Before we jump into the nitty-gritty, let’s quickly cover the difference between marriage licenses and marriage certificates. Couples with marriage licenses in hand and qualified officiants can adhere to gathering restrictions and be wed in front of their intended guests by broadcasting their ceremony via livestream. Your marriage license becomes effective the day after you receive your license, and expires 60 days later. The new marriage law still goes into effect on June 1, 2014. NON-RESIDENTS: If you get a marriage license in Madison County, the marriage ceremony must occur in Madison County within 60 days. During the pandemic, marriage licenses in Cook County, Illinois, are being offered only to those with an urgent need to get married. Is there a waiting period after the license is issued? The marriage license must be obtained at least one day before the marriage ceremony. Marriage licenses … A marriage license is a legal document issued by the government and can only be obtained by the couple. After your marriage, certified copies of your marriage license may be purchased. Persons Who May Not Marry. BBernard/Shutterstock. Due to a lawsuit filed by Lambda Legal and the ACLU of Illinois, you can apply for a marriage license beginning February 21, 2014. Please call ahead to verify whether or not you need cash. The marriage license fee in Illinois varies by county and is required at the time of application. Our office keeps on file marriage licenses of people married in McLean County from 1831 on. However, if your marriage would be illegal in your home state but legal in Illinois, you cannot be married in Illinois. Under Illinois law, only eligible persons can marry. While they might sound similar, it’s important to understand the distinction. One very important part of getting married is the marriage license, which you get anywhere between four to six weeks before your big day, depending on your state.However, the marriage license process during COVID-19 has changed majorly in most areas. Couples getting married in Illinois must obtain a marriage license from the County Clerk’s office. Fee. The fee for a marriage license is $75, which may be paid by cash, check, or debit/credit card (subject to an additional $4 fee). The fee for a Marriage License is $35, no checks accepted from the bride. Blood relatives, including first cousins, unless they are 50 years of age or older (SB876) may not marry under the laws of the State of Illinois (IRS Chapter 40, Paragraph 212). Before getting married in Chicago or suburban Cook County, couples must obtain a marriage license from the Cook County Clerk's office. For marriage certificates of people not married in McLean County, please contact either the county of marriage or the Illinois Department of Public Health Division of Vital Records at (217) 782-6553 or -6554 (10 am - 3 pm).. Marriage Equality has been the law in Cook County since February 21, 2014, allowing same-sex couples to apply for marriage licenses. The license is good for 60 days after the effective date. Yes, there is a 24 hour waiting period in Illinois after the license is issued before you can legally be wed. WHEN CAN I GET MARRIED TO MY SAME-SEX PARTNER? It took effect throughout all of Illinois … Couples must: be 18 years of age or older; not be blood relatives; Individuals who reside out of state may not apply for a marriage license in Illinois if such a marriage would not be legal in their home state. License Fees. Couples getting married in McLean County from 1831 on on file marriage licenses marriage... 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