{"id":19190,"name":"Chicago","state_id":20,"county_id":980,"created_at":"2019-08-20T10:37:14.300-07:00","updated_at":"2023-10-16T01:42:55.120-07:00","meta_description":"Learn about officiating weddings and planning ceremonies in Chicago, Illinois ","head_tag":"American Marriage Ministries Guide to Performing Marriage in the Windy City","tagline":"Get Married in the Heart of America","intro_section":"\u003cp\u003eIllinois marriage law states that church officials and religious leaders who are in good standing with their denominations can preside over weddings in the state of Illinois. That means that ministers ordained by American Marriage Ministries are legally allowed to perform wedding ceremonies and sign marriage licenses in Chicago, Illinois.\u003cbr /\u003e\r\n\u003cbr /\u003e\r\nThis legal right is available by \u003ca href=\"/get-ordained-online\"\u003egetting ordained online\u003c/a\u003e, after which you can officiate weddings. This page covers the steps required to perform weddings in Chicago. We also answer questions about how to perform weddings and handle the marriage license.\u003cbr /\u003e\r\n\u003cbr /\u003e\r\nThe first order of business is to get ordained, since that\u0026rsquo;s the fastest and easiest way to perform weddings in Chicago. As an AMM Minister, you are not required to register with any government office. Illinois marriage law does not require minister registration, and no office dedicated to filing ministry credentials. However, private institutions and couples often ask to see proof of ordination. We recommend ordering our \u003ca href=\"/store/products/minister-ordination-package\"\u003eIllinois Minister Ordination Package\u003c/a\u003e to keep personal records of your ministry credentials.\u003c/p\u003e\r\n","officiant_section":"\u003ch3\u003eSTEP 1: Get ordained with American Marriage Ministries\u003c/h3\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003eLet\u0026rsquo;s start with the ordainment process. According to Illinois state law, an officiant of any religious denomination may perform a marriage ceremony, provided that he or she is in good standing with his or her religious denomination.\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003eIf you\u0026rsquo;re not already qualified, you can \u003ca href=\"https://theamm.org/ordination-application\" target=\"_blank\"\u003eget ordained with AMM\u003c/a\u003e to become licensed to perform marriage ceremonies in Illinois. The process is free and takes just a few minutes!\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003eThe Illinois government does not license, register, or certify ministers or wedding officiants, so once you\u0026rsquo;re signed up with us, you\u0026rsquo;re ready to start performing wedding ceremonies!\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003ch3\u003eSTEP 2: Prepare for the Ceremony in Cook County\u003c/h3\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003eNow that the easy part is out of the way, we can help you prepare for the wedding ceremony itself. Being asked to officiate a ceremony is an honor, but can feel like a lot of pressure. You will appreciate our wedding training pages, which are a library of information to help you prepare for your first ceremony and ensure that it goes smoothly.\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003eHere you can find everything from sample wedding ceremony scripts, to \u0026nbsp;brainstorming prompts, tips for preparation, and more.\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003ch3\u003e\u003cbr /\u003e\r\nSTEP 3: Officiate the Wedding and Complete the Marriage License\u003c/h3\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003eWhen it comes to the marriage license, it\u0026rsquo;s the couple\u0026rsquo;s responsibility to obtain it from the county clerk\u0026rsquo;s office, but just be sure to double check that they have\u0026nbsp;it with them before you perform the ceremony.\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003eAfter the \u0026ldquo;I do\u0026rsquo;s,\u0026rdquo; you, the officiant, must complete the bottom portion of the marriage license and mail or deliver it to the \u003ca href=\"https://www.cookcountyclerkil.gov/locations\" target=\"_blank\"\u003eClerk\u0026#39;s office\u003c/a\u003e.\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003ch3\u003eYou Must Return the Completed Marriage License to the Cook County Clerk\u0026rsquo;s Office.\u003c/h3\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003eAs the wedding officiant, you are responsible for completing the bottom portion of the marriage license and returning it to the clerk\u0026#39;s office. You can return the marriage license in person or mail it back to the Clerk.\u003cbr /\u003e\r\n\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003eIf this is your first time officiating a wedding, you probably still have questions. Our mission here at American Marriage Ministries is to make this process as simple and enjoyable as possible. Below are common questions that we hear from our Chicago, Ill ministers. If you still have questions, or just want to learn more about officiating a wedding ceremony, please check out our wedding training section for instruction and inspiration.\u003c/p\u003e\r\n","couple_section":"\u003cp\u003eBefore getting married in Chicago or suburban Cook County, couples must obtain a marriage license from the Cook County Clerk\u0026#39;s office. You can start the process online and finish it at the Clerk\u0026rsquo;s office.