Marriage Licenses

Before getting married in Chicago or suburban Cook County, couples must obtain a marriage license from the Cook County Clerk's office.

Marriage Equality has been the law in Cook County since February 21, 2014, allowing same-sex couples to apply for marriage licenses. It took effect throughout all of Illinois on June 1, 2014. For further Marriage Equality information, visit the Clerk's site at:https://www.cookcountyclerk.com/service/marriage-equality

Applying

Couples must appear together at one of the Cook County Clerk's six locations. They must:

• Fill out and sign a marriage license application.
• Present valid identification with proof of age.
• The marriage license fee is $60.
• Applicants who have divorced must provide the date the divorce was finalized upon applying for a marriage license. Applicants who have divorced within the last six months must provide a certified copy of their divorce decree.

Timelines and restrictions

Marriage licenses are:

• issued while you wait
• effective the following calendar day after they are issued
• valid for 60 days
• effective only in Chicago and suburban Cook County

The Clerk's site provides additional information including eligibility, exceptions, and additional information and links.