Chicago Marriage License Records

Chicago marriage license applications go through the Cook County Clerk's office. The main location sits right in downtown Chicago at 50 W. Washington St., but five more branch offices serve the greater Cook County area. Both people must come in together. You need valid photo ID, your Social Security number, and basic personal details. Chicago couples can also have the county clerk perform their ceremony on site, a perk that only Cook County offers in all of Illinois. This page covers how to get your marriage license in Chicago, what to bring, fees, and where to go.

Cook County Clerk Handles Chicago Marriage Licenses

Chicago sits in Cook County, so you get your marriage license from the Cook County Clerk. County Clerk Monica Gordon runs the office. The main downtown location at 50 W. Washington St., Chicago, IL 60602 is the most popular spot for Chicago couples. You can walk in or make an appointment. The phone number is (312) 603-0996.

Five branch offices also issue marriage licenses. They are in Markham, Skokie, Rolling Meadows, Maywood, and Bridgeview. All six offices charge the same $60 fee and follow the same process. If the downtown office is too busy, try one of the suburban branches. Wait times can be shorter there, and the license you get works the same way. Just keep in mind that your marriage license is only good for ceremonies held inside Cook County lines under 750 ILCS 5/207. If your venue is in DuPage or Lake County, you need to apply there instead.

The Cook County Clerk marriage license page lists all six office addresses and their hours. Check the site before your visit for any schedule changes or closures.

The screenshot above shows the clerk's portal where Chicago residents can find current office details and requirements.

Chicago Marriage License Requirements

Both people must be at least 18. There is no residency rule. You do not have to live in Chicago or even in Illinois to get a marriage license here. Under 750 ILCS 5/203, the county clerk issues a marriage license once both parties show up, sign the form, and pay the fee. Bring a valid government photo ID like a driver's license, state ID, passport, or military ID. The IDPH valid ID page shows all accepted forms. You also need your Social Security number, date and place of birth, and your parents' full names.

If a prior marriage ended within the last six months, bring a certified copy of the divorce decree or death certificate. The clerk needs proof that the old marriage is done. If it ended more than six months ago, you just need to know when and where. Under 750 ILCS 5/212, close blood relatives cannot marry in Illinois. First cousins may marry only if both are over 50.

No blood test is needed. Illinois dropped that rule in 1989.

Marriage License Fees in Chicago

A marriage license in Chicago costs $60. That is the Cook County fee, and it is the same at all six locations. The clerk accepts cash, checks, and credit cards. Some offices may add a small card processing surcharge, so bring cash if you want to keep it at exactly $60. The license is printed on the spot and handed to you the same day.

Under 750 ILCS 5/207, the license takes effect the next calendar day. So if you pick it up on a Monday, the earliest you can use it is Tuesday. It stays valid for 60 days. After that window, it expires and you have to apply and pay again. Certified copies of the completed marriage certificate have a separate fee. Call the Cook County Clerk at (312) 603-0996 for current copy prices.

Note: The $60 fee applies to all couples regardless of residency or where the ceremony will be held within Cook County.

Marriage Equality in Chicago

Chicago was at the front of marriage equality in Illinois. Cook County began issuing same-sex marriage licenses on February 21, 2014. That was months ahead of the statewide date of June 1, 2014. A federal court order allowed Cook County to move early, and hundreds of couples applied in the first weeks.

Today the rules are the same for all couples. Same fee. Same forms. Same ID rules. The Cook County Clerk's marriage equality page covers the history and confirms that the process is the same for everyone who applies in Chicago. The clerk's office at 50 W. Washington has hosted many ceremonies for same-sex couples since 2014.

Who Can Perform a Chicago Marriage Ceremony

Cook County is the only county in Illinois where the county clerk can solemnize marriages. Under 750 ILCS 5/209, this right applies to counties with a population of 2,000,000 or more. Cook County is the only one that qualifies. That means you can get your license and have the ceremony done in the same visit at the clerk's office. It is a fast option for couples who want to keep things simple.

Judges, retired judges, religious leaders, and the mayor of Chicago can also officiate weddings. Illinois does not require witnesses at the ceremony. After the wedding, the officiant must complete the marriage certificate and return it to the Cook County Clerk within 10 days. Late returns cause problems. If the paperwork does not come back on time, you may have trouble getting certified copies of your Chicago marriage license later.

The City of Chicago official site has info on city services, as shown below.

While the city itself does not issue marriage licenses, the site can point you to local resources and events related to weddings and civil ceremonies in Chicago.

Getting Certified Copies of a Chicago Marriage License

Once your officiant returns the completed certificate, the Cook County Clerk records it. You can then request certified copies. Go to any of the six Cook County Clerk locations or send a written request by mail. Certified copies serve as legal proof of your marriage. You will need them for name changes, insurance updates, and other official business.

The IDPH marriage records page explains that the state does not issue certified copies. IDPH only verifies basic facts about marriages from 1962 forward. A verification costs $5 and confirms names, dates, and the county. For the full certified copy of a Chicago marriage license, the Cook County Clerk is the only source. The Vital Records Act (410 ILCS 535) governs how these records are stored and who can access them. Vital records in Illinois are not public under the Freedom of Information Act.

Illinois Marriage License Resources

The Illinois Association of County Clerks and Recorders keeps a directory of all 102 county clerk offices. Chicago falls under Cook County, but if your ceremony venue is outside Cook County lines, this directory helps you find the right clerk fast.

Use this directory to check hours, addresses, and phone numbers for any county clerk office across the state.

Note: A marriage license from Cook County is only valid for ceremonies held within Cook County borders.

Nearby Cities

Several other cities in the Chicago area also fall within Cook County or border it. These cities all have their own pages with local marriage license details.

Cook County Marriage License Office

For full details on all Cook County marriage license offices, fees, and procedures, visit the county page.