and zoos, and more.
Phase 4 of the reopening plan also increases the size of permitted gatherings from 10 to 50 people. This includes weddings, which can happen in Illinois during Phase 4, but they will look different from normal. For example, guests cannot mingle at cocktail hour and must be seated when eating or drinking. Events should follow indoor dining guidelines with social distancing in place. If a venue has different rooms, more than 50 guests are allowed, but people in different rooms cannot mingle or share spaces.
Phase 5, the final phase of the plan, will see the state's economy fully reopen, including conventions, festivals, and large events. However, there is no timetable for moving from Phase 4 to Phase 5, and this phase cannot begin without a coronavirus vaccine or highly effective treatment being widely available, or without new cases of the virus being eliminated for a sustained period.
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Social distancing and masks are mandatory
As of June 2020, weddings are allowed in Illinois and are currently in Phase 4 of reopening. However, social distancing and masks are mandatory, and weddings will look very different from normal.
For indoor weddings, guests must follow indoor dining guidelines with social distancing. Guests cannot mingle during cocktail hour and must remain seated when eating or drinking. When moving around, masks are required. If the wedding has different floors or rooms, guests in one room cannot mingle or share spaces with guests in another room.
In-person marriage and civil union ceremonies are held in Chicago and all suburban municipal district courthouses. These ceremonies are also available virtually via Zoom or Skype. Couples must obtain a marriage license from the Cook County Clerk's office and present valid photo identification.
To ensure the safety of all guests, it is important to adhere to social distancing guidelines and wear masks when required. By following these measures, couples can have a safe and memorable wedding celebration in Illinois.
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Zoom and Skype weddings are allowed
As of April 2021, Illinois has allowed couples to celebrate their wedding ceremonies virtually, using video conferencing platforms like Zoom and Skype. This means that soon-to-be-married couples can opt for a virtual wedding, inviting their guests to join them online.
For those who wish to have an in-person wedding, there is also the option to do so in Chicago. However, there are no prior scheduling facilities for in-person weddings. These ceremonies are held Tuesday through Friday from 9 a.m. Couples must obtain a marriage license at least one day in advance, but no more than 60 days before the ceremony.
To obtain a marriage license, couples must visit the Cook County Clerk's office in Chicago or suburban Cook County. They must bring valid photo identification and pay a $10 administrative fee. The license is valid for 60 days.
Couples can choose to have their ceremony performed by a judge at a location other than the Second Municipal District courthouse. The court can provide the contact information for a retired judge. Additionally, military weddings can be facilitated by the Office of the Presiding Judge, which will take care of the necessary paperwork.
While Illinois does offer the option of Zoom and Skype weddings, it is important to note that the couple must be physically present in the jurisdiction where the marriage is legally allowed within the state. This means that they cannot be outside of Illinois during their virtual wedding ceremony.
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In-person weddings don't require prior scheduling
In-person weddings in Illinois are allowed in Phase 4 of the state's reopening plan. However, they will look different from normal, and couples need to follow certain guidelines. For instance, guests cannot mingle at cocktail hour and must be seated when eating or drinking. They must wear masks when they are up and about. Events should follow indoor dining guidelines with social distancing.
If you are planning an in-person wedding in Chicago or suburban Cook County, you must obtain a marriage license from the Cook County Clerk's office. A valid marriage or civil union license and a $10 administrative fee are required. Couples must obtain the license at least one day but no longer than 60 days before the ceremony.
In-person weddings in Chicago do not require prior scheduling. Ceremonies are held Tuesday through Friday from 9 a.m. Couples interested in an in-person marriage can obtain a valid marriage license from the Cook County Clerk. Marriages are performed in Chicago and all suburban municipal district courthouses.
For those who prefer a virtual option, Illinois also allows Zoom wedding ceremonies. Couples can file for licenses online and celebrate their weddings using platforms like Zoom and Skype. However, couples must present valid photo identification to verify their identity, and the names must match the license.
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Marriage licenses are available from the Cook County Clerk
Couples can obtain a marriage license from the Clerk's office in Room 149 of the Skokie Courthouse, or Room 238 of the Markham Courthouse. They can also obtain a license at the Whitcomb Building, 1311 Maybrook Drive, Maywood. The license is valid for ceremonies performed in Chicago and suburban Cook County. It is effective one day after issuance and remains valid for 60 days from the date of issuance. Couples must obtain the license at least one day before the ceremony but no longer than 60 days in advance.
In-person and virtual marriage ceremonies are available for couples in Chicago. In-person ceremonies are held at the Bridgeview Courthouse, the Maywood Courthouse, the Markham Courthouse, and the Rolling Meadows Courthouse. Couples must bring their marriage license and a $10 administrative fee on the day of the ceremony. Ceremonies are available by appointment only, and appointments are accepted Monday through Friday. No appointments are available on weekends or court holidays.
The Cook County Clerk's office is the official record-keeper for marriages in Chicago and suburban Cook County. After the marriage ceremony, the officiant completes and signs the marriage license and returns it to the Clerk's office. The Clerk's office can then issue a certified copy of the marriage certificate upon request.
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Frequently asked questions
Weddings are allowed in Illinois as of Phase 4 of reopening, but they will look different from normal.
Weddings in Illinois will have to follow indoor dining guidelines with social distancing. Guests cannot mingle at cocktail hour and must be seated when eating or drinking. When moving around, guests need to wear masks.
Yes, events should follow indoor dining guidelines. If a venue has different rooms, guests in one room cannot mingle or share spaces with guests in another room.
Yes, Illinois allows couples to celebrate their weddings via video conference using platforms like Zoom and Skype.
