How to Apply for a Marriage License in Chicago
One of our most frequently asked questions when working with couples is how to get a marriage license ahead of their Chicago micro wedding.
This is a small but important (and admittedly not the most fun) part of the wedding planning process that we’re here to help you with! If you’ve booked one of our all-inclusive micro wedding packages, you’ve probably already started to work one-on-one with one of our incredible officiants to help you create a custom and hyper-personalized ceremony script. But if not, we’re happy to share some insight into the Chicago marriage license process below!
Like anything else that requires paperwork, applying for a marriage license can feel like an overwhelming task, but we’re here to help. Simply follow the steps below to apply for your Chicago marriage license:
Apply for a Marriage License in Chicago
When applying for a marriage license in Chicago, you can either do everything from start to finish in person at the County Clerk’s office, or you can begin the license process online and then go to the office for the final step. Since you do need to go into the office at some point, we recommend doing everything in person as a couple.
Some helpful tips to keep in mind:
Marriage licenses in Chicago are only valid for 60 days, so don’t get the license too soon before your wedding day.
There is a one-day waiting period in order for the license to become valid, so we recommend getting the license at least a week ahead of your wedding, just to play it safe.
The ceremony must take place in Cook County (Chicago and its suburbs) for the license to be valid and the marriage to be legal.
Both partners must be present with a valid ID that shows proof of age.
If either applicant has been divorced, they must provide the date the divorce was finalized and, if within the last six months, a certified copy of the divorce decree.
The cost of the license is $60.
You can pay with cash, check, or credit/debit card. Ensure the location you visit accepts your chosen payment method.
If you need help planning your micro wedding, we are here to help you coordinate the Chicago tiny wedding you have always dreamt of. Reach out to us today!
Check out some of our other favorite tips for planning a micro wedding in Chicago:
The Tiny Wedding Collective offers all-inclusive elopement and intimate wedding planning services for Chicago, Washington DC, Northern Virginia and Baltimore, Maryland. A Tiny Wedding is for couples who want to celebrate their commitment in a thoughtful, stylish way but don’t want the stress and fanfare of a big, expensive wedding. Not all couples fit inside the same traditional box and it’s time that we make space for inclusivity, diversity, and creativity. To find out more about what it’s like to work with us, please fill out our contact form here.