Search Peoria Marriage License

Peoria marriage license applications go through the Peoria County Clerk's office. The fee is $75 and the clerk offers an online pre-application to speed things up. Both people still need to come in together, but having the forms done ahead of time makes the visit shorter. Peoria is the county seat, so the clerk's office is right in town. Couples can also have a judge perform their ceremony in person or via Zoom. This page covers everything you need to know about getting a marriage license in Peoria, from fees and ID rules to ceremony options and certified copies.

Peoria County Clerk Marriage License Office

Peoria sits in Peoria County, and the Peoria County Clerk's office issues all marriage licenses for the area. The office phone number is (309) 672-6059. You can call to ask about hours or confirm what you need to bring. The Peoria County marriage license page has the current office information and instructions for applying.

Both people must show up in person. You cannot send just one party or have someone pick up the license for you. Under 750 ILCS 5/203, the clerk issues the license once both parties have signed the application and the fee is paid. The license gets printed while you wait.

The Peoria County Clerk also offers an online pre-application. You can submit your information before coming to the office. This cuts down on time spent at the counter. You still need to appear together with your IDs, but the paperwork side goes faster when the clerk already has your details in the system.

Peoria Marriage License Fees

A marriage license in Peoria costs $75. The Peoria County Clerk accepts cash, checks, and debit or credit cards. If you pay by card, there is an extra $4 processing fee on top of the $75. So the total with a card comes to $79. Bring cash or a check if you want to keep it at exactly $75.

Certified copies of the completed marriage certificate cost $16 for the first copy and $7 for each additional copy ordered at the same time. You will want at least a couple of certified copies. Banks, the Social Security Administration, the DMV, and insurance companies all want to see a certified copy when you do a name change. It is cheaper to order them all at once, so think about how many you need before your visit.

Note: The $75 fee applies to all applicants regardless of where they live or where in Peoria County the ceremony will be held.

Peoria Marriage License Requirements

Both applicants must be at least 18 years old. Minors who are 16 or 17 need both parents to sign a consent form at the clerk's office. No one under 16 can apply. There is no residency requirement. Couples from out of state can apply in Peoria County as long as the ceremony happens within county lines.

Bring a valid government photo ID. A state driver's license, state ID card, U.S. passport, or military ID all work. The IDPH valid ID page lists every accepted form. You need your Social Security number, date and place of birth, parents' full names including mother's maiden name, and your parents' states of birth. If a prior marriage ended in the last six months, bring a certified copy of the divorce decree or death certificate. The clerk must see proof that the prior marriage is over. If it ended more than six months ago, you just need to know the date, county, and state.

No blood test is needed. Illinois did away with that in 1989.

Judge Ceremonies for Peoria Marriage Licenses

Peoria County offers judge-performed ceremonies for couples who have a valid marriage license. This is a nice option if you want a simple, official ceremony without the planning of a big wedding. Ceremonies can happen in person at the courthouse or through Zoom video conferencing. That Zoom option is unusual for Illinois counties and gives Peoria couples some added flexibility.

There is a $10 fee for a judge ceremony. You schedule it by calling the Circuit Clerk's Civil Division at 309-672-6984. Ceremonies must be booked in advance. Do not just show up and expect to get married that day. You also still need to wait one day after getting the license before any ceremony can take place, since the license is not effective until the next calendar day under 750 ILCS 5/207.

Beyond judges, the mayor of Peoria and religious leaders in good standing can also officiate weddings under 750 ILCS 5/209. Illinois does not require witnesses at the ceremony.

Peoria City Resources

The City of Peoria website has details on local services, permits, and event planning that can help with wedding preparation in the Peoria area.

The city does not issue marriage licenses. That is handled by the county clerk. But if you need a permit for an outdoor ceremony in a Peoria park or public space, the city website is where to start.

Certified Copies of a Peoria Marriage License

After the officiant returns the completed marriage certificate to the Peoria County Clerk, the marriage is recorded. You can then request certified copies. Visit the clerk's office in person or send a request by mail. The first copy is $16. Each extra copy bought at the same time costs $7.

The IDPH marriage records page notes that the state does not issue certified copies. The Illinois Department of Public Health can only verify basic facts about a marriage from 1962 forward. That verification costs $5 and confirms names, dates, and the county. But it is not a certified copy. For the official document, the Peoria County Clerk is the only source. Under the Vital Records Act (410 ILCS 535), marriage records are not public and only authorized individuals can access them.

Illinois Marriage License Directory

The Illinois Association of County Clerks and Recorders keeps a directory of all 102 county clerk offices across the state. If your ceremony venue is in Tazewell County or Woodford County rather than Peoria County, you need to apply there. A Peoria County license only works for ceremonies inside Peoria County borders. The IACCR directory helps you find the right office fast.

Nearby Cities

Bloomington and Normal are the closest large cities to Peoria. Both are in McLean County, so they use a different clerk's office and may have different fees.

Peoria County Marriage License Office

For full details on all Peoria County marriage license procedures, fees, and office hours, visit the county page.