What Do You Need to Get Married in Illinois?

Marriage License Requirements

To get married in Illinois, you'll need to obtain a marriage license from the county clerk's office. The license is valid for 60 days, and you'll need to provide proof of age, identity, and residency. You'll also need to provide your social security number and pay the license fee, which varies by county.

The marriage license application process typically takes a few days to a week, and you'll need to appear in person with your partner to sign the application. You'll also need to provide any required documents, such as a birth certificate or divorce decree, if applicable.

Age and Residency Requirements

In Illinois, you must be at least 18 years old to get married without parental consent. If you're between 16 and 17 years old, you'll need to obtain parental consent, and if you're under 16, you'll need a court order to get married. You don't need to be a resident of Illinois to get married, but you do need to get married in the state.

If you're a non-resident, you can still get married in Illinois, but you'll need to follow the same application process as residents. You'll need to provide proof of age and identity, and you'll need to appear in person with your partner to sign the application.

Witness and Officiant Requirements

In Illinois, you'll need to have at least one witness present at your wedding ceremony. The witness must be at least 18 years old and able to sign the marriage certificate. You'll also need to have a licensed officiant perform the ceremony, such as a judge, minister, or priest.

The officiant will need to sign the marriage certificate and return it to the county clerk's office within 10 days of the ceremony. You can choose any licensed officiant you like, but you'll need to make sure they're authorized to perform weddings in Illinois.

Marriage Certificate and Registration

After the ceremony, the officiant will provide you with a marriage certificate, which is proof of your marriage. You'll need to keep this certificate safe, as you'll need it to prove your marriage for legal purposes, such as applying for a passport or changing your name.

The county clerk's office will also register your marriage and provide you with a certified copy of the marriage certificate. You can use this certified copy to prove your marriage for legal purposes, and you can also use it to obtain a passport or change your name.

Additional Requirements and Considerations

In addition to the requirements mentioned above, you may need to provide additional documentation, such as a birth certificate or divorce decree, if applicable. You'll also need to make sure you're not currently married or in a civil union, as Illinois does not recognize polygamy or bigamy.

It's also important to note that same-sex marriage is recognized in Illinois, and you can get married regardless of your sexual orientation. You'll need to follow the same application process as opposite-sex couples, and you'll need to provide the same documentation and proof of age and identity.

Frequently Asked Questions

No, you don't need to be a resident of Illinois to get married, but you do need to get married in the state.

You must be at least 18 years old to get married without parental consent, and at least 16 years old with parental consent.

No, you don't need a blood test to get married in Illinois.

Yes, you can get married by a judge in Illinois, as well as by a minister or other licensed officiant.

The marriage license is valid for 60 days from the date of issuance.

Yes, you can obtain a copy of your marriage certificate online from the county clerk's office or through a third-party vendor.