The Chicagoland Wedding Directory offers information on vendors of everything from wedding gowns and tuxedos to registries and disc jockeys. While this blog doesn't concern itself with the celebration of marriage, the same directory also provides a concise overview of the legal requirements and procedures for getting married in Illinois.
The services of Chicago family law attorneys, who typically handle divorce and other family law issues, are not required for a Windy City wedding. But in the absence of an ordained minister, non-theistic marriages require the "blessings" of a judge.
First things first: Individuals of the opposite sex who are 18 years of age or older and not related by blood may legally marry. The exceptions are 16-year-olds with the sworn consent of their parents and first cousins over the age of 50 (and thus unlikely to conceive children).
Couples must show identification and proof of age in order to apply for a marriage license, which can include any of the following: Valid US driver's license, US state identification card, US passport, US military identification card, Illinois Dept. of Public Aid card.
Unlike the District of Columbia, Indiana, Massachusetts, Mississippi, Montana and Oklahoma, Illinois does not require a blood test. Illinois does, however, impose a one-day waiting period before approving a marriage license.
Couples in Cook County (both the bride and groom) must apply in person at a Cook County Clerk's Office, including the Cook County Building at 118 N. Clark St. in Chicago. Other Cook County offices are located in Bridgeview, Markham, Maywood, Rolling Meadows and Skokie. A $40 marriage license fee is due at the time of application.
And if an applicant has recently been divorced (within six months of the application), the clerk will ask for a certified copy of the final divorce decree.
And if things don't work out, which sadly is quite common, you may want to call a divorce attorney in Chicago.
Related Resources:
- Marriage Requirements, Licenses, and Ceremonies FAQ (FindLaw)
- Same-Sex Marriage Making Strides (FindLaw KnowledgeBase)
- Search Chicago Family Law Attorneys (FindLaw)
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