So You Wanna Tie the Knot in the Land of Lincoln? Let's Get Hitched (Legally) in Illinois!
Congratulations! You've found your lobster, your soulmate, your other half (unless you're into those fancy polyamorous relationships, no judgement here). Now, before you rush off to raid the costume closet for a makeshift Elvis impersonator (because, Vegas!), there are a few things to consider if you're setting your sights on a Illinois wedding. But fear not, lovebirds, this guide will have you saying "I do" smoother than a greased slip 'n slide.
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| Can I Marry Someone In Illinois |
Age Ain't Nothing But a Number (But Seriously, There Are Age Limits)
Love knows no bounds, they say, but Illinois law does. To get married without parental consent, you gotta be at least 18 years old. If you're between 16 and 17, you can still snag that ring, but you'll need your parents' permission (cue the awkward dinner table conversation).
Pro Tip: If you're under 18 and eloping sounds like your best bet, think again. Most states won't recognize a marriage if one person is underage, so save yourself the drama and wait a hot minute.
Location, Location, Location (Because Apparently You Can't Get Married Just Anywhere)
While Illinois welcomes lovebirds with open arms (or should we say, open courthouses?), you can't just get hitched on a whim in the middle of Millennium Park. You'll need to snag a marriage license from the county clerk's office in the county where your ceremony will take place. Residence doesn't matter, as long as you follow the rules in the right county.
QuickTip: Scan quickly, then go deeper where needed.
Thinking of a destination wedding in Illinois? No problem! Just make sure you get that license in the Illinois county where you'll be saying "I do."
The Big Day (Prepare for a Short Wait, Though)
Alright, you've got the love, you've got the license, now all that's left is the ceremony! But here's a heads up: Illinois law requires a 24-hour waiting period after you get your license before you can officially become Mr. and Mrs. (or Ms. and Ms., or Mr. and Mr. - we're all about equality here!). So don't plan your post-wedding skinny dip for right after you walk down the aisle.
Who Can Marry You? Let's Get Officiating!
Tip: Slow down at important lists or bullet points.
Your best bud "Dude" who once got ordained online to officiate his cousin's wedding might not be the most official option (although, it could be a hilarious story!). In Illinois, you can have your marriage solemnized by a judge, a retired judge, or an ordained minister "in good standing" with their religion.
Fun Fact: There's no official registration process for officiants in Illinois, so the couple getting married needs to feel confident that their chosen person has the legal authority to tie the knot.
FAQ: Getting Hitched Illinois Style - The Cliff Notes Version
How to get a marriage license in Illinois?
Tip: Don’t skip the small notes — they often matter.
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Head to the county clerk's office in the county where your wedding will be held. Bring your ID and be prepared for a 24-hour waiting period.
How old do I need to be to get married in Illinois?
Eighteen is the magic number for marriage without parental consent. Sixteen- and seventeen-year-olds can get married with parental permission.
Tip: Patience makes reading smoother.
Who can perform a wedding ceremony in Illinois?
Judges, retired judges, or ordained ministers "in good standing" with their religion can officiate weddings.
Can I get married in Illinois if I live in another state?
Absolutely! As long as you get your license in the Illinois county where your wedding will be held.
Do I need to be a resident of Illinois to get married there?
Nope! Residency doesn't matter, just follow the process in the county where you'll be saying "I do."
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