Marriage Process in Chicago and Suburban Cook County

Planning your wedding day is exciting, but ensuring all the legal details are sorted can feel overwhelming. If you're getting married in Chicago or suburban Cook County, here’s a step-by-step guide to help you navigate the process.

Applying for Your Marriage License

The first thing you need to do is apply for a marriage license. Both of you must appear in person together at one of the Cook County Clerk’s six Vital Records offices. You can start the application online to speed up the process, but you’ll still need to visit in person to finalize it.

The main office is in Chicago’s Daley Center (50 W. Washington St., East Concourse, Lower Level 25), but if you’re based in the suburbs, there are additional offices in Skokie, Rolling Meadows, Maywood, Markham, and Bridgeview. Offices are typically open Monday through Friday, but hours vary slightly by location, so be sure to check ahead of time.

The license is issued on the spot, but there’s a 24-hour waiting period, so you need to apply at least one day before your wedding. The marriage license is valid only for ceremonies performed in Chicago and suburban Cook County within 60 days of the issue date. This means you must get married within this timeframe. Take with you:

• Valid identification: A driver’s license, state ID, or passport works. Both of you will need to show proof of age.

• $60 fee: Payable at the time of your application (cash, credit card, or check is accepted).

Getting Married in City Hall

If you prefer an intimate city hall ceremony, remember these key points:

• Guests and photographers: Yes, you can absolutely bring guests and photographers to your ceremony, even for courthouse weddings. If you’re planning a courthouse wedding in Chicago (119 W. Randolph St., Lower Level) or suburban Cook County, your photographer can capture the special moments as you exchange vows.

• Courthouse ceremonies: No pre-booking is required for marriage court ceremonies in Chicago or suburban Cook County. These ceremonies are offered on a first-come, first-served basis, and the fee is $10. Judges are available Monday through Friday.

• Witnesses: In Cook County, no witnesses are required. Your officiant is the only person who needs to sign the marriage license, making it ideal for small, intimate ceremonies.

For Your Wedding Day

On the big day, don’t forget your marriage license! Whether you’re getting married in a large venue or a cozy backyard setting, your wedding officiant will need to sign the license after the ceremony. This can be a beautiful moment to capture with your photographer, adding significance to the event.

You’ll also receive a pre-addressed envelope from the county clerk when you pick up your license. Your officiant will mail the signed license to the county clerk's office for processing.

Obtaining Your Marriage Certificate

Your marriage isn’t official until the county has received your signed license and processed it. After the ceremony, you can order a certified copy of your marriage certificate from the Cook County Clerk’s office, which serves as your legal proof of marriage. This can be done online or by visiting one of the county clerk's offices.

Final Thoughts

Getting married in Cook County is a straightforward process, but attention to these small details can ensure your wedding day goes off without a hitch. From applying for your marriage license to tying the knot at a courthouse or a stunning venue, you’re just a few steps away from making your love official. For more information on office locations, hours, or applying for your marriage license, visit the Cook County Clerk’s website.

Check out Universal Vows and the variety of services offered, if you are interested in working with a highly qualified wedding officiant who is expert in multi-cultural, modern or traditional Iranian, destination, large, and small weddings.