Apply for a Marriage License
To apply for a marriage license, here are some things to know:
• Both applicants must appear in person at the County Clerk's Office in the county in which one of the applicants resides, or in the county in which the marriage will take place (click on the map below for information on your county).
• In Indiana, you may apply up to six weeks prior to the wedding date; In Illinois, you may apply up to 60 days prior.
• In Indiana, you will need: state-issued birth certificates for both parties, and if you've been married before, divorce papers signed by a judge. In Illinois, you will need either; a valid US driver's license, state identification card, US passport, US military identification card or Illinois Dept. of Public Aid card, or in lieu of any of these, two alternate forms of identification (birth certificate, US resident alien card, valid foreign passport, etc...)
• You will be asked to fill out an application requesting information such as your names, ages & dates of birth, addresses and mother's maiden name.
• Marriage license fees in Indiana are between $18-$24, and may be required to be paid in cash. In Illinois, marriage license fees are between $30-$60
• In Indiana, the marriage license will be issued while you wait; in Illinois there is a one-day waiting period.
• After the wedding ceremony, the officiant, bride & groom & witnesses will sign the license; it must be sent to the Clerk's office within 30 days. You will then receive your official copy in the mail.
Please note: State and county marriage license requirements often change. This information is provided for guidance only and should not be regarded as legal advice.