Illinois Marriage Records < How To Find Marriage Records In Illinois
How To Find Marriage Records In Illinois.
Online State Databases
The Illinois State Archives maintains the Illinois Statewide Marriage Index, which stretches across marriages from 1763 to 1900. This far-reaching archive includes over 1 million unions from 90 of the 102 Illinois counties. While it doesn’t supply actual marriage documents, it serves as an outstanding gateway for unearthing ancestral marriage data.
For newer records, the Illinois Department of Public Health can validate marriage specifics from 1962 to the present. However, they do not provide certified replicas of marriage records. The verification encompasses names, birthdates, event date, and city/county of the event. Requests may be sent via mail, fax, or in-person for a $5 fee.
County-Level Resources
In Illinois, county clerks are the official caretakers of all marriage records. For marriages post-1962, certified replicas are only accessible through the county clerk in the region where the marriage unfolded. The Illinois Association of County Clerks and Recorders provides a listing of county clerks’ offices.
Some counties have rendered their records accessible online. For instance, the Cook County Clerk’s Office offers an online genealogy search for marriages 50 years or older. Similarly, counties like Champaign, Lake, Kane, and Kankakee boast their own genealogy sites with indexes to county records.
Free Search Options
FamilySearch.org presents a no-cost searchable collection of Illinois County Marriages from 1810 to 1940. Though this catalog isn’t exhaustive for all counties, it unlocks access to over 1 million marriage records.
Local libraries and historical groups frequently maintain collections of local marriage records or indexes. The Illinois State Genealogical Society can be a potent resource for identifying these local hubs.
Making Requests for Records
To obtain a marriage record, you typically need to supply the complete names of both individuals, the marriage date, and the county where the union took place. Most county clerks permit requests by mail, in-person, and occasionally by fax or email.
When requesting via mail, ensure you include a self-addressed stamped envelope and the appropriate fee. Fees fluctuate by county, so consult with the specific county clerk’s office for up-to-date costs. Some counties may demand a copy of your government-issued ID for particular requests.
Marriage Certificates vs. Marriage Licenses
It’s crucial to comprehend the distinction between marriage certificates and marriage licenses when pursuing records. A marriage license is granted before the wedding and authorizes the ceremony. A marriage certificate is delivered post-wedding and functions as evidence that the union occurred.
In Illinois, the marriage license transitions into the marriage certificate once it’s endorsed by the officiant and returned to the county clerk’s office. When seeking records, specify which document you require.
Searching for Pre-1900 Marriage Records
For marriages predating 1900, the Illinois State Archives is an invaluable asset. Their Illinois Statewide Marriage Index, 1763-1900 is a collective initiative with the Illinois State Genealogical Society, assembling records from various origins including original county clerks’ marriage documents and publications of county genealogical groups.
Tools for Genealogical Research
Several online services offer tools for genealogical investigation in Illinois. Ancestry.com provides a searchable list of Illinois marriages from 1851 to 1900, though a subscription is necessary for full access.
MyHeritage offers a compilation of Illinois Marriages from 1763 to 1900, which can be especially handy for digging into historical marriages.
Tips for Successful Searches
When on the hunt for marriage records, it’s useful to gather as much info as you can beforehand. This includes full names of both individuals, an estimated marriage date, and possible counties where the marriage might have happened.
Note that name spellings may fluctuate, particularly in older records. Try varying spelling versions if your first search comes up short. Also, remember that county borders have shifted over time in Illinois, so the county where a marriage took place may differ from current county lines.
What to Do When Records Aren’t Online
If the marriage record you seek isn’t appearing online, don’t surrender. Get in touch with the county clerk’s office directly. They could hold records that haven’t yet been digitized or cataloged online.
For older records, consider visiting the Illinois Regional Archives Depositories (IRAD). These depositories preserve original marriage records or microfilm versions for over 70 of the 102 counties in Illinois for the years 1809-1983.
If you can’t visit in person, you might think about hiring a local investigator or genealogist who can explore records on your behalf. The Association of Professional Genealogists can assist in locating a qualified researcher in Illinois.
Understanding Marriage Records in Illinois
Types of Marriage Records in Illinois
In Illinois, there are three main varieties of marriage records: marriage licenses, marriage certificates, and marriage registers. Each fulfills a distinct role in documenting marital unions within the state.
Marriage licenses are granted by county clerks and give legal permission for a pair to wed. These documents often include essential details about the couple, such as their names, ages, and homes. According to the Illinois Marriage and Dissolution of Marriage Act (750 ILCS 5/), a marriage license remains valid for 60 days after it’s issued.
Marriage certificates, in contrast, are official papers issued post-ceremony. They act as legal evidence of marriage and detail specifics about the event, including the date, venue, and officiant. In Illinois, the county clerk’s office is tasked with managing these records.
Marriage registers are broad records held by county clerks that gather info from both licenses and certificates. These registers often serve as key resources for genealogical studies and legal matters.
Information Contained in Illinois Marriage Records
Illinois marriage records generally carry a trove of information about the couple involved in the union. The exact details may shift depending on the type of record and the period in which it was crafted.
Basic details found in many Illinois marriage records include:
- Full names of both individuals
- Date and location of marriage
- Ages of both parties at the time of marriage
- Residences of both individuals
- Names of parents (occasionally)
- Jobs of both parties (sometimes)
Extra info that might appear in more detailed marriage records includes:
- Birthplaces of both spouses
- Prior marital status
- Witnesses to the marriage
- Name and role of the officiant
- Ethnicity or race of both parties (in older records)
It’s key to remember that the depth of detail in marriage records has progressed over time, with newer records typically containing more thorough information.
Legal Aspects of Marriage Records in Illinois
Marriage records in Illinois are governed by various laws overseeing their creation, upkeep, and availability. The Illinois Marriage and Dissolution of Marriage Act outlines the legal requirements for marriages in the state, including how to obtain a marriage license and how marriages are officiated.
Public access to marriage records in Illinois falls under the Illinois Freedom of Information Act (5 ILCS 140/). This law generally considers marriage records to be public data, available for viewing and copying. However, some limitations may exist to shield personal privacy, especially for newer records.
The Illinois State Records Act (5 ILCS 160/) mandates the retention and organization of public records, including marriage documents. This law guarantees that these vital records are appropriately preserved for future use.
Retention policies for marriage records in Illinois are set by the Local Records Act (50 ILCS 205/). This law requires local government bodies, like county clerks’ offices, to follow specific guidelines for maintaining records.
Importance and Uses of Marriage Records
Marriage records play several critical roles in legal, genealogical, and historical research. These documents are vital in affirming legal rights and duties linked to marriage, such as property claims, inheritance, and spousal benefits.
In legal cases, marriage records can be used to:
- Confirm marital status in divorce proceedings
- Support spousal claims in inheritance cases
- Verify social security benefit eligibility
- Aid in name change requests
For family research, marriage records are priceless tools. They offer vital information for building family histories, tracing roots, and understanding family connections. The Illinois State Genealogical Society provides resources for those looking to use marriage records for ancestral research.
Historically, marriage records enrich our grasp of social behaviors, cultural customs, and demographic shifts. Scholars and historians often use these documents to explore trends in marriage ages, interracial unions, and migration patterns.