\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWhen you go, just remember to bring:\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cul\u003e\r\n\t\u003cli\u003eValid, state-issued photo ID\u003c/li\u003e\r\n\t\u003cli\u003e$60 for the marriage license application fee\u003c/li\u003e\r\n\u003c/ul\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003eThat\u0026rsquo;s it! If you bring the required documentation and payment for the marriage license fee, you will be issued your marriage license and will be able to use it on the same day!\u003cbr /\u003e\r\n\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\r\n","wedding_tips":"\u003ch3\u003eThe Basics\u003c/h3\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003eWhile most American couples prefer outdoor weddings, couples tying the knot in Illinois prefer to say their vows indoors, regardless of the season, according to The Knot. During your search for the perfect venue, you may find that many are indoors -- but that doesn\u0026rsquo;t mean you can\u0026rsquo;t find spots that offer outdoor accommodations if you want to take advantage of a beautiful summer evening in Chicago.\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003eFor instance, \u003ca href=\"http://galleriamarchetti.com\" target=\"_blank\"\u003eGalleria Marchetti \u003c/a\u003eoffers two spaces for your wedding day: The Pavilion and La Pergola. Both are great options if you want to feel like you\u0026rsquo;re out in nature, but don\u0026rsquo;t want the liability of planning a reception in the elements. Its main space features a tented atmosphere along with their outdoor garden for the ceremony and cocktails, while the pergola offers an indoor space with floor to ceiling windows that let the surrounding gardens envelop you.\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003eIf you like to think outside the box, you may want to check out Chicago\u0026rsquo;s \u003ca href=\"https://cruisechicago.com/\"\u003eFirst Lady Cruises\u003c/a\u003e. Just imagine your outdoor wedding taking place beneath the magical views of Chicago\u0026rsquo;s skyline with 200 of your closest friends aboard as the city lights twinkle by.\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003eWhile there are many other stunning options in Chicago, these are our top favorites. As you continue your search, keep in mind that your Cook County-issued marriage license is only valid within the county limits. So, if you\u0026rsquo;d like to take advantage of one of the many lovely venues elsewhere in Illinois, you should apply for a marriage license in that particular county.\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003ch3\u003eTransportation\u003c/h3\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003eChicago\u0026rsquo;s streets are organized by a grid system. State Street divides it east and west, while Madison Street divides the city north and south. The intersection of State and Madison marks the starting point of Chicago\u0026rsquo;s grid system. Addresses are relative to the distance from this point, with eight blocks to every mile. So, an address of 3600 N. Clark St. means that it is 36 blocks north of Madison Street.\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003eIf you\u0026rsquo;re looking to get around town on the cheap, Chicago\u0026rsquo;s got you covered. The Chicago Transit Authority (CTA) is the nation\u0026rsquo;s second-largest public transportation system. You can easily navigate its above-ground, street-level and subway system by using CTA\u0026rsquo;s \u003ca href=\"https://www.transitchicago.com/\"\u003ewebsite\u003c/a\u003e. However, if you don\u0026rsquo;t have the time to spend figuring out how to use the public transit system, Lyft and Uber are also available in town.\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003ch3\u003eWeather\u003c/h3\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003eThe weather in Chicago is fairly typical Midwestern weather: cool and windy in the fall, cold and snowy in the winter, cool and wet in the spring, and hot in the summer. If you want to host an outdoor wedding, the best months are May, June and September, when the weather has reached a blissful, happy medium between extreme hot and cold temps. But don\u0026rsquo;t be afraid to choose an off-season month and opt for an indoor venue; you\u0026rsquo;ll be guaranteed to get a better rate on a venue.\u003cbr /\u003e\r\n\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\r\n","faq":"\u003ch4\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWho can perform a wedding in Chicago Illinois?\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/h4\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003eIllinois marriage law states that marriage can be solemnized \u003cem\u003e\u0026ldquo;in accordance with the prescriptions of any religious denomination, Indian Nation or Tribe or Native Group.\u0026rdquo;\u003c/em\u003e That means that they must be in good standing with the denomination, tribe, or group that has conferred their status.\u003cbr /\u003e\r\n\u003cbr /\u003e\r\nIn addition, weddings can be performed by \u0026ldquo;a public official whose powers include solemnization of marriages.\u0026rdquo; In Indiana, mayors and city clerks can marry couples. If you are in doubt, don\u0026rsquo;t hesitate to check with your local county clerk to get confirmation.\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003ch4\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eHow soon can the marriage be performed after the license is issued?