Search Shelby County Marriage License

Shelby County marriage license records are filed and kept at the County Clerk's office in Shelbyville. Both people must show up at the clerk's office in person to fill out the form and show valid photo ID. The clerk handles all new license requests and stores past records for anyone who needs a copy later. Shelby County sits in central Illinois with a small-town feel, and the Shelbyville office is the one and only place to get your license here. This page covers the steps, fees, and rules for a Shelby County marriage license so you know what to expect before your visit.

How to Get a Shelby County Marriage License

Head to the Shelby County Clerk's office in Shelbyville to start. Call (217) 774-4421 to check hours and ask what forms of payment the office takes. Both of you must be there at the same time. One person cannot go alone. Bring a valid photo ID like a driver's license, state ID, passport, or military ID. The IDPH valid ID requirements page has the full list of what counts.

Under 750 ILCS 5/203, the county clerk issues the license once both people sign the form and pay the fee. You will need your full legal name, date and place of birth, Social Security number, and current address. The clerk also asks for the full names of both parents. There is no blood test and no residency rule. Anyone from any state or country can walk into the Shelby County Clerk's office and apply as long as both people meet the age and legal requirements under Illinois law.

If you were married before, tell the clerk when and where that marriage ended. A divorce or death within the last six months means you must bring a certified copy of the decree or certificate. The clerk checks this before issuing a Shelby County marriage license.

Shelby County Marriage License Age Rules

Both people need to be 18 or older. That is the rule. If you are 16 or 17, you can still get a license in Shelby County, but both parents must come to the clerk's office in Shelbyville and sign a consent form. No one under 16 can apply. This applies across all of Illinois, not just Shelby County.

Under 750 ILCS 5/212, close blood relatives cannot marry. First cousins may only marry if both are over 50, or if one gets a doctor's certificate of permanent sterility. You also cannot get a Shelby County marriage license if you are still in a prior marriage or civil union. The clerk checks for these issues at the time of your visit. If something comes up, the staff in Shelbyville will tell you what next steps to take before they can give out a license. These rules protect both parties and are part of state law that every county must follow.

Marriage License Waiting Period in Shelby County

There is a one-day wait. Under 750 ILCS 5/207, your Shelby County marriage license takes effect the calendar day after the clerk hands it to you. You cannot use it on the same day you pick it up. Plan to visit the Shelbyville office at least two days before your ceremony date.

The license stays good for 60 days from its effective date. If you miss that window, it expires. You would have to go back, fill out a new form, and pay the fee again at the Shelby County Clerk's office. Also, the license only works in Shelby County. A license from Macon County or Fayette County cannot be used for a wedding held in Shelby County. Make sure your venue is in Shelby County before you apply. This catches some couples off guard, especially near county border areas where it might not be clear which county a venue falls in.

Note: A court can waive the one-day wait in special cases, but that is very rare.

Shelby County Marriage License Resources

The Illinois Association of County Clerks and Recorders keeps a directory of all county clerk offices in the state, including Shelby County. The IACCR page below shows where to find contact info for every Illinois county clerk.

Use the directory to confirm the phone number and address for the Shelby County Clerk in Shelbyville. A quick call to (217) 774-4421 can save you a trip if you are missing a document or need to check accepted payment methods. Staff can also tell you if the office has changed its hours since this page was last updated.

Who Can Perform a Marriage in Shelby County

Illinois law gives several types of people the power to officiate a wedding. Under 750 ILCS 5/209, judges of a court of record, retired judges, mayors, village presidents, and religious leaders from any faith group can all solemnize marriages. This covers all ceremonies in Shelby County. Illinois does not require witnesses at the ceremony, though many couples choose to have them.

After the wedding, your officiant has 10 days to fill out the marriage certificate and send it back to the Shelby County Clerk. This is a firm deadline set by state law. A late return can slow things down when you need certified copies for name changes, bank accounts, or insurance. Talk to your officiant before the big day and make sure they know about the 10-day return rule in Shelby County. Some officiants handle dozens of weddings and can sometimes forget to send the form back on time, which creates headaches for the couple down the road.

Certified Copies of Shelby County Marriage Records

Once the officiant returns the certificate, the Shelby County Clerk records your marriage. You can then get certified copies from the clerk's office in Shelbyville. These are the official documents you need for legal steps like name changes, updating Social Security, and adding a spouse to health insurance. The IDPH marriage records page confirms that certified copies come from the county, not the state.

The IDPH marriage records portal shown below explains how the state handles marriage record requests and what the county clerk is responsible for.

The state can only verify basic facts about a marriage. A verification from IDPH costs $5, covers marriages from 1962 to the present, and confirms names, dates of birth, date of the event, and the county. To request one, mail a completed Application for Verification of Marriage Record to the IDPH Division of Vital Records in Springfield with a check or money order. Under the Vital Records Act (410 ILCS 535), marriage records are not public information in Illinois. The Shelby County Clerk will check your ID before giving out any certified copy.

Nearby Counties

If your ceremony will be held outside Shelby County, you need a license from the county where the wedding takes place. Here are the closest counties to Shelby County.