Illinois Lawmakers Want to Expand ‘Self Uniting’ Marriage Laws

Want to perform your own wedding in Illinois? Here's what to know about potential changes to the state's self-solemnization laws

 

Lawmakers in Illinois want to make it easier for couples in the state to get married in a ‘self uniting’ marriage ceremony (as in, marrying themselves without the help of a wedding officiant). Currently, this special option is allowed for some religious couples whose faith traditions don't require marriage officiants, such as Quakers or Bahá'ís.

 

Let’s take a closer look at what this means, why lawmakers want to make self-uniting marriages easier, and how amending the law could impact wedding officiants in Illinois. 

 

 

• What is a self uniting marriage, or ‘self solemnization’? 

 

In a few states, couples can get married without the help of a wedding officiant. They can perform their own wedding ceremony and don’t need an authorized officiant to sign their marriage license. They unite themselves in marriage, or ‘self unite.’ This is also called ‘self solemnizing’ or 'self solemnization' in a legal context.

 

(The more you know: A marriage ‘officiant’ is the person who stands up front at a wedding and says things like, ‘Do you take this person to be your lawfully wedded spouse?’ or, ‘I now pronounce you married!’ An authorized officiant can be a friend who was ordained online, a member of your local clergy, a judge in a civil ceremony, or a professional officiant hired for this service.)

Become a minister today!

 

• Who can get married in a self-uniting wedding in Illinois currently? 

 

Currently, Illinois marriage laws allow couples to perform their own marriage ceremony if they belong to a faith tradition that doesn’t require an officiant to perform the marriage rite. For example, the Quaker and Bahá'í religions, and some Indigenous religions, don’t require clergy members to perform marriage rites.

 

All other couples – including nonreligious and nondenominational couples, and those belonging to mainstream religions – technically are not allowed to have a self uniting ceremony. Although some couples certainly do it anyway, the law as it’s currently written is unclear, and generally requires an authorized officiant to perform most marriages. 

 

(The more you know: The validity of a marriage, and how it’s solemnized, can become important down the road, especially if a marriage is disputed, or there is a child custody issue, or if a couple divorces. In some cases, couples who self unite without belonging to a specific faith might run into legal complications.)

 

 

• What are some benefits of expanding self uniting marriages in Illinois? 

 

Amending Illinois law to explicitly allow self-unifying marriages for any couple would help clarify a confusing aspect of the state’s marriage laws. Many couples aren’t aware of the current limitations on self-solemnization, and a legal update would eliminate any uncertainty for people who want to get married without a wedding officiant.

 

• Read the full text of the bill being considered (Primary Sponsor Rep. Tracy Katz Muhl [D]): Illinois House Bill 3049 

 

This change would also promote equal access to marriage for nonreligious and nondenominational individuals, by providing the same self-uniting option to everyone in the state regardless of their faith. 

 

In addition, allowing self-unifying marriages for all couples could make getting married more affordable. Hiring a professional wedding officiant can be expensive, creating a financial hurdle for some couples. By allowing all couples the ability to perform their own marriage ceremony, this barrier would be removed. 

 

(However, it’s important to note that friends and relatives can get ordained online for free to officiate a wedding in Illinois, and they don’t need to register with any government office before performing the wedding ceremony. This is already an accessible and affordable option for couples in search of a free wedding officiant!)

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• How would this legal update affect Illinois wedding officiants? 

 

We don’t expect changes to this law to have a big impact on AMM ministers and wedding officiants in Illinois. 

 

Why? In general, many people already think self uniting marriages are legal for anyone in Illinois (regardless of how the law is written). It’s unlikely that couples will stop hiring wedding officiants or asking friends to officiate their weddings if the law is amended. 

 

Want to become a wedding minister in Illinois? Check out our helpful resources! 

 

• How To Get Ordained In Illinois: Start Your Officiant Journey
• What are the Wedding Officiant Registration Requirements in Illinois?
• How Do I As The Officiant Prepare For a Wedding in Illinois?

 

 

• Where else is self uniting marriage allowed? (Self-uniting marriage states)

 

Self uniting marriages are allowed in a handful of states under certain conditions, including: 

 

• The District of Columbia
• Colorado
• Illinois 
• Kansas
• Maine
• Montana
• Nevada
• Pennsylvania
• Wisconsin
• California (in some cases with a special marriage license)

 

Always check with your local clerk’s office before your marriage ceremony to ensure you meet the specific legal requirements to self-unite in these states. 

 

Learn More: Ask AMM: "Can I Perform My Own Marriage Ceremony?"

 

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Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. While we strive to provide accurate and up-to-date information, marriage laws and regulations may change. If you have specific legal questions regarding self-uniting marriages or officiating marriages in Illinois, we recommend consulting a qualified attorney or local government office. AMM is a nonprofit church and any discussion of legislation is intended solely for public education and awareness.

 

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More Self Uniting Wedding Ideas & Advice on Getting Married in Illinois 

 

• Heartfelt Self Uniting Marriage Ceremony Script
   
• How to Get Married in Illinois - Planning a Wedding in the Prairie State

 

• Let’s Talk Self-Solemnizing Weddings!
   
• 3 Things to Know Before Having a ‘Just Us’ Wedding Ceremony
   

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