Illinois Marriage Records < Illinois Marriage License Records
Illinois Marriage License Records.
State-Level Resources
The Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH) holds marriage logs for the state from 1962 onward. Although they do not issue certified duplicates of marriage licenses, they offer a validation service for weddings in this period. This check includes key information like names, birthdates, the date of the ceremony, and the region where the union occurred.
To get a marriage validation from the IDPH, you must send in a finished Application for Verification of Marriage/Civil Union Record Files together with a recognized government-issued photo ID. The cost for this process is $5, and requests can be made by post, fax, or personally at the IDPH hub in Springfield. For postal requests, mail the form, a copy of your ID, and a payment to the Illinois Department of Public Health, Division of Vital Records, 925 E. Ridgely Ave., Springfield, IL 62702-2737.
Bear in mind, the IDPH doesn’t have archives for marriages before 1962. For those older logs, you’ll have to contact the county clerk’s bureau in the region where the event happened.
County-Level Resources
Online Databases
Several Illinois counties have embraced digital solutions, featuring web databases for marriage license logs. These tools allow for easy searches and often share basic data about marriages within the county. A few notable cases include:
- Cook County Clerk’s Office Genealogy Online: Provides a searchable archive of marriage logs for Chicago and Cook County.
- DuPage County Clerk’s Office: Offers an online marriage license request system and details on obtaining logs.
- Lake County Clerk’s Office: Has web tools for marriage license applications and record inquiries.
When using these digital services, be ready to supply basic info like the names of the individuals and the rough date of the union. Certain counties may request a fee for access to full records or getting certified duplicates.
In-Person Requests
For counties lacking online resources or for those who like face-to-face help, heading to the county clerk’s office is an option. When making a request in person, you should:
- Bring a recognized government-issued photo ID
- Be ready to give details about the marriage (names, date, etc.)
- Bring the necessary fee (cost varies by region)
For instance, the DuPage County Clerk’s Office issues marriage licenses during specific hours (Monday-Friday from 8:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.) and needs both people to appear with valid ID and a $35 fee.
City-Level Resources
Chicago Marriage Records
Chicago, being part of Cook County, has its marriage logs managed by the Cook County Clerk’s bureau. The Cook County Clerk’s Vital Records Division offers services for acquiring marriage certificates for weddings in Chicago and Cook County.
For family research or historical records, the Cook County Clerk’s Genealogy Online system offers a searchable archive of marriage records dating back to 1871. This tool is especially useful for those investigating family histories or performing historical inquiries related to Chicago weddings.
When No Online Database Exists
Mail-in Requests
For counties without online services, mail-in inquiries are often allowed. To make a mail-in inquiry:
- Contact the county clerk’s bureau to confirm their process and fees for mail.
- Obtain and fill out the required form.
- Attach a copy of a recognized government-issued photo ID.
- Include a check or money order for the necessary fee.
- Send everything to the county clerk’s address.
Make sure to include a self-addressed envelope if you wish the record mailed back. Processing times for mail-in requests can fluctuate, so it’s wise to ask about the expected wait when making your inquiry.
Phone Requests
Some county clerk offices may permit phone requests for marriage license logs. However, this is less frequent due to privacy matters and the need for proper ID. If a county does allow phone requests, you may need to:
- Provide detailed facts about the marriage record you’re seeking
- Confirm your identity over the phone
- Pay fees with a credit card
Always check with the relevant county clerk’s bureau for their rules regarding phone requests, as practices can vary greatly between regions.
Marriage Certificates vs. Marriage License Records
Understanding the difference between marriage certificates and marriage license logs is crucial when seeking paperwork:
- Marriage License: This is the document secured before the wedding ceremony. It grants legal permission for the couple to marry.
- Marriage Certificate: This is issued after the ceremony is held and the officiant has submitted the signed license to the county clerk’s bureau.
When seeking logs, be sure about which document you need. Marriage licenses are often part of the initial process, while marriage certificates act as proof of the union. The search procedure might differ based on the document you are after.
Free Search Options
Several free methods exist for searching Illinois marriage logs:
- Public Libraries: Many libraries offer free access to genealogy databases and may hold local marriage record collections.
- FamilySearch.org: This free genealogy site includes some Illinois marriage logs in its database.
