If you're planning on a civil union this summer, there are some important things you need to know.
Civil union licenses will be issued starting June 1st. However, civil union ceremonies cannot occur until JUNE 2nd.
There is a one day waiting period for civil union (and marriage) licenses, so they are not valid until the day after they are issued. While civil unions may be legal as of June 1st, this means that licenses will begin being issued that day. The actual ceremonies cannot take place until the following day, June 2nd.
For more information on this subject, go to the Cook County Clerk's website page, Civil Union Law Highlights.
To obtain a civil union license, both partners must go together to an Illinois County Clerk Office. Click here for a list of offices, with addresses of the main location. Also, be aware that some larger counties have several locations, such as Cook county, which has six offices. Don't feel that you have to head to downtown Chicago to get your license - any of the suburban locations offer this service.... and probably won't be as busy.
Good luck - and CONGRATULATIONS!
