{"id":72632,"name":"Naperville","state_id":20,"county_id":986,"created_at":"2020-10-16T12:29:47.306-07:00","updated_at":"2024-09-20T12:09:39.257-07:00","meta_description":null,"head_tag":null,"tagline":null,"intro_section":"\u003cp\u003eIf you are looking for the perfect mix of small-town charm and big-city excitement, then one city in Illinois stands above the rest: Naperville. Whether you are planning your wedding, or \u003ca href=\"https://theamm.org/store/products/asked-to-officiate\"\u003easked to officiate\u003c/a\u003e a wedding ceremony, you\u0026rsquo;re in for a great time! Located just a hop, skip, and a jump from Chicago, Naperville is known for being family-friendly without sacrificing any of the amenities of modern life. It is safe, clean, and maintains a classic American charm. There is no better place to host your wedding if your goal is to have your family walking away with memories of a lifetime.\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003eIf you\u0026rsquo;re visiting the city for the first time, check out the Naperville Local Historic District to get a sense of the city\u0026#39;s unique character. Make sure to check out the Danada House and Elements at Water Street to get a look at some of the best wedding venues the city has to offer. But, before you get too far ahead, it is important to understand the logistics and planning required to have a wedding in Illinois. This guide will walk you through all the steps of planning, officiating, and celebrating a wedding in Naperville.\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 marriage laws in Illinois, any person who is a religious or government official can \u0026ldquo;solemnize\u0026rdquo; a marriage. This is good news for you because it means that all that is required for you to solemnize a marriage is to become ordained by AMM! We are the only \u003ca href=\"https://theamm.org/about/government-certifications\"\u003eIRS Certified 501c3 Non-Profit\u003c/a\u003e that offers free online ordination. The process is quick, easy, and your ordination is valid for life.\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003eOnce you \u003ca href=\"/ordination-application\"\u003eget ordained\u003c/a\u003e with AMM, there is no additional paperwork ministers need to file with the state to perform the marriage in Illinois.\u0026nbsp;\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 DuPage County\u003c/h3\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003eNow that you have finished the easy part (getting ordained), it\u0026rsquo;s time to get ready for the ceremony. Being asked to officiate a wedding is one of the biggest honors a friend or family member could ask of you. It can also be a little overwhelming. Don\u0026rsquo;t worry, we got you covered. It doesn\u0026rsquo;t matter if you are a first-time officiant or an old hand at officiating; you will appreciate our \u003ca href=\"https://theamm.org/officiant-training\"\u003ewedding training pages\u003c/a\u003e.\u0026nbsp; We\u0026rsquo;ll have you officiating weddings like a pro in no time, and make sure that the couple and guests are impressed.\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003eWe\u0026rsquo;ll hook you up with everything you need, from sample wedding ceremony scripts and brainstorming prompts to tips for preparation and more.\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003ch3\u003eSTEP 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\u003eAt this point, your job is almost done, but there is a tiny bit left for you to do -- and it\u0026rsquo;s very important! The couple will need to have their marriage license on hand on the day of the wedding. You will need to sign the license, but it is \u003ci\u003etheir\u003c/i\u003e responsibility to obtain and complete it. On the day of the wedding, make sure they have it with them and check that it is still valid before the ceremony. Make sure that the names are spelled correctly and the dates are accurate.\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003eIn DuPage County, once you have performed the ceremony and signed the marriage license, you have successfully performed all of your functions as the wedding officiant. You will then need to return the completed license by mail or deliver it by hand within 10 days of the date of marriage to the clerk\u0026rsquo;s office in Wheaton, IL. After you have done that, it\u0026rsquo;s mission accomplished!\u0026nbsp; Relax and maybe take a stroll down the Naperville Riverwalk.\u003c/p\u003e\r\n","couple_section":"\u003cp\u003eIt is the responsibility of the couple to apply for the marriage license from the \u003ca href=\"https://www.dupageco.org/CountyClerk/1822/\"\u003eDuPage County Clerk\u0026rsquo;s office\u003c/a\u003e. This part of the process is easy and fast. A marriage license is issued immediately and becomes effective 24 hours later. The license is valid for 60 days.\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003eStart the application online to save time, but just remember that, upon completing the application, both parties MUST then appear at the DuPage County Clerk\u0026#39;s office and present proof of age and proper identification.\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003eThe County Clerk\u0026rsquo;s office is located at 421 N. County Farm Road, Wheaton, IL 60187. It is a good idea to call and make an appointment at 630-407-6500. They will also be able to help you answer any lingering questions you may have about the application process.\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:\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\u003eBring License Fee of $35 (payable in cash, check, or credit card for a $1.00 fee).\u003c/li\u003e\r\n\t\u003cli\u003eOne form of valid, government issued photo ID (driver\u0026#39;s License, state ID, passport, military ID, etc.).\u003c/li\u003e\r\n\t\u003cli\u003ePrintout of the confirmation email (if you filed for an application online).\u003c/li\u003e\r\n\t\u003cli\u003eDouble check your marriage qualifications (i.e. 18 years of age).\u003c/li\u003e\r\n\u003c/ul\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003eIf either applicant has been married previously, and within the last six months, then a certified copy of the death record, dissolution, or annulment decree must be presented. You must provide the month, date and year, county, and state in which a previous marriage or civil union ended.\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003eThat\u0026rsquo;s all you have to do! Your officiant will be the person responsible for returning the completed marriage license after the ceremony.