So You Wanna Get Hitched Illinois Style: A Guide to Legal Matrimony (and Avoiding Accidental Bigamy)
Listen up, lovebirds! Contemplating tying the knot in the beautiful state of Illinois? Awesome choice! But before you get swept away by daydreams of wedding cake and confetti cannons, let's get the legalities squared away. No one wants to start their happily ever after with a pesky judge throwing a wrench in the works because you forgot a permission slip from your goldfish (it's not a requirement, by the way, but maybe consider asking nicely).
Here's what you need to know to ensure your Illinois marriage goes off without a hitch (unless, of course, you plan a choreographed hitch-kicking routine, which sounds pretty darn epic).
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| How To Legally Get Married In Illinois |
The Goods: Acquisition of a Marriage License
First things first: you need a marriage license. Think of it like a VIP pass to wedded bliss. You can snag this magical document at your local county clerk's office. Pro tip: Don't show up in your pajamas, even if the ceremony is Elvis-themed (unless, of course, the ceremony is Elvis-themed, then pajamas are highly encouraged).
What to bring:
- You and your beloved: Because, you know, getting married is a two-person operation (unless you're into robots, which is a whole other legal can of worms).
- Valid government-issued ID: Think driver's license, passport, or that sweet ID you got for winning the pie-eating contest at the county fair (although, the clerk might give you a side-eye on that one).
- Fee: It's a small price to pay for eternal love (or at least a killer tax break). The amount varies by county, but expect it to be somewhere in the range of $15 to $40.
Bonus Round: Divorced Folks
QuickTip: Look for lists — they simplify complex points.
If you've been down the aisle before and emerged victorious (or, well, emerged), then you'll need to provide the date your divorce was finalized. If it happened within the last six months, then dust off your inner detective and bring a certified copy of your divorce decree.
Important Note: There's a 24-hour waiting period after you get your license before you can say "I do." So plan your ceremony accordingly (unless you're into eloping to Vegas, which is also an option, Vegas doesn't judge).
The Ceremony: You May Now Seal the Deal with a Kiss (or a High Five, We Don't Judge)
Now that you've got your official permission to smooch, it's time to pick your officiant! This could be a judge, a justice of the peace, a religious figure, or even your eccentric uncle who once got ordained online (just double-check his credentials, unless chaos is your middle name).
Here's the fun part: There are no specific locations mandated by Illinois law. So get creative! Exchange vows on a mountaintop, underwater (with proper safety precautions, of course), or in your living room surrounded by your pet chinchilla (chinchilla not included in the marriage license package).
Tip: Stop when confused — clarity comes with patience.
Don't forget: After the ceremony, your officiant has 10 days to file the completed marriage license with the county clerk. This is like returning your library books; just way more important (and probably less likely to incur late fees).
Congratulations! You're now a married couple in the great state of Illinois. Cue the confetti!
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FAQ: Your Burning Questions Answered (with Lightning Speed)
How to find your local county clerk's office?
A quick Google search with "[county name] Illinois county clerk's office" should do the trick!
QuickTip: Save your favorite part of this post.
How long is a marriage license valid for in Illinois?
You have 60 days to use your license before it turns into a pumpkin (or, more accurately, a useless piece of paper).
How old do you have to be to get married in Illinois?
The minimum age is 18. If you're between 16 and 18, you'll need parental consent.
Tip: Scroll slowly when the content gets detailed.
What if my fiance and I live in different counties?
No worries! You can get your license in whichever county your ceremony will be held.
Can I get married by Elvis impersonator?
Only if the Elvis impersonator is also a licensed officiant. But hey, if you find one, send us an invite, that sounds amazing!
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