Applying For A Marriage License

Before getting married in Chicago or suburban Cook County, couples must obtain a marriage license from the Cook County Clerk's office.

Eligibility

• be 18 years of age or older
  
• be of opposite sex
  
• not be blood relatives
  

Individuals who reside out of state may not apply for a marriage license in Illinois if such a marriage would not be legal in their home state.

Exceptions

• Under state law, first cousins older than 50 years of age may marry.
  
• Under state law, applicants who are 16 and 17 years old may obtain a marriage license with parental consent.
  

  Both parents or legal guardians must:
  

  • appear in person
    
  • provide sworn consent of the marriage at that time
    
  • provide valid identification
    

  If a court-appointed legal guardian is providing consent, a certified copy of the appointment is required.

  Applicants who are 16 or 17 must present the following:
  

  • a certified copy of their birth certificate
    
  • a second form of identification showing their date of birth
    

Applying

• Fill out and sign a marriage license application.
  
• Present valid identification with proof of age.
  
• The marriage license fee is $40. Effective April 1, 2009, the marriage license fee will be $40.
  

Applicants who have divorced within the last six months must provide a certified copy of their divorce decree upon applying for a marriage license.

Timelines and restrictions

• issued while you wait
  
• effective the following calendar day after they are issued
  
• valid for 60 days
  
• effective only in Chicago and suburban Cook County
  

After the marriage ceremony occurs

You may obtain a copy of your marriage certificate upon request.

Visit us in person Downtown Chicago Cook County Vital Records Daley Center 50 W. Washington St. East Concourse Level Chicago, IL 60602 (312) 603-7790 Hours: 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday-Friday; 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. Saturday (for marriage & domestic partnership records only) North suburbs/Skokie 5600 W. Old Orchard Road, Room 149 Skokie, IL 60077 (847) 470-7233 Hours: 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Friday; 8:30 a.m. to 7 p.m. Wednesday Northwest suburbs/Rolling Meadows 2121 Euclid Ave., Room 238 Rolling Meadows, IL 60008 (847) 818-2850 Hours: 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Friday; 8:30 a.m. to 7 p.m. Wednesday West suburbs/Maywood 1311 Maybrook Square, Room 109 Maywood, IL 60153 (708) 865-6010 Hours: 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Friday; 8:30 a.m. to 7 p.m. Wednesday South suburbs/Markham 16501 S. Kedzie Ave., Room 238 Markham, IL 60426 (708) 210-4150 Hours: 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Friday; 8:30 a.m. to 7 p.m. Wednesday Southwest suburbs/Bridgeview 10220 S. 76th Ave., Room 238 Bridgeview, IL 60455 (708) 974-6150 Hours: 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Friday; 8:30 a.m. to 7 p.m. Wednesday *Please note that some requests made at suburban locations may not be ready the same day.

For more information

• Call: (312) 603-7790
  
• E-mail: