Free Guide

How to Get Married in Illinois

Both partners apply together at the county clerk in the county where you will marry. The license takes effect the next day and lasts 60 days. In northern Illinois, fees run from $30 to $60.

Last updated: September 2026

Lock In Your Venue and Officiant First

An Illinois license only works in one county. Confirm where your ceremony will happen, book your officiant, and then apply in that county.

Check your date with Schwa

What Are the Basics of Getting Married in Illinois?

  • 1 Both partners apply together, in person, at the county clerk's office.
  • 2 Apply in the county where your ceremony will happen. An Illinois license is meant to be used in the county that issued it.
  • 3 The license takes effect the day after it is issued. You cannot marry on the day you apply.
  • 4 It expires 60 days after it takes effect. Some counties count from the issue date, so plan your wedding well inside that window.
  • 5 Most counties require you to be 18, or 16 or 17 with parental consent.
  • 6 No witnesses are required. Illinois law does not ask for any.

How Is Illinois Different From Wisconsin?

Your license is tied to one county

In Wisconsin, you can apply in any county and marry in any county (see the Wisconsin marriage guide). Illinois works the other way. Apply in the county where your venue sits. A Rockton wedding needs a Winnebago County license. A Freeport wedding needs a Stephenson County license.

The wait is one day, not three

A Wisconsin license is issued at least three days after you apply. An Illinois license takes effect the day after it is issued.

No witnesses needed

Wisconsin requires two adult witnesses. Illinois requires none, which makes a small elopement even simpler.

Wisconsin couples need an Illinois license

Getting married at an Illinois venue? Your Wisconsin county cannot issue the license. Apply at the county clerk in the Illinois county where your ceremony will happen.

What Do You Need to Apply for an Illinois Marriage License?

  • A current photo ID for each partner. Each county sets its own ID rules, so check your county's page.
  • Each partner's Social Security number, date and place of birth, address, and parents' names.
  • Details of how any prior marriage ended, if either of you was married before.
  • The fee, in a form your county accepts. Boone County takes cash only.

How Much Does an Illinois Marriage License Cost by County?

Here are the northern Illinois counties closest to the Wisconsin line and Chicago.

County Fee Where Notes
Winnebago
Rockford, Rockton		 $40 404 Elm St., Room 104, Rockford Apply online first, then book through the emailed link. Cash, credit, or debit.
Stephenson
Freeport		 $55 50 W. Douglas St., Suite 500, Freeport Applications 8:30am to 4pm. Card fee applies.
Boone
Belvidere		 $30 1212 Logan Ave., Suite 103, Belvidere Cash only. Apply online, then call (815) 544-3103 for an appointment.
McHenry
Woodstock		 $30 667 Ware Rd., Suite 107, Woodstock Weekdays 8am to 4pm. Reservations strongly encouraged: (815) 334-4242.
Lake
Waukegan		 $35 18 N. County St., Room 101, Waukegan Weekdays 8:30am to 4pm. Print the completed application before you go.
Cook
Chicago		 $60 118 N. Clark St., Room 120, Chicago (one of several locations) Start online, finish in person. Valid only in Chicago and suburban Cook County.

Fees and hours checked against each county clerk's website in September 2026. Counties change their fees, so confirm with the clerk before you go.

What Happens After the Wedding Ceremony?

Your Officiant Returns the Certificate

Illinois law gives your officiant 10 days to complete the marriage certificate and return it to the county clerk. Schwa Potter handles this for every couple he marries.

Order Certified Copies From the County

Certified copies come only from the county clerk in the county where you married. The Illinois Department of Public Health can verify a marriage, but it does not issue certified copies.

Copy fees in September 2026

  • Winnebago: $17 for the first copy, $5 for each additional
  • Cook: $15 for the first copy, $4 for each additional
  • McHenry: $12 for the first copy, $4 for each additional
  • Lake: $10 for the first copy, $4 for each additional

Who Can Officiate a Wedding in Illinois?

Illinois law allows judges, certain public officials, and clergy in good standing with their religious denomination to perform marriages (750 ILCS 5/209). Officiants do not register with any government office in Illinois. The law does not mention online ordination directly, and many county clerks accept it under the religious denomination category. Schwa Potter has been ordained through the Universal Life Church since 2012.

Getting Married in Northern Illinois?

Schwa Potter has performed over 300 ceremonies and is booked for weddings in Rockton and Freeport this year. Travel is $1 per mile over 30 miles from Milwaukee.

Quickie Ceremony

$300

5-7 minutes. Simple, legal, beautiful. Perfect for elopements and courthouse alternatives.

Quickie Ceremony Details

Signature Ceremony

$950

15-25 minutes. Fully personalized around your love story. Unlimited edits until it is perfect.

Signature Ceremony Details
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