What Are Illinois Marriage Records?

Illinois marriage records provide an official record of marriage events in the state. A statewide collection of these documents officially began in 1962, with older marriage records being maintained and issued by various government entities.

There are three main types of marriage records in Illinois:

• Marriage License: A pre-marriage legal document establishing that the named parties are legally eligible to marry. This license is mandatory per Section 201 of the Illinois Marriage and Dissolution of Marriage Act for a marriage to be legally recognized.
• Marriage Certificate: This official document is legal proof that a couple is married. It is issued following the ceremony.
• Marriage Verification: An unofficial document verifying that a marriage has occurred in the state.

Typically, marriage records in Illinois include the couple's names, the date and place of marriage, the marriage license number, and the details of the officiant and witnesses. This information is used for various reasons, such as proving marital status for legal proceedings, applying for spousal benefits, making name changes, and conducting genealogical research.

Are Marriage Certificates Public Records?

In Illinois, marriage certificates are treated as confidential and are not fully accessible to the public. The Illinois Vital Records Act governs access to certified copies of marriage certificates as it limits access to the following specific groups:

• Individuals