If you've just set a date for your wedding, this can be an exciting time for the two of you! Don't let the
marriage license laws of Illinois put a dent in your wedding plans.
Here's what you need to know and what documents to bring with you before you apply for a Illinois
marriage license. We recommend getting this legal aspect of your wedding out of the way about a month
before your wedding date.
Congratulations and much happiness as you begin your lifetime journey together!
Requirements may vary as each county in Illinois could have their own requirements.
ID Requirement:
Show proof of age and identification. Acceptable documents are: driver’s license, state id card, passport,
military id card, Illinois Department of Public Aid card.
If you do not have any of these, two of the following will be accepted: certified copy of your birth
certificate, baptismal record with birth date, foreign passport, naturalization papers, US resident alien card,
life insurance policy in effect for one year with your birth date, all consulate id cards. Affidavits not
accepted.
Residency Requirement:
You do not have to be a resident of Illinois.
Waiting Period in Illinois:
Illinois has a twenty-four (24) hour waiting period to get married.
Previous Marriages:
You must provide a certified copy of your divorce if you have been divorced within the last six months.
Fees in Illinois:
Getting married in Illinois will cost you approximately $30. Cash only.
Other Tests:
None. Re: Blood tests- The Illinois Marriage and Dissolution of Marriage Act (750 ILCS 5/204) now only
requires the county clerk to distribute free of charge, to all persons applying for a marriage license, a
brochure "Getting Married, Know the Facts about Your Sexual Health" prepared by the Illinois Department
of Public Health concerning sexually transmitted diseases and inherited metabolic diseases.
Proxy Marriages:
No.
Cousin Marriages:
Yes, first cousins may marry if they are older than the age of 50.
Common Law Marriages:
No.
Same Sex Marriages:
No.
Under 18:
If you are 16 or 17 years of age, you will have to provide a copy of your birth certificate along with some
other sort of identification showing your date of birth. You will also need to have the sworn consent from
each parent, each legal guardian or a judge - in person - before the county clerk at the time of application.
Your parents or guardians will need to provide identification like a driver's license, state identification card,
Illinois Department of Public Aid card, or passport. If your parent is deceased, you will need to show a
death certificate or proof of guardianship, or a court order waiving consent. A legal guardian will also need
to show a certified copy of the guardianship papers. If you are under sixteen (16) years of age, you cannot
get married in Illinois.
Officiants:
Ordained ministers, judges, retired judges, and public officials whose powers include solemnization of
marriages.
Miscellaneous:
License is valid for sixty (60) days only in the county in which it was issued.
Copy of Certificate of Marriage:
Illinois Dept. of Public Health
Division of Vital Records
605 W. Jefferson St.
Springfield, IL 62702-5097
217-782-6553
Fax: 217-523-2648
PLEASE NOTE:
State and county marriage license requirements often change. The above information is
for guidance only and should not be regarded as legal advice.
It is important that you verify all information with your local marriage license office or
county clerk before making any wedding or travel plans.
Please notify us of any oversights or errors.