\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/h4\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003eThe marriage license issued by the Cook County Clerk\u0026rsquo;s office is effective the following calendar day after it is issued.\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003ch4\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eHow long is the license valid for after it is issued by the Cook County Clerk?\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/h4\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003eMarriage licenses are \u003cstrong\u003evalid for 60 days\u003c/strong\u003e starting from the date they are issued to the couple. This means that you should not apply for the license more than two months before the ceremony, and ideally leave yourself enough time to complete the license and return it to the clerk\u0026rsquo;s office.\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003ch4\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWhat are the minister\u0026rsquo;s duties after the ceremony is over?\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/h4\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003eAfter performing the wedding, the officiant must complete the bottom portion of the marriage license and return it to the Clerk\u0026#39;s office in person or by mail.\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003ch4\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCan the couple apply for their marriage license online?\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/h4\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003eThe couple can fill out the Clerk\u0026rsquo;s Online Marriage Application. After the application has been submitted, the couple must still appear together at one of the Clerk\u0026rsquo;s \u003ca href=\"https://www.cookcountyclerk.com/locations\" target=\"_blank\"\u003esix locations\u003c/a\u003e. Once there, the couple should inform the clerk that they filled out their application online. They will be asked to present valid identification with proof of age.\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003ch4\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWhere can the couple get an official copy of their marriage certificate?\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/h4\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003eThe couple can order an official copy of their marriage certificate from the Cook County Clerk\u0026rsquo;s office. The marriage certificate is a legal document proving they are married. Cook County does not automatically issue a copy of the official marriage certificate to the couple. The couple does not need one to be legally married, but many couples want a copy to keep for their own records. The couple can order their official marriage license copies from the \u003ca href=\"https://www.cookcountyclerk.com/service/marriage-certificates\" target=\"_blank\"\u003eCook County Clerk\u003c/a\u003e.\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAre AMM ministers legal in Illinois?\u003c/strong\u003e\u003cbr /\u003e\r\nYes, Internet ministers, including those from AMM, are allowed to officiate weddings in the state of Illinois.\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eDo ministers need to register their credentials with the state?\u003c/strong\u003e\u003cbr /\u003e\r\nNo, Illinois does not license or register ministers, so once you\u0026rsquo;re ordained with us, you are free to start performing marriages in the state of Illinois.\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWhere can we get married with our Cook County-issued marriage license?\u003c/strong\u003e\u003cbr /\u003e\r\nYour marriage license is valid only in Chicago and suburban Cook County.\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eHow long is our marriage license valid?\u003c/strong\u003e\u003cbr /\u003e\r\nCook County used to maintain a 60 days expiration for marriage licenses, but now, there is no time frame after you obtain your marriage license in which you must hold your ceremony.\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWhen is our marriage license due back to the county clerk\u0026rsquo;s office?\u003c/strong\u003e\u003cbr /\u003e\r\nCook County used to maintain a 10 day expiration period after the ceremony had taken place, but now, the license may be returned any time after the ceremony has taken place.\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003eWho should return the marriage license to the county clerk\u0026rsquo;s office?\u003cbr /\u003e\r\nThe officiant.\u003cbr /\u003e\r\n\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\r\n","content_live":true,"marriage_licensing_info":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eIssuance Office:\u003c/strong\u003e \u003cspan\u003eCook County Clerk\u0026#39;s Office\u003c/span\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eFee:\u003c/strong\u003e \u003cspan\u003e$60\u003c/span\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWaiting Period:\u003c/strong\u003e \u003cspan\u003e1 Day Before Completing\u003c/span\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eExpiration:\u003c/strong\u003e \u003cspan\u003e60 Days\u003c/span\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eReturn:\u003c/strong\u003e \u003cspan\u003eWithin 10 Days from the Wedding\u003c/span\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\r\n","meta_description_esp":null,"head_tag_esp":null,"tagline_esp":null,"intro_section_esp":"","officiant_section_esp":"","couple_section_esp":"","wedding_tips_esp":"","faq_esp":"","content_live_esp":false,"marriage_licensing_info_esp":""}