How to Fill out an Illinois Marriage License with Examples & FAQs

Asked to officiate an Illinois wedding? Getting married in Illinois? Whether you're a new wedding officiant or soon-to-be newlyweds, here’s everything you need to know about the marriage license process, including cost, waiting period, and – most importantly – how to fill out an IL marriage license correctly the first time!

 

Wedding bells are ringing, so let’s take a look! 

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How to Fill Out an Illinois Marriage License: Example & FAQs

 

1. How to fill out an Illinois marriage license (for the Officiant)

 

The couple must purchase their marriage license in the county where the ceremony will be held, at least 1 day before the ceremony takes place, and bring it with them to be signed by the officiant. 

 

It’s the wedding officiant’s responsibility to complete the marriage license (the bottom front portion of the document) after the wedding ceremony and return it so that it can be filed. The officiant must return the completed license to the clerk’s office where it was issued within ten days (10) of the ceremony, either by mailing it in or returning it in person.

 

Note: Couples may be asked to provide an address for their wedding venue when applying for their license, so that the clerk’s office can confirm the venue is in their jurisdiction. See which county your venue is located in by using this simple USPS too: How to Find Out What County a Wedding Venue is In

 

Related: Officiant Training: Understanding the Wedding License Process

 

 

Here are a few pointers from the DuPage & McClean County Clerk Offices to help you get started:

 

• You must fill out the bottom front of the license (the certificate portion).

 

• Use a typewriter or print with black ink only. Please print legibly, do not use cursive to fill in the license except when signing your name. Do not use white-out, correctional fluid or tape on a marriage license.

 

• If you’re ordained with AMM, write "Minister” as your officiant title. Do not write “Officiant,” as this will not be accepted. 

Related: What is My Title Once I Get Ordained Online?

 

• Use at least the full first and last names of the couple, and avoid using nicknames. For example, write out “Daniel McBrown” and “Kathryn Jones”, not “Dan” or “Kate.” Check your spelling – these names should be written as they appear at the top of the license document. 

 

• The couple does not need to sign the marriage certificate on the front of the document. 

 

• After the phrase “…were united in Marriage (or “Civil Union”) by me at”, you must write a location. This is the wedding venue, not a time of day. For example, “Cadillac Palace Theatre” or the address of a private home. 

 

• Witness signatures are not required on any Illinois marriage license. However, you might see witness signature lines included on the license, depending on where you apply – these signatures are optional. You do not need a witness to sign, and can safely leave these spaces blank if you wish.

 

• Regarding the genealogical information on the back of the license, “On the back, we encourage the couple to enter their own genealogical information. If you are filling it out with the permission of the couple, make sure this is the couple’s information, not your own. The couple may sign on the back of the license. They do not sign in the blanks for their names on the certificate portion of the front.” (from the McClean County Clerk's office)

 

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2. Example of an Illinois Marriage License

 

The image below shows the bottom portion of the marriage license (the certificate), which must be completed by the officiant. This is the only part of the document you need to fill out. This example is from the Du Page County Clerk’s office.

Above: These helpful instructions from the DuPage County Clerk include a small sample of the marriage license. Your license may not look identical, however you will see similar fields, including spaces to print and sign your name, to write your title (write "Minister," if you are ordained with AMM), date and location, and optional witnesses. 

 

 

3. What to do if you make a mistake on an IL marriage license?

 

If you make a mistake while filling out the marriage license – such as a misspelled name or incorrect date – the couple may need to purchase a replacement license to fill in with the accurate information. Do not use white-out, correctional fluid or tape on the marriage license, as this will invalidate the form.

 

Since different counties have different steps to take to correct different types of errors, we recommend you contact the issuing clerk’s office directly with your questions. This will be the simplest way to handle any issues that come up.

 

Fixing a mistake on a marriage license after it’s filed

Amending an Illinois marriage record after it’s been filed is possible, depending on the type of correction that’s needed. The type of correction / amendment also determines how the change is made: either by obtaining a court order, filing an affidavit, or providing certified documents to officials. To start the correction process, and to ask questions about what’s needed in your unique case, contact the clerk’s office where your license was filed directly.

 

 

4. Can someone who is ordained online sign a marriage license in Illinois?

 

Yes, ministers who are ordained online through a reputable and recognized church, including American Marriage Ministries, can officiate weddings in Illinois and sign your marriage license. 

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However, not all online-ordained ministers are legally qualified to perform marriages in all states. If your officiant is ordained online with a church other than American Marriage Ministries, it’s important to verify their minister credentials before they perform your wedding ceremony: 

 

• How to Tell if Your Officiant Can Perform a Legal Wedding

 

Illinois doesn’t require minister registration. This means that once an officiant has been ordained by a reputable online church, they can perform your ceremony. 

 

 

5.  How much is a marriage license in Illinois?

 

Marriage license prices may vary slightly by county, and sometimes increase to keep up with state budget costs. For the most-current Illinois marriage license cost, click the link below, or contact your local clerk’s office: 

 

• How Much Does a Marriage License Cost?

 

 

6. How long does it take to get a marriage license in Illinois? (IL marriage license waiting period)

 

The amount of time you spend in the clerk’s office will vary depending on where you apply – some offices allow walk-ins, while others require each couple to make an appointment. After completing the application, there is a 1-day waiting period to marry. This means you must wait until at least the next day to have your wedding ceremony.

 

Some couples may qualify for a waiting period waiver (at the court’s discretion). Learn more about marriage license waiting periods and waivers by clicking the link below: 

 

• State-by-state marriage waiting periods should be part of your wedding plan

 

 

7. How long is a marriage license good for in Illinois?

 

How long a marriage license is valid in each state is called the “expiration period.” This is the number of days or months you have to use your license after it’s issued – your ceremony must take place within this timeframe. To see the current Illinois marriage license expiration period, click the link below: 

 

• Marriage License Waiting Period, Expiration, and Return
• See all IL marriage license laws

 

 

8. How to get a copy of an Illinois marriage license

 

You have several options for ordering a certified copy of your marriage record in Illinois. The first (and often fastest) method is to visit the office of record in person to request a copy. The second method is to order a copy online using the VitalChek portal for the issuing city / town. The third option is to request a copy of your marriage record by mail from the Vital Records office in the town where it was filed. Contact your clerk’s office for the mailing address and specific instructions.

If you need a replacement copy of a marriage license before it’s been filed, contact the issuing office directly for next steps. 

 

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Explore More Illinois Wedding Ideas & Inspiration

 

• How Much Does it Cost to Get Ordained Online in Illinois to Officiate a Wedding?
   
• How to Get Married in Illinois - Planning a Wedding in the Prairie State
   

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More Wedding Officiant Advice from AMM

 

• How to Officiate a Wedding For the First Time
   
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• What to Wear (and Not Wear) as a Wedding Officiant

 

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