Illinois Marriage License

• You do not need to be a Illinois resident.
• The couple must not already be married.
• The couple, officiant, and witness if applicable, must be physically present together in the same location.
• Blood tests are not required.
• The couple must appear in person and bring valid picture identification to the County Clerk’s Office to apply for a marriage license.
• Marriage licenses are valid for 60 days from the date of issuance. If you do not get married within 60 days, the license will no longer be valid.

Public Marriage License

• You must be at least 18 years old.  Persons under 16-17 with written consent from both parents (or legal guardian) .
• The marriage license is registered at the County Recorder’s Office in the county where the license was purchased, and is a public record.  Anyone may request copies of the marriage certificate by submitting the required fee to the County Recorder.
• The ceremony can take place anywhere within the state of Illinois
• You must have at least one witness present at your ceremony

Where to GoLaws and specific county requirements change from time to time.  Please visit the county website in which you plan to obtain your license for the most accurate information.

Cook County Marriage License
DuPage County Marriage License
Will County Marriage License
Kane County Marriage License
Kendall County Marriage License
Lake County Marriage License


Certified Marriage Records
Click here to learn how to obtain certified marriage records after you are married.

Name Change After Marriage
Click here to learn how to change your name after you have certified copies of your marriage record.