Marriage License Fees

Illinois · 2026

Illinois Marriage License: Cost and Requirements

A marriage license in Illinois costs $32–$75, depending on the county, and you wait 24 hours before the ceremony. The license is good for 60 days.

Illinois marriage license fees by county

Fees for the 11 counties we have verified, largest first. Each row links to a county page with where to apply and the official clerk link.

CountyLicenseCertified copyCourthouse ceremonyWait
Cook County$60$15$1024 hours (1 day)
DuPage County$35$14$1024 hours (1 day)
Lake County$35$10$1024 hours (1 day)
Will County$35$12$1024 hours (1 day)
Kane County$32$16$1024 hours (1 day)
McHenry County$30——24 hours (1 day)
Winnebago County$40——24 hours (1 day)
Madison County$35—$1024 hours (1 day)
St. Clair County$45—$1024 hours (1 day)
Champaign County$75——24 hours (1 day)
Sangamon County$75$25$1024 hours (1 day)

— means the figure is not in our data. Check the county's official page.

Illinois marriage license rules

License fee

$32–$75 (55 ILCS 5/4-4001)

Each county board sets its own fee, up to a $75 state cap. Kane charges $32, Will and DuPage $35, Cook $60 and Sangamon $75.

Source: web.archive.org

Waiting period

24 hours (1 day)

The license takes effect the day after it is issued, so you cannot marry on the day you get it.

Source: willcountyclerk.gov

How long the license is valid

60 days

The license is valid for 60 days after it is issued.

Source: cookcountyclerkil.gov

Minimum age and parental consent

16 with consent; 18 without

Partners 18 and older can marry. 16- and 17-year-olds need consent from both parents or legal guardians, given in person.

Source: cookcountyclerkil.gov

What to bring

Bring a valid driver's license, state ID, US passport or military ID that shows proof of age. Previously married applicants must give details of how and when that marriage ended.

Source: sangamonil.gov

Blood test

Not required

No blood test is required.

Source: sangamonil.gov

Do both of you have to appear?

Yes

Both partners must appear in person; Cook County says the couple must appear together.

Source: willcountyclerk.gov

Applying online

Varies by county

Some counties, such as Cook and Kane, let you start the application online, but both partners must still appear in person to get the license.

Official online application

Source: cookcountyclerkil.gov

Who can officiate

Weddings may be performed by clergy or a judge.

Source: clerk.kanecountyil.gov

Witnesses

None required

Witnesses are not required.

Source: clerk.kanecountyil.gov

Out-of-state couples

Out-of-state couples can get an Illinois license, according to Kane County, unless the marriage would be illegal in their home state.

Source: clerk.kanecountyil.gov

Who issues the license

County Clerk

Licenses are issued by the county clerk in the county where the wedding will take place.

Source: clerk.kanecountyil.gov

Not in our data yet: premarital course discount, proxy marriage. Ask your county office.

Frequently asked questions

How much is a marriage license in Illinois?

$32–$75, depending on the county. Each county board sets its own fee, up to a $75 state cap. Kane charges $32, Will and DuPage $35, Cook $60 and Sangamon $75.

Is there a waiting period in Illinois?

Yes, 24 hours (1 day). The license takes effect the day after it is issued, so you cannot marry on the day you get it.

How long is a Illinois marriage license valid?

60 days. The license is valid for 60 days after it is issued.

How old do you have to be to get married in Illinois?

Partners 18 and older can marry. 16- and 17-year-olds need consent from both parents or legal guardians, given in person.

Does Illinois require a blood test?

No. No blood test is required.

Do you need witnesses to get married in Illinois?

Witnesses are not required.

Sources

Last verified . Fees and rules change; confirm with your county before you go. Spot an error? Report it.

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