Your marriage license becomes effective the day after you receive your license, and expires 60 days later. 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. Our office keeps on file marriage licenses of people married in McLean County from 1831 on. During the pandemic, marriage licenses in Cook County, Illinois, are being offered only to those with an urgent need to get married. The fee for a Marriage License is $35, no checks accepted from the bride. Due to a lawsuit filed by Lambda Legal and the ACLU of Illinois, you can apply for a marriage license beginning February 21, 2014. Yes, there is a 24 hour waiting period in Illinois after the license is issued before you can legally be wed. BBernard/Shutterstock. A marriage license is a legal document issued by the government and can only be obtained by the couple. Before getting married in Chicago or suburban Cook County, couples must obtain a marriage license from the Cook County Clerk's office. The new marriage law still goes into effect on June 1, 2014. Is there a waiting period after the license is issued? NON-RESIDENTS: If you get a marriage license in Madison County, the marriage ceremony must occur in Madison County within 60 days. Marriage Equality has been the law in Cook County since February 21, 2014, allowing same-sex couples to apply for marriage licenses. Marriage licenses … License Fees. Before we jump into the nitty-gritty, let’s quickly cover the difference between marriage licenses and marriage certificates. 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). 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).. It took effect throughout all of Illinois … Under Illinois law, only eligible persons can marry. The marriage license must be obtained at least one day before the marriage ceremony. 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. However, if your marriage would be illegal in your home state but legal in Illinois, you cannot be married in Illinois. WHEN CAN I GET MARRIED TO MY SAME-SEX PARTNER? 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). 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