- Illinois State Archives: Offers a free Illinois Statewide Marriage Index for marriages from 1763 to 1900.
While these free resources are helpful, they may not include recent logs or offer certified copies needed for legal purposes.
Third-Party Search Tools
Various third-party services collect public records, including marriage licenses, from various sources. These services can be especially helpful when searching across counties or for older logs. Perks of using these services include:
- Combined searches across regions
- Access to digital historical records
- Easy-to-use platforms for genealogy work
However, keep in mind that while these services are good for early searches, they may not provide legally certified documents. Always double-check info found via third-party services with official county or state logs.
Historical Marriage Records
For historical marriage logs in Illinois, especially those from before 1962, researchers have several choices:
- Illinois State Archives: Holds the Illinois Statewide Marriage Index for marriages from 1763 to 1900.
- County Historical Societies: Many maintain local marriage logs and can be useful for genealogy.
- Illinois Regional Archives Depository (IRAD): A network of archives holding local government logs, including historical marriage records.
When looking into historical logs, be prepared for differences in record-keeping and the possibility of incomplete or damaged documents, especially for very old unions.
Tips for Successful Searches
To improve your chances of a fruitful marriage record search in Illinois:
- Gather as much data as possible before beginning, like full names, rough date of marriage, and county of marriage.
- Be mindful of name variations, especially for older logs.
- Explore multiple sources, as logs may be incomplete or stored in various places.
- For recent logs, start with the county clerk’s bureau where the marriage occurred.
- For older records, consider using the Illinois State Archives or county historical societies.
What is a Marriage License?
A marriage license is a formal document granted by a governing authority that permits two individuals to wed. In Illinois, these licenses are essential for the legal acknowledgment and official recognition of marriages within state borders. The license acts as official permission for the couple to enter into wedlock and is a necessary prerequisite for the wedding event.
The core function of a marriage license is to confirm that both participants fulfill the legal obligations for marriage in Illinois. These obligations include age limits, consent requirements, and restrictions on specific types of unions. Once received, the marriage license must be used within a defined period, often 60 days from when it’s issued, as outlined by 750 ILCS 5/207.
It’s important to recognize that a marriage license is different from a marriage certificate. While the license gives the green light to marry, the certificate is the verified record of the marriage after it has occurred. The certificate is generally provided after the officiant returns the signed license to the county clerk’s office following the event.
Types of Marriage Records in Illinois
Illinois keeps various kinds of marriage records, each playing a role in documenting and verifying marriages:
Marriage Licenses: These are the primary forms given to couples intending to marry. They contain basic details about the individuals and must be acquired before the ceremony.
Marriage Certificates: Following the wedding, the officiant sends back the signed license to the county clerk, who then issues a marriage certificate. This serves as the official proof of the union.
Marriage Indexes: These are collections of marriage logs, often utilized for genealogical exploration or quick validation of weddings.
Dissolution of Marriage Records: While not tied directly to marriage formation, these logs capture the formal end of a marriage through divorce cases.
Each of these document types plays a vital role in the formal and historical documentation of marriages in Illinois. The Illinois Department of Public Health maintains a statewide archive of marriage records from 1962 to the present, while older logs are usually kept at the county level.
Information Contained in Illinois Marriage Licenses
Illinois marriage licenses hold a wealth of details about the couple set to marry. This data is essential for legal and historical purposes. Typically, an Illinois marriage license includes:
- Full legal names of both parties
- Current residential addresses of both individuals
- Dates of birth and ages of both individuals
- Birthplaces for both individuals
- Occupations of both individuals
- Whether either person was previously married, and if so, how that marriage ended (death, divorce, or annulment)
- Names and places of birth for both parents
- Date of the license’s issuance
- Expiration date of the license
- County where the license is issued
- Signatures of both individuals and the county clerk or a deputy clerk
Additionally, the license might include information about the planned wedding date and venue, although this is not always needed at the time of application. After the ceremony, the officiant will add:
- Date and place of the marriage event
- Officiant’s name and position
- Names and addresses of witnesses
This extensive information serves several purposes, including verifying the legality of the marriage and providing historical and genealogical insights. The Illinois Marriage and Dissolution of Marriage Act governs the content and issuance of marriage licenses in the state.