Illinois Marriage License Requirements
If you're getting married in the state of Illinois you must first apply for a wedding license at any in-state county clerk office. These offices, some of which are referred to as the "marriage license bureau," are usually located in the county probate court or circuit court. This document outlines the requirements you must adhere to in order to get a valid marriage license that can be used statewide. Let's begin…
Cost of Your License
How much does a marriage license cost?
The marriage license fee is $15.00 to $30.00, cash only. Accepted forms of payment are cash.
Residency Requirement
Are there any special residency conditions for in-state or out-of-state residents?
There are none. You do not have to be a previous or current resident of Illinois to obtain a marriage license that will be valid statewide.
Waiting Period
After I submit my application how long do I have to wait before I receive my marriage license?
There is no waiting period. You will receive your marriage license immediately after you submit your application.
Is there a waiting period from the moment the license is given to me to the date I'm allowed to actually marry?
Yes, after you receive your license, there is still a mandatory 1 day waiting period before you can actually get married.
License Expiration
How long will my marriage license remain valid once it's been issued?
Your license will expire 60 days from the date it is issued. Once it expires, it can no longer be used to get married.
What happens if my marriage license expires before I get a chance to use it?
Unfortunately, you'll just have to get a brand new one as your expired one will no longer be recognized as valid by the state nor by the person who will be responsible for officiating your marriage.
Age Requirement
How old must I be to get married?
You must be at least 18 years of age or older to marry without parental consent. A birth certificate may be necessary to show proof of age.
What if one or both of us is younger than 18?
If either partner is under 18, parents or legal guardians must be present. If a parent can not be present, due to death, separation, divorce or other circumstances, proper evidence must be presented for verification. You will need a certified copy of your birth certificate. If you are under 16 you can not marry.
Blood Test
Are blood tests and physical exams required?
No blood test or physical exam is required.
Divorced or Widowed Applicants
What if one or both partners have been divorced or have had a spouse die?
If you were previously married, the date of your divorce or the date of your spouse's death must be provided. If the divorce or spouse's death had taken place within the last 6 months, bring a certified copy of the divorce decree or death certificate. If necessary, a copy of your divorce records or spouse's death certificate can be ordered from your local vital records office and mailed to you.
Marriage Name Change
How do I legally change my name before or after I get married?
When you are married, you will receive a marriage certificate, which is a piece of paper proving that you are legally married. This document will serve as evidence of your marriage, which you'll need to complete the process of notifying several government agencies about your name change, as well as any non-government institutions that you do business with (ie, banks, employers, credit cards, memberships, etc).
There is an online marriage name change kit that you can use and complete before or after your marriage takes place. It's applicable for Illinois or any other state in the union. Completing all the necessary name change documentation prior to your wedding is recommended in order to expedite the name change process.
Proxy Marriage
What is a proxy marriage?
A proxy marriage, also known as a "proxy wedding," is when one or both partners to be married are unable to physically attend the ceremony. The missing person, or persons, will have someone "stand in" for them and serve as their "proxy."
Can I get married by proxy if I'm unable to to be present for the ceremony?
No, getting married by proxy is not allowed in Illinois. There are actually only five states left that do allow marriage by proxy.
Common Law Marriage
What is a common law marriage?
The term "common law marriage" refers to an informal marriage, based upon cohabitation and a mutual understanding by both partners, rather than getting married through a civil or religious ceremony. The latter, more common approach, would require an actual Illinois marriage license.
Is a common law marriage a legal option for me instead of undergoing a conventional marriage?
No, common-law marriages are not allowed in Illinois. This is unsurprising as only one-fifth of the country currently recognizes common law marriage.
Cousin Marriage
Can I get married to my cousin?
Yes, cousin marriages (first, second, etc) are allowed to take place. Cousins may marry as long as both are over the age of 50.
Same Sex Marriage
Are same sex marriages legal?
Yes, same-sex marriages are allowed and legally recognized in Illinois.
Where to Go
Where do I physically need to go to get my marriage license?
Illinois has 102 offices where a marriage license can be acquired. Simply choose a location below to visit. Phone numbers as well as map and accompanying driving direction links are provided for every address.
Quincy, IL 62306
Cairo, IL 62914
Greenville, IL 62246
Belvedere, IL 61008
Mount Sterling, IL 62353
Princeton, IL 61356
Hardin, IL 62047
Mt. Carroll, IL 61053
Virginia, IL 62691
Urbana, IL 61801
Taylorville, IL 62568
Marshall, IL 62441
Louisville, IL 62858
Carlyle, IL 62231
Charleston, IL 61920
Chicago, IL 60602
Robinson, IL 62454
Toledo, IL 62468
Sycamore, IL 60178
Clinton, IL 61727
Tuscola, IL 61953
Wheaton, IL 60187
Paris, IL 61944
Albion, IL 62806
Effingham, IL 62401
Vandalia, IL 62471
Paxton, IL 60957
Benton, IL 62812
Lewistown, IL 61542
Shawneetown, IL 62984
Carrolton, IL 62016
Morris, IL 60450
Mcleansboro, IL 62859
Carthage, IL 62321
Elizabeth Town, IL 62931
Oquawka, IL 61469
Cambridge, IL 61238
Watseka, IL 60970
Murphysboro, IL 62966
Newton, IL 62448
Mount Vernon, IL 62864
Jerseyville, IL 62052
Galena, IL 61036
Vienna, IL 62995
Geneva, IL 60134
Kankakee, IL 60901
Yorkville, IL 60560
Galesburg, IL 61401
Ottawa, IL 61350
Waukegan, IL 60085
Lawrenceville, IL 62439
Dixon, IL 61021
Pontiac, IL 61764
Lincoln, IL 62656
Decatur, IL 62523
Carlinville, IL 62026
Edwardsville, IL 62025
Salem, IL 62881
Lacon, IL 61540
Havana, IL 62644
Metropolis, IL 62960
Macomb, IL 61455
Woodstock, IL 60098
Bloomington, IL 61701
Petersburg, IL 62675
Aledo, IL 61231
Waterloo, IL 62298
Hilsboro, IL 62049
Jacksonville, IL 62651
Sullivan, IL 61951
Oregon, IL 61061
Peoria, IL 61602
Pickneyville, IL 62274
Monticello, IL 61856
Pittsfield, IL 62363
Golconda, IL 62938
Mound City, IL 62963
Hennepin, IL 61327
Chester, IL 62233
Olney, IL 62450
Rock Island, IL 61201
Harrisburg, IL 62946
Springfield, IL 62705
Rushville, IL 62681
Winchester, IL 62694
Shelbyville, IL 62565
Belleville, IL 62222
Toulon, IL 61483
Freeport, IL 61032
Pekin, IL 61554
Jonesboro, IL 62952
Danville, IL 61832
Mount Carmel, IL 62863
Monmouth, IL 61462
Nashville, IL 62263
Fairfield, IL 62837
Carmi, IL 62821
Morrison, IL 61270
Joliet, IL 60431
Marion, IL 62959
Rockford, IL 61101
Eureka, IL 61530