Elgin, Illinois Wedding Guide
Become a Wedding Officiant in Elgin as an AMM Ordained Minister. Learn more about getting ordained in Illinois, officiant training, wedding ceremony planning, and more.
Become a Wedding Officiant in Elgin as an AMM Ordained Minister. Learn more about getting ordained in Illinois, officiant training, wedding ceremony planning, and more.
Planning a wedding in Illinois? Whether you are looking for scenic river views or a bustling historic downtown location, look no further than Elgin - The City in the Suburbs. Elgin is a vibrant city featuring a diverse and progressive community that also maintains an All-American approachable charm.
With no shortage of venues, from hip converted warehouses like The Haight to classically elegant waterfront spaces like The Heritage Ballroom, there is something to suit every couple’s tastes in Elgin, Illinois. You’re probably already sold, but let’s get into the details of planning, officiating, and registering a wedding in Elgin.
First up - the ordainment process. Illinois law states that a marriage may be solemnized in accordance with the prescriptions of any religious denomination as long as the officiant is in good standing with their religious denomination. This means that when you are ordained with AMM, you are covered. If you’re not already a licensed minister, you can get ordained now. We are the only IRS Certified 501(c)(3) Non-Profit that offers free online ordinations.
Once you have the official paperwork out of the way, it’s time to prepare for the wedding itself. Being asked to officiate a ceremony is an honor, but it can feel overwhelming. Whether you are a first-time officiant or seasoned professional 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.
Here you can find everything from sample wedding ceremony scripts and brainstorming prompts to tips for preparation and more.
When it comes time to sign the marriage license, it’s the couple’s responsibility to obtain and complete the marriage license, but double-check that they have a valid marriage license before the ceremony. That means checking that it’s still valid, that the names are spelled correctly, and other important details are accurate.
Elgin, Illinois is split between Cook and Kane counties, so you will want to confirm which county the wedding venue is located in. The marriage license must be obtained by the couple in the county that the wedding will be held. In both Cook and Kane counties, once you have performed the ceremony and notarized the marriage license, it is your responsibility as an officiant to return the completed marriage license to the county clerk’s office. You may do this either by mail or by finding the closest county clerk’s office.
For The
Couple
The couple may either begin their application online and complete it in person or complete the entire process in person at the county clerk’s office. The fee for the license is $60.00. Cash or credit cards are accepted, but checks are not. If you do use credit cards there is a small fee. Each applicant must have a government-issued photo ID (i.e., Driver's License, State ID, passport, VISA, etc.).
If either applicant has been married before, the couple must provide the date that the divorce was finalized. If the divorce has occurred within the last six months, then a certified copy of the divorce decree must be presented.
The couple must get married within 60 days of the license being issued and the officiant must return the license to the county clerk within 10 days of the wedding.
To complete the application for a marriage license, a couple must:
The couple must complete the application for the marriage license in person. The fee for the license is $32.00, to be paid in cash only. Each applicant must have a government-issued photo ID (i.e., Driver's License, State ID, passport, VISA, etc.).
If either applicant has been divorced within the last six weeks, the couple must present a certified decree of divorce at the time of application. If either applicant has experienced the death of a spouse within the last six weeks, the couple must present a certified death certificate at the time of application.
The couple must get married within 60 days of the license being issued and the officiant must return the license to the county clerk within 10 days of the wedding.
To complete the application for a marriage license, a couple must:
Issuance Office: Cook County Clerk's Office or Kane County Clerk's Office
Fee: $60/$32 Cash
Waiting Period: 1 Day Before Completing
Expiration: 60 Days
Return: Within 10 Days from the Wedding
For The Couple
& Officiant
With the prevalence of affordable restaurants and wedding venues, Elgin, Illinois has multiple options for weddings and receptions. The Haight is a converted warehouse, which provides both a modern, industrial feel as well as a rustic charm. The space features both indoor and outdoor space, making it flexible for all types of weddings.
If you are looking for a more traditional wedding venue, you will want to check out The Heritage Ballroom. The Heritage boasts panoramic windows with river views, which will make a great backdrop for your wedding photos.
Located only a 30-minute drive away from the O’Hare airport, Elgin is an ideal destination for any out-of-town guests. Downtown features free public parking as well as 12 bus routes throughout the town. Elgin also features two Metra train stops where you can hop a train to Chicago.
The weather in Elgin 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 June through September, when the weather is warmer, but you may still see some wet days. But don’t be afraid to choose an off-season month and opt for an indoor venue; you’ll be guaranteed to get a better rate on a venue.
For The Couple
& Officiant
In both Cook and Kane counties, marriage licenses are effective the calendar day after they are issued.
In Cook county, marriage licenses will cost $60, however in Kane county, a marriage license will cost $32. Be sure to check which county your Elgin wedding venue falls in prior to obtaining your marriage license.
Yes, and that is true in both Cook and Kane counties. And each must present one form of a valid non-expired, government-issued, photo identification (such as a driver's license or passport).
Yes. Illinois law allows ordained ministers to solemnize marriage. “A marriage may be solemnized...in accordance with the prescriptions of any religious denomination, Indian Nation or Tribe or Native Group, provided that when such prescriptions require an officiant, the officiant be in good standing with his religious denomination, Indian Nation or Tribe or Native Group.”
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