Illinois marriage license, at a glance
- License fee
- $32–$60 (varies by county)
- Waiting period
- 24 hours (1 day)
- Witnesses
- None required
- License valid for
- 60 days
Courthouse wedding in Illinois
What you need to marry at a courthouse in Illinois: the license fee, waiting period, ID and witness rules. Last verified October 15, 2026 against official sources.
More Illinois rules
| Minimum age | 18 years old — 16- and 17-year-olds may marry with parental consent |
|---|---|
| Required identification | Both partners must appear together with valid identification that includes proof of age. |
| Who can perform the ceremony | A person of the clergy or a judge. Cook County judges marry couples at the Marriage and Civil Union Court, 119 W. Randolph St., Chicago. |
| Courthouse ceremonies | Yes. Cook County judges perform marriages and civil unions at the Marriage and Civil Union Court, 119 W. Randolph St., Chicago. |
Fees and procedures can differ by county. Always confirm with the clerk who will issue your license.
Where to apply
- Cook County Clerk, 118 N. Clark Street, Chicago, IL 60602 (and the Clerk's suburban Vital Records locations) Official page
- Kane County Clerk, 719 S. Batavia Ave., Bldg. B, Geneva, IL 60134 (also Aurora and Elgin offices) Official page
The full Illinois guide
A printable PDF with the step-by-step process, a day-of timeline, a checklist and a budget sheet for Illinois.
Questions couples ask
How much does a marriage license cost in Illinois?
The marriage license fee in Illinois is $32–$60 (varies by county).
Is there a waiting period for a courthouse wedding in Illinois?
The waiting period in Illinois is 24 hours (1 day).
Do you need witnesses to get married at a courthouse in Illinois?
Witnesses in Illinois: None required.
How long is a marriage license valid in Illinois?
A marriage license in Illinois is valid for 60 days.
Sources
Every rule above comes from an official page. We check these pages again every month.
- www.cookcountyclerkil.gov: Marriage license fee, Waiting period after the license is issued, License valid for, Minimum age, Required identification, Who can perform the ceremony, Courthouse ceremonies, Where to apply
- clerk.kanecountyil.gov: Marriage license fee, Waiting period after the license is issued, License valid for, Minimum age, Required identification, Witnesses, Who can perform the ceremony, Where to apply
This is an informational guide, not legal advice. Confirm requirements with your county clerk.