How to Get a Marriage License in Illinois
Illinois marriage license at a glance
- License fee
- varies by county (~$15-$60; County Clerk)
- Waiting period
- 1 day (license effective the day after issuance; valid same day in emergencies by court order)
- Minimum age
- 18 without consent
- Blood test
- no
Confirm the fee before you go. The marriage-license fee in this state is set by the county and varies, so the figure above is a representative range — check the exact, current fee on the issuing county clerk's own fee schedule. This page is informational only and is not legal advice.
Couples seeking to marry in Illinois must obtain a marriage license from the County Clerk's office in the county where the ceremony will take place. Illinois law permits marriage for individuals age 18 and older without consent, and for those aged 16 and 17 with documented parental consent; marriage is not permitted for those under 16. Applicants must present a government-issued photo identification and proof of age. The marriage license becomes valid one day after issuance and remains valid for 60 days. A standard one-day waiting period applies, though the license may be made effective on the same day of issuance by court order in emergency circumstances. The ceremony must occur in the county that issued the license.
The license fee varies by county and is set by each County Clerk's office, typically ranging from approximately $15 to $60. Many counties, including Cook County, offer online application options, though in-person pickup is required. Two witnesses aged 18 or older must be present at the ceremony. The state does not require blood tests for marriage. Before applying, individuals should confirm the exact current fee and all requirements through the County Clerk's office in their county or the official county or state government website, as fees and procedures are county-specific and subject to change.
What a marriage license actually is
A marriage license is the government document that authorizes your marriage; you apply for it before the ceremony, and once it’s signed and returned it becomes your marriage record. The fee, waiting period and ID rules below are what each state and county sets — always confirm the exact current amount with the issuing clerk.
| Requirement | Illinois |
|---|---|
| License fee | varies by county (~$15-$60; County Clerk) |
| Fee set by | County (varies by county) |
| Waiting period | 1 day (license effective the day after issuance; valid same day in emergencies by court order) |
| License validity | 60 days; ceremony must be in the issuing county |
| ID required | government photo ID; proof of age |
| Residency required | no (but ceremony must occur in the county that issued the license) |
| Minimum age | 18 without consent; 16-17 with parental consent; under 16 not permitted |
| Blood test | no |
| Witnesses | 2 witnesses (18+) |
| Online option | many counties (e.g., Cook) offer online application; pick up in person |
| Where to apply | County Clerk (county-administered) |
| Governing law | Set by state statute — refer to your state’s official statutes and the issuing County Clerk for the governing rule |
Full Illinois requirements → · Fees & waiting → · How to apply → · Look up another state →
Compiled from public-record Illinois marriage law and the issuing agency, verified June 2026. Primary source → · How we compile this. Informational only — not legal advice.