Illinois Marriage Laws

Illinois State's Marriage Ceremony Officiating Requirements

Ministers of the church or society to which they belong, may perform Marriages. Within 30 days after the marriage, Ministers record the marriage on the marriage license and return it to the clerk of the county.

Information About Marriage License

Illinois marriage license is valid for one year from the date of issuance. Once you have decided the date for wedding, do not allow even the marriage laws of Illinois put any dent in it.

Following are some rules and requirements for Illinois marriage license as per Illinois marriage laws.

Residency Requirement: It is not necessary to be resident of Illinois .

Identification Requirement: Any identification like a driving license, passport, military id card, Illinois Department of Public Aid card, state id card is acceptable in Illinois.

Not affidavits but if you don't have any of these then the copy of birth certificate, hospital record of birth date, foreign passport, US resident alien card, life insurance policy in effect for one year in which birth date is mentioned, all consulate id cards etc is acceptable.

Under 18 Marriages: Those who are 16 or 17 years old, must have to notarized consent of their parents or legal guardian. Those who are under 16 years must have to notarized consent of their parents or legal guardian along with the court order.

If applicant is of age between 16 or 17, a copy of birth certificate with any other identification showing same date of birth is required. At the time of application the sworn consent of both parents, legal guardian or judge before the county clerk is must.

Parents are also asked to show identification like a driving license, Illinois Department of Public Aid card, or passport, state identification card etc. In case if parents are deceased, applicant has to provide a death certificate or proof of guardianship, or a court order waiving consent.

It is also necessary for a legal guardian to present certified copy of the guardianship. If applicant is under 16 years of age, he/she is not allowed to marry in Illinois.

If Previously Married: If you are divorced within the last six months, certified copy of divorce is compulsory.

Proxy Marriages in Illinois: No.

Any Other Test Required in Illinois: No tests are not required.

Wait Period in Illinois: There is 24 hour waiting period.

Marriage Fees Required in Illinois: Approximately $30 by cash only.

Marriage for Same-Sex Option in Illinois: No.

Common Law Marriage Option in Illinois: No.

Cousin Marriage in Illinois: Yes, first cousins older than the age of 50, may marry.

About Marriage Certificate Copy:

it's better if you confirm the information with the Illinois county clerk or the local marriage license office before finalizing the marriage plans.