Securing Your Marriage License

All you need to have to get married is the love you share with your partner and a legal document! You’ve already got the love, now let’s talk about that legal document. Though every county has their own set of steps and requirements, here is a roadmap to help you get started with confidence.

Step 1: Know Where to Go

Marriage licenses are issued at the county level, so you'll need to apply in the county where you’ll be getting married (not where you live—unless it’s the same). A quick Google search like “marriage license [county name]” should direct you to the official county clerk website with up-to-date info.

Step 2: Gather Your Documents

Most counties will require:

• A valid, government-issued photo ID (like a driver’s license or passport)
• Proof of age (usually the ID covers this)
• Occasionally, a birth certificate or Social Security number

If either of you has been married before, you might need to provide documentation of divorce or a death certificate.

Step 3: Apply In Person (Usually)

Illinois requires both partners to be present to apply. Some offer online applications to start the process, but you’ll often still need to appear in person together to finalize it.

Step 4: Know the Timing

Each county has a different:

• Waiting period (the number of days between applying and when the license becomes valid—some have none)
• Expiration window (how long the license is good for—commonly 30 to 90 days)

So don’t apply too early or too late. Your officiant can’t legally marry you without a valid license in hand!

Step 5: Filing It After the Wedding

Once you’re officially hitched, your officiant will sign the license and return it to the county clerk for processing. From there, you’ll receive your certified marriage certificate (which you’ll need to update names, insurance, etc.).

Final Thoughts

Here are some common counties to help you get started!

• Cook County
• Will County
• Kane County
• DuPage County
• McHenry County

Learn more about how to prepare your officiant and creating a ceremony that is meaningful to you by checking out our other blogs!

For more tips and tricks, tune into the full episode of 52 ‘Til I Do on Spotify or Apple Podcasts.

Have more marriage license related questions? Send us a message at hello@marryment.com or get in touch on our social media—we love helping couples navigate this part of wedding planning!

Photo Credit to JNA Visuals

‍Marryment proudly serves couples all across Chicago and the surrounding Chicago Suburbs including popular areas such as Schaumburg, Elmhurst, Naperville, Evanston, Joliet, Oak Park, Skokie, Barrington, Downers Grove and Northbrook, to name a few. We also love destination weddings. We'd love to be a part of your wedding day! Schedule your free planning call with us today.