Obtaining Marriage Licenses in Illinois
Photo Credit: Jasmin Kemp Photography
We know planning your elegant Chicago wedding is exciting, and we also know that many couples overlook one of the most important to-dos: Securing your marriage license!
There are a few key things to keep in mind that will help your special day to be smooth and special without any hiccups. Here’s everything you need to know to make it official:
📝 First Things First: Who Can Apply?
In Illinois, couples must apply for a marriage license together and in person at the county clerk’s office.
To apply, you must:
Be 18 or older (or 16–17 with parental/legal guardian consent)
Be unmarried
Not be closely related by blood
✅ What to Bring
You'll need to show valid identification when you apply. Here's what most counties accept:
One of the following (preferred):
U.S. driver's license or state ID
U.S. passport
U.S. Armed Forces ID
OR if those aren’t available, bring two of the following:
Certified birth certificate
U.S. naturalization papers or resident alien card
Valid foreign passport
Life insurance policy (in effect for at least one year)
Baptismal record showing your birth date
Consulate ID card
Pro tip: Each county might have slightly different rules. It's always best to call your local clerk’s office ahead of time to confirm what's accepted or check the website.
If either of you were previously married, bring divorce decrees and/or death certificates for any former spouses.
💵 Cost + Payment
Marriage license fees range between $30–$60, depending on the county. Some counties only accept cash, so be sure to check ahead.
Want extra copies for name changes or record-keeping? Most clerks charge a small fee per copy.
⏳ Timing: Waiting Period + Expiration
Your marriage license becomes valid 24 hours after it’s issued.
It’s valid for 60 days from that point.
Your ceremony must be held in the same county where you got the license.
Example: If you're getting married in DuPage County, you must get your license from the DuPage County Clerk’s Office.
Photo Credit: Jasmin Kemp Photography
📍Where to Go
Apply at the county clerk’s office in the county where your wedding ceremony will take place. Hours and locations can vary, so we always recommend calling ahead or checking their website. Below, you’ll find a quick list of locations where we work most often for your reference. They will give you a packet with several documents and explanations of where to send items.
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Downtown Chicago
118 N. Clark St., Room 120
Chicago, IL 60602
312-603-7790
South Suburbs - Markham
16501 S. Kedzie, Room 238
Markham, IL 60426
708-232-4150
North Suburbs - Skokie
5600 W. Old Orchard Rd., Room 149
Skokie, IL 60077
847-470-7200
West Suburbs - Maywood
1311 Maybrook Square, Room 104
Maywood, IL 60153
708-865-6010 -
110 E. Sycamore St.
Sycamore, IL 60178
815-895-7149 -
421 N. County Farm Rd.
Wheaton, IL 60187
630-407-5500 -
719 S. Batavia Ave., Building B
Geneva, IL 60134
630-232-5950
-or-5 E. Downer Place, Unit F
Aurora, IL 60505 -
18 N. County St., Room 101
Waukegan, IL 60085
847-377-2400 -
302 N. Chicago St.
Joliet, IL 60432
815-740-4615
*Appointment required
Online Applications and Licenses: Some counties have the option to apply online in advance, as well as actually get your entire marriage license online (but you have to be located in that county, even if you’re doing it over videoconference). Check out their websites for more information.
Signing the Marriage License - Make it Legal!
The marriage license in most counties is only signed by the officiant, and no witnesses are required. Your officiant should do the following:
Ask the Couple to Present their Marriage License
Confirming that the Marriage License is Valid
Complete and Sign the Marriage License
Return the Marriage License to the County Clerk within 10 days. THIS IS IMPORTANT: We recommend taking it physically to the clerk’s office or using tracking. We also recommend having someone take a photo of the completed license for records in case it is lost.)
Photo Credit: Jasmin Kemp Photography
💍 Marriage License Vs Marriage Certificate: What is the difference?
A marriage license is the legal document that must be obtained before a wedding ceremony, which grants couples the legal right to marry. A marriage certificate, on the other hand, is the official document provided back to the couple confirming the marriage after it has taken place. The license is obtained before the ceremony, while the certificate is issued afterward.
Marriage License: This document is issued by a government agency, usually the county clerk's office, and must be obtained prior to the wedding ceremony. It's a prerequisite for a valid marriage. Generally, from the date the License is issued, the couple must have an officiant conduct a ceremony, sign, and return the License back to the issuing agency within 30-60 days of the date of issue.
Marriage Certificate: This document is issued after the wedding ceremony has been officiated; The signed License is returned to the issuing agency by the designated date, which then issues the Certificate. The Marriage Certificate serves as proof that the marriage took place following all legal requirements.
In essence, the marriage license is the "permission slip" to get married, while the marriage certificate is the official record of that marriage.
Photo Credit: Megan Saul Photography
Extra tip: Request 2–3 certified copies of your marriage certificate —you’ll thank yourself later when it’s time to change your name or update legal documents!
We know legal paperwork isn’t the most glamorous part of wedding planning, but it’s one of the most important. And with just a little prep, it can be one of the easiest things you check off your list!
Still have questions? We’re always happy to help our couples navigate the process for an elegant Chicago wedding that is as stress-free (and joy-filled!) as possible.
Warmly,
The Sholeh Events Team
