Marriage License Requirements in Illinois
Illinois does not require residency to get married in the state, but you must obtain your license from the county where the ceremony will take place. Requirements below apply statewide; fees and application methods are set by each county.
| Minimum age to marry | 18 without consent; 16–17 may marry with parental consent. Under 16 cannot marry. |
|---|---|
| Waiting period | 24 hours after the license is issued (waivable by petitioning the court for an exception). |
| License validity | 60 days, beginning one day after the date of issuance. |
| Blood test required | No |
| Documents you’ll need | Valid government-issued photo ID for both applicants plus a second document showing date of birth. If a prior marriage or civil union ended in divorce or death, bring a certified copy of the decree or death certificate. |
What an Illinois marriage license typically costs
Illinois fees vary noticeably by county — in our researched counties, we’ve seen $35 to $75. Select your county below for its exact fee.
Counties we cover in Illinois
Requirements above are set by Illinois state law and apply the same way in every county. The fee, hours, and exact application process are set locally — select your county above for those specifics.
Frequently asked questions
How much does an Illinois marriage license cost?
It varies by county — in the counties we’ve researched, fees range from $35 to $60. Check your specific county’s guide for the current figure.
Do we have to apply in the county where we live?
No, but there’s a related rule to know: you must apply in the county where your ceremony will actually take place, regardless of where you live. Illinois has no residency requirement at all.
Can we skip Illinois’s 24-hour waiting period?
It’s possible, but only by petitioning the court for an exception — there’s no automatic waiver like a premarital course offers in some other states.
Is a blood test required to get married in Illinois?
No. Illinois does not require a blood test or medical exam to obtain a marriage license.
See how Illinois’s fees compare to other states → Getting married in a different county than you live in →