\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\u003eBecause Naperville is so close to Chicago, you will be able to enjoy the calm charm of the city while still being within driving distance of all that Chicago has to offer. Keep in mind, however, your DuPage County license is only good to use within county lines, so if you were planning to pick a venue in Chicago or elsewhere in the state, you\u0026rsquo;ll have to obtain your marriage license in the appropriate county. But, there is still plenty to enjoy within Naperville -\u0026nbsp; from the \u0026ldquo;Last Fling\u0026rdquo; end of summer festival to the Civil War Days in May, where a piece of the city is transformed into an authentic slice of 1863 Americana.\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003eBut, where Naperville really shines is in its wedding scene. Here are our top 3 picks for the best wedding venues in the city:\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003eIf you want to enjoy a regal wedding in a mansion snuggled away in a beautiful, natural setting, the \u003ca href=\"https://www.danadahouse.com/\"\u003eDanada House\u003c/a\u003e should be your first choice. Their motto is \u0026ldquo;modern elegance + natural beauty\u0026rdquo; and they do not disappoint. You and 250 guests can host your wedding in an all-weather atrium nestled amongst the DuPage County Forest Preserve District. The Danada house will give you the ability to have a wedding amongst nature despite the weather conditions. Going with this venue will ensure your wedding is filled with splendor and good memories.\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003eNext up on the list is a venue with a bit of a unique flavor - \u003ca href=\"http://www.mesonsabika.com/\"\u003eMes\u0026oacute;n Sabika\u003c/a\u003e. This is an exotic mansion that is known for its Spanish stylings. Able to house up to 300 guests and boasting two floors that can be rented out, this 173-year-old mansion is on 4 acres near downtown Naperville. In the warmer months, guests can enjoy their award-winning patio, and in the colder seasons, they can dine indoors and experience the stylings of a Mediterranean Villa. Best of all though is the food. You and your guests will be able to experience the tastes of Spain from Tapas to Sangria.\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003eThe final choice is a more modern location called \u003ca href=\"https://www.elementsnaperville.com/\"\u003eElements at Water Street\u003c/a\u003e. Known for their exceptional service, they offer everything from personalized tastings, to a premium full bar service, to custom menu planning. Weddings hosted here feel crisp and modern with their ribbon wood ceiling, open-air access to the second-floor balcony, and a large dance floor. The venue is located in the suburbs on the second floor of the Hotel Indigo, so you and your guests will only have a short walk to their room after the reception.\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\u003eNaperville\u0026rsquo;s 145,000 residents enjoy all the amenities of big-city living. If you don\u0026rsquo;t drive, you can get around Naperville on their Pace Bus system, Metra, and Amtrak. There are three public parking decks and half a dozen ground-level spaces, so there will be no shortage of parking for your guests to enjoy the local shopping - including retail stores and eclectic boutiques. On a sunny day, make sure to walk around the \u003ca href=\"https://www.naperville-carillon.org/\"\u003eMillennium Carillon\u003c/a\u003e along the Riverwalk and play at Centennial Beach. You can find bus routes and a trip planning tool on the city\u0026rsquo;s website. If the routes aren\u0026rsquo;t lining up with your travel needs, you can always utilize Lyft and Uber as an alternative to renting a car.\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 Naperville can be a bit of a crapshoot. Illinois can have intense storms with tornadoes and lighting, so it is important to pick a venue that has indoor capacity. The most popular wedding times in this area are autumn and summer, so you will need to plan early and accordingly for this because demand heats up. No matter the season though, Naperville is beautiful and the perfect location for your dream wedding.\u003c/p\u003e\r\n","faq":"\u003ch4\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAre online ordained ministers recognized in Illinois?\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/h4\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003eYes. All online ordained ministers, including those ordained through AMM are recognized in Illinois.\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003ch4\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCan we use our marriage license outside of DuPage County?\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/h4\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003eNo, you must use your DuPage county marriage license in county lines. If you want to get married in another area of Illinois, you will need to make arrangements to obtain your marriage license in that county.\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003ch4\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eDo we need to provide witnesses for our ceremony to be legal?\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/h4\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003eNo, witnesses are not required by law in Illinois.\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003ch4\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eHow much time do we have to get married once we\u0026rsquo;ve obtained the marriage license?\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/h4\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003eYou have 60 days to use the marriage license (i.e., to hold the ceremony itself) until the marriage license expires.\u003c/p\u003e\r\n","content_live":true,"marriage_licensing_info":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003eIssuance Office: \u003c/b\u003e421 N. County Farm Road, Wheaton, IL 60187\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003eFee: \u003c/b\u003e$35.00\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003eWaiting Period:\u003c/b\u003e 24 Hours\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003eExpiration: \u003c/b\u003e60 days\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003eReturn: \u003c/b\u003eby officiant within 10 days of the ceremony\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":""}