How to GET married In Chicago.
Whether you're planning a lavish wedding with hundreds of guests or opting for a more intimate affair with just the two of you, the legal requirements for getting married in Chicago remain the same.
Obtain a Marriage License: The first step is to obtain a marriage license from the Cook County Clerk's Office. Both parties must appear in person to apply. You'll need to provide identification, such as a driver's license or passport, and pay the required fee.
Residency Requirement: There is no residency requirement to get married in Chicago, so you can apply for a Cook County marriage license regardless of where you live.
Waiting Period: After applying for a marriage license, your marriage license is issued on the same day. There is a 24-hour waiting period before the license is able to be used. Once issued, the license is valid for 60 days.
Choose an Officiant: You can choose to have a judge marry you at city hall, an ordained religious leader, a friend/family member ordained online to officiate your wedding ceremony, or a professional wedding officiant. If you're considering a professional wedding officiant, this is the time to reach out and secure their services.
Plan Your Ceremony: Work with your officiant to plan the ceremony. Decide on readings, vows, music, and any other elements you want to include. Your officiant can guide you through the process and help you create a personalized and meaningful ceremony.
Get Your Marriage License Signed: After the ceremony, make sure your marriage license is signed by your officiant and witnesses (if required by law). In Cook County there is no place on the license for witnesses to sign, so this is something you don’t have to worry about. Your officiant will typically take care of submitting the signed license to the appropriate government office for recording.
Obtain Marriage Certificate: Once your marriage license has been recorded by the county clerk's office, you can request a certified copy of your marriage certificate. This document serves as legal proof of your marriage and may be needed for various purposes, such as changing your name or updating your marital status with government agencies.
