Marriage Certificate Illinois

Guide to Getting a Marriage Certificate in Illinois

If you have been married in Illinois or are interested in verifying the facts of a marriage that occurred in the state, you may want to get a copy of a marriage certificate in IL. Getting a marriage certificate in Illinois is a relatively easy process, but may take some time, especially if you live far from the state. This guide can explain how to get your marriage certificate in IL initially when you get married. You'll also learn how to get a copy of a marriage certificate in Illinois for research purposes or a certified copy for identification and records purposes.

Who Can Obtain a Marriage Certificate in IL?

If you want to get a certified copy of a marriage certificate in Illinois, you will need to be one of the members of the couple or have a bona fide judicial purpose for obtaining the certificate. However, the data contained in a marriage certificate in IL is a matter of public record, so you may get an unofficial copy of a marriage certificate without showing any particular relationship to either member of the couple.

Getting Your Initial Marriage Certificate in Illinois

When you get married, you will have to fill out paperwork to obtain a marriage license. This license will be signed by the officiant at your wedding as well as both members of the couple marrying. When you send this license in to your county clerk, you will receive a marriage certificate in IL several weeks later by mail. You may need to contact your county clerk if you need proof of your marriage before you have received your marriage certificate in Illinois through the mail.

Getting a Certified Marriage Certificate in Illinois

If you are looking for a certified copy of your marriage certificate in IL for your personal records, you cannot talk to a state agency to obtain it. You will need to ask for the exact procedures for requesting a marriage certificate in the county where you were married. Typically, it will be relatively inexpensive for you to obtain a copy of a certified marriage certificate in Illinois.

Some jurisdictions, including Cook County, also offer a commemorative marriage certificate in IL. This is more suitable for framing or scrapbooking than the computer printout form that is a typical official certified marriage certificate in Illinois. A commemorative marriage certificate in IL may have a design or calligraphy and may cost significantly more than a normal certified copy.

Getting a Marriage Certificate in Illinois for Research

Not everyone who needs a marriage certificate in IL needs a certified copy. If you are doing historical, geneological, or investigative research, you may be interested in obtaining a non-certified marriage certificate in Illinois through the state's Department of Vital Records. The charge for a non-certified copy will be only $5.