{"id":19456,"name":"Joliet","state_id":20,"county_id":1063,"created_at":"2019-08-20T10:37:24.518-07:00","updated_at":"2023-10-16T01:55:37.127-07:00","meta_description":null,"head_tag":null,"tagline":null,"intro_section":"\u003cp\u003eIn a true blue-collar town like Joliet, can you have a truly beautiful wedding? The answer is yes. Downtown Joliet is home to some of Illinois\u0026rsquo; most elegant venues, rivaling the glamour of Chicago!\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003eBut before we get too wrapped up in the wedding planning process, let\u0026rsquo;s take care of your legal to-do list first, such as getting your officiant-of-choice ordained and obtaining your marriage license. We have all the need-to-know info right here in our guide. So without further ado, let\u0026rsquo;s get into it!\u003c/p\u003e\r\n","officiant_section":"\u003ch3\u003eSTEP 1: Get ordained with American Marriage Ministries\u003c/h3\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003ch3\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/h3\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003eLet\u0026rsquo;s start with the ordainment process. According to Will County Clerk\u0026rsquo;s website, any \u0026ldquo;religious official or other designated officiant as prescribed by any religious denomination, Indian Nation or Tribe or Native Group, provided the officiant be in good standing with said religious denomination, Indian Nation or Tribe or Native Group\u0026rdquo; may perform wedding ceremonies.\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003eIf you do not fall into any of these categories, no sweat. You can \u003ca href=\"/ordination-application\" target=\"_blank\"\u003eget ordained with AMM\u003c/a\u003e to fall within the minister category. 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 Will County\u003c/h3\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003ch3\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/h3\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\u003ch3\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/h3\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 a valid marriage license before you perform the ceremony. Also, be sure to help them complete it and notarize it correctly.\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003eIn Joliet, it may also be your responsibility to return the marriage license to the county clerk\u0026rsquo;s office after the ceremony. The marriage license will provide this information.\u003cbr /\u003e\r\n\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\r\n","couple_section":"\u003cp\u003eNow let\u0026rsquo;s turn our attention to the couple\u0026rsquo;s responsibilities.\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003eTo obtain your marriage license, you will both need to make an appointment with the Will County Clerk\u0026rsquo;s Office. You can give them a call at (815) 740-4615.\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWhen you go to your allotted appointment time, 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 style=\"margin-left: 40px;\"\u003e\r\n\t\u003cli\u003eCompleted marriage license application \u003ca href=\"https://assets01.aws.connect.clarityelections.com/Assets/Connect/RootPublish/will-il.connect.clarityelections.com/Marriage%20License/MarriageLicenseWorksheet.pdf\" target=\"_blank\"\u003eworksheet\u003c/a\u003e\u003c/li\u003e\r\n\t\u003cli\u003e$35\u0026nbsp;for the marriage license application fee\u003c/li\u003e\r\n\t\u003cli\u003eValid, state-issued ID (driver\u0026rsquo;s license, state ID card, passport or military ID)\u003c/li\u003e\r\n\t\u003cli\u003eCopies of death or divorce certificates from previous spouses\u003c/li\u003e\r\n\u003c/ul\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003eOnce you\u0026rsquo;ve presented all of the required documentation and paid the marriage license fee, you will be granted your marriage license. Your officiant will help you complete it on the day of the wedding.\u003cbr /\u003e\r\n\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\u003eNow, onto our wedding planning tips! When choosing your wedding date, be sure to keep Joliet\u0026rsquo;s event calendar in mind. You don\u0026rsquo;t want to choose a date that falls on the same day as one of the town\u0026rsquo;s major festivals, charity runs, concerts or game days, as traffic and parking can be an issue.\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003eWedding Venues -- Joliet is home to some real gems when it comes to wedding venues. In the downtown area, you can find the \u003ca href=\"http://www.jacobhenrymansion.com/weddings\" target=\"_blank\"\u003eJacob Henry Mansion\u003c/a\u003e and the \u003ca href=\"https://www.thehaleymansion.com/\" target=\"_blank\"\u003eHaley Mansion\u003c/a\u003e, both of which provide a romantic Victorian-era setting for your big day.\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003eThe \u003ca href=\"https://www.jolietunionstation.com/about\" target=\"_blank\"\u003eGrand Ballroom at Joliet Union Station\u003c/a\u003e is another option that appeals to history buffs. This bustling travel hub turned grand ballroom is both unique and elegant.\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003eIf you\u0026rsquo;re looking for something a little more casual, you might like the \u003ca href=\"https://www.heritageprairiefarm.com/weddings/\" target=\"_blank\"\u003eHeritage Prairie Farm\u003c/a\u003e, which hosts a rustic barn, multiple cocktail and ceremony locations, an evening bonfire space, and farm-to-table cuisine -- just some of its charming qualities.\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\u003eIf you want to get around Joliet on the cheap, you can utilize the city\u0026rsquo;s public transit system, Pace Bus Service.\u0026nbsp;Otherwise, Lyft and Uber are good alternatives if you don\u0026rsquo;t want to navigate the public transit system during your stay in Joliet.\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\u003eIllinois is known for its unpredictable weather. Floods, tornadoes, blizzards, lighting storms are all in the realm of possibility. The Chicago area has cold, snowy winters, balmy summers, unpredictable springtimes, but beautiful autumns. Most couples choose to get married during the summer or fall. However, if you pick a date outside of wedding season, you can score some pretty amazing deals. If you do, we recommend that you look into buying wedding insurance and make sure if you\u0026rsquo;re planning an outdoor reception that your venue has alternative spaces in case of unexpected weather.\u003cbr /\u003e\r\n\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\r\n","faq":"\u003ch4\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAre Internet ministere legal in Illinois?\u003c/strong\u003e\u003cbr /\u003e\r\nYes, ministers that have been ordained through online ministries are legal in the state of Illinois.\u003c/h4\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003ch4\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/h4\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003ch4\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eDoes the officiant need to register his or her credentials with the government?\u003c/strong\u003e\u003cbr /\u003e\r\nNo, the Illinois government does not certify ministers. Once you have been ordained, you can begin performing wedding ceremonies.\u003c/h4\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003ch4\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/h4\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003ch4\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eHow do we obtain our marriage license?\u003c/strong\u003e\u003cbr /\u003e\r\nYou first need to make an appointment with the Will County Clerk\u0026rsquo;s Office. They will help you from there.\u003c/h4\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003ch4\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/h4\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003ch4\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eHow long is our marriage license valid?\u003c/strong\u003e\u003cbr /\u003e\r\nIt is valid from 24 hours after the issuance date for the following 59 days.\u003c/h4\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003ch4\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/h4\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003ch4\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWhat forms of payment are accepted for the marriage license application fee?\u003c/strong\u003e\u003cbr /\u003e\r\nThe Will County Clerk\u0026rsquo;s Office accepts cash, check, or credit/debit.\u003cbr /\u003e\r\n\u0026nbsp;\u003c/h4\u003e\r\n","content_live":true,"marriage_licensing_info":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eIssuance Office:\u003c/strong\u003e 302 N. Chicago St., Joliet IL\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eFee:\u003c/strong\u003e $35\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWaiting Period:\u003c/strong\u003e 24 hours\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eExpiration:\u003c/strong\u003e 60 days\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eReturn:\u003c/strong\u003e By officiant\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":""}