Updated for 2024!

Officiant

Option one is to hire an officiant that gets you. Your style, religion, vibe, whatever is important to you. As an ordained wedding planner, I am proud to offer you a uniquely qualified experience especially in the case of elopements where you might not have a large vendor team and you might not have the luxury of time. There are other great reasons to hire professional officiants, too, they might be gifted writers, speakers, a local celebrity or larger than life personality.

Confirm their ordination and ask any questions you have about the process of marriage licenses, ceremony scripting, ceremony acts and any other details you’re curious about.

If you’re considering getting married at the Cook County Chicago City Hall please note the new schedule of offerings as of 6/7/24:

Wednesday through Friday from 9 a.m. - 12 p.m. and 2 p.m. - 4 p.m. In-person ceremonies are held at 119 W. Randolph St. (Lower Level).
Saturdays9 a.m. - 12 p.m. By Appointment Only. Call 312-603-5560 to make an appointment with a Cook County Chicago City Hall Judge.
See other location details here.

Option two is to have someone close to you become ordained. There are several ways to go about this and I’m going to give my best recommendation based on my experience.

Designate your Officiant-to-be. Ask them in a personal way if they are willing to become ordained and perform your ceremony. You might choose a parent, sibling, friend or mentor. Your pick might be based on sentimental reasons, however, it’s important to keep in mind that they might not be comfortable with speaking in front of groups or being part of the spotlight. I offer consultations for these officiants-to-be to help put them at ease and walk them through the process so they can then guide you through your ceremony.

Once your officiant-to-be agrees to this honor, they should get ordained! Set them up for success by registering them for our On Demand Officiant Training Course.

Marriage License

Visit your local cook county clerk’s office together, in person to apply for your marriage license. Expect to pay $60 plus transaction fees.

To qualify, you must both be at least 18 years old or 16 with consent of both parents, not blood relatives and not legally married to anyone else. You can start your pre-application online or in person. This may save time spent in line.

Once applying in person, you must both appear in person at a City Clerk’s office and provide a sworn consent of marriage after providing valid identification. If you intend to change any names or gender identifyers, it’s important to mention and start this process while filling out the marriage license.

Marriage licenses are issued while you wait and are valid after a 24 hour period until 60 days from the date of application.

After the ceremony, your officiant should complete the marriage license promptly. You may print your own names for the photo opportunity and to receive closure because you have already signed at the county clerk’s office or virtually. Your officiant may also print your names on your behalf. Your officiant should then sign their name and complete the address portion. Be careful about using a black ink pen and containing your information within the provided boxes.

Signed licenses are due back to the Office of Vital Records within 10 days of the ceremony.

Marriage Certificate

Add a calendar marker to check the county’s marriage license page and search for your names. Turnaround for your results is 2-6 weeks, so we recommend reminding yourself to check just in case. If you need a faster turnaround for name changes, insurance or passports, discuss options ahead of time with your officiant for you to keep the completed license and return it in person for instant processing while you wait.

Legal Ceremony Requirements

When it comes to your ceremony and the actual act of marrying, there are legal minimum acts that must be satisfied.

The Declaration of Intent

This is the part that often sounds like this: “Do you _______, take ______ to be your ___________?” (lawfully wedded wife, husband etc)“I do.” Or “Are you ready to be joined in marriage?" “We Are.”

Pronouncement

This part may go like this:“By the power vested in me by the State of Illinois, I now pronounce you _______ and _______ (Mr./Mrs. & Mr./Mrs., married, joined in marriage etc)

You and your officiant can take 30 seconds to perform these pieces, finalize the marriage license and call it a day or you can script a ceremony around it that is personal and meaningful to you.

Once you’ve received confirmation that your marriage license has been returned to the county clerk’s office (I recommend taking a photo as receipt of dropping it off in person or by mail), mark your calendar for 2-6 weeks out and set a reminder to order your marriage certificate. This is what you get to frame or file away. It’s cheaper to get two copies at first, than it is to order one after the wedding and another one down the road if the original is lost or destroyed.

To recap, you will need the following to be married in Chicago:

Ordained Officiant or Judge
Marriage License
Declaration of Intent
Pronouncement
Submission of the signed Marriage License to the county clerk

At the end of this process, you will be legally married in Cook County, Chicago, IL. If you have any further questions about the marriage process or have questions about elopements, officiating, premarital support, full or micro weddings, contact us!