Find Marriage License in Kane County

Kane County marriage license applications are handled by County Clerk John A. Cunningham at two office locations. The main office is in Geneva and a second branch serves Aurora on the east side of the county. Both offices accept walk-in applicants during regular hours. Kane County also has an online application you can fill out before your visit to speed things up. Use this page to look up Kane County marriage license fees, find office hours, and learn what to bring with you.

Kane County Marriage License Offices

The Geneva office is at 719 S. Batavia Ave., Building B, Geneva, IL 60134. The Aurora branch is at 5 E. Downer Place, Unit F, Aurora, IL 60505. Both are run by Kane County Clerk John A. Cunningham. You can reach either office by calling (630) 232-5950.

Hours are the same at both locations. Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, and Friday from 8:30 AM to 4:30 PM, with applications accepted until 4:00 PM. Wednesday hours run later, from 8:30 AM to 8:00 PM, with applications taken until 7:30 PM. That Wednesday evening window is helpful for couples who work during the day and need an after-hours option for their Kane County marriage license.

The Kane County Clerk marriage license page has the most current hours and any holiday closures. The screenshot below shows the clerk's online marriage license information page.

Both people must appear together at one of these two offices. You cannot send just one person to pick up a Kane County marriage license. The application takes up to 30 minutes to process, so give yourself enough time before the office closes.

Kane County Online Marriage Application

Kane County lets you start the process from home. The Kane County online marriage application lets both people enter their information before the office visit. Fill it out, then come to the Geneva or Aurora office within two weeks to finish. This is not a way to skip the in-person step. It just saves time at the counter.

A few rules apply to the online form. You cannot submit it less than one hour before you plan to visit. Underage applicants cannot use the online system. And you still need to bring valid photo ID and $32 in cash when you show up. The online application only handles the data entry part of the Kane County marriage license process. Think of it as a head start, not a shortcut.

Note: The Kane County online application expires after two weeks, so do not fill it out too far ahead of your planned visit.

Marriage License Fee in Kane County

Kane County charges $32 for a marriage license. Cash only. No checks. No credit cards. No exceptions. This is one of the lowest fees in the Chicago suburbs. Cook County charges $60 and DuPage County charges $35. Bring exact change or close to it when you visit the Kane County Clerk in Geneva or Aurora.

Certified copies of the marriage certificate are separate. Kane County charges $16 for the first copy and $6 for each one after that. You can also order copies through VitalChek, which adds a $10 convenience fee on top of the county's price. The Kane County marriage certificates page explains both options. The screenshot below shows details about ordering certified copies.

You can request certified copies in person at either the Geneva or Aurora office. Mail requests are also accepted. Include the names of both spouses, the date of the marriage, and a check or money order for the correct amount.

Kane County License Requirements

Both applicants must be at least 18 years old under 750 ILCS 5/203. You need a valid government-issued photo ID. Accepted forms include a driver's license, state ID, U.S. passport, or military ID. The IDPH accepted ID list has the full details. You also need your Social Security number and basic personal information like date and place of birth.

Kane County has specific eligibility rules that follow state law. You cannot be in a prior undissolved marriage. Close blood relatives cannot marry each other. First cousins can marry only if both are over 50 years old under 750 ILCS 5/212. There is no residency rule. People from anywhere can apply for a Kane County marriage license as long as the ceremony takes place within Kane County borders.

Kane County Marriage License Validity

The one-day waiting period applies in Kane County just like everywhere else in Illinois. Under 750 ILCS 5/207, the license takes effect the calendar day after it is issued. You cannot get married the same day you pick it up. Get your Kane County marriage license at least two days before the wedding to be safe.

The license stays valid for 60 days. After that it expires and you start over. Make sure you use it within that window. Also keep in mind that a Kane County marriage license can only be used for a ceremony in Kane County. If your venue is across the county line in DuPage or DeKalb, you need a different license from that county's clerk office.

Note: Your officiant must return the completed marriage certificate to the Kane County Clerk within 10 days after the ceremony.

Courthouse Ceremonies in Kane County

Kane County offers courthouse wedding ceremonies at two locations. The Judicial Center at 37W777 Route 38 in St. Charles holds ceremonies Monday through Thursday. The courthouse at 100 S. Third St. in Geneva holds them on Fridays. These are simple civil ceremonies for couples who want something quick and official.

Under 750 ILCS 5/209, judges, retired judges, religious leaders, mayors, and village presidents can all perform marriages in Illinois. No witnesses are required by state law. After the ceremony, the officiant fills out the marriage certificate form and returns it to the Kane County Clerk. That 10-day return deadline matters. If your officiant is late, it delays the recording of your marriage and holds up certified copies. The IDPH marriage records page confirms that the county clerk records the marriage and sends details to the state. The county holds the original record.

Cities in Kane County

These major cities fall within Kane County. Residents use the Kane County Clerk's office for marriage licenses. Elgin sits partially in Cook County, so check your specific address.

Nearby Counties

Kane County shares borders with several counties. If your ceremony venue is outside Kane County, you need a license from the county where the wedding will take place.