Question: When should we get our marriage license? How do we get it?
Answer: You need to apply in-person for a marriage license in Illinois. You'll both need to go to the County Clerk's Office - in the county where you're getting married. (this may be different from the county you live in.) Click here for a list of Illinois County Clerk offices. To be married in Illinois, you must be over the age of 18 and cannot be blood relatives. You'll have to provide valid photo identification with proof of your age (ex: driver's license, state i.d., passport)
Licenses are issued while you wait. There is a one day waiting period, so you cannot get your license on the day you plan to be married. Licenses are valid for 60 days. Each county sets its own fee, which normally ranges from $25 to $40.
After your wedding, your officiant is responsible for completing the license and sending it to the County Clerk's office. If you need a copy of your marriage license, you have to get it directly from the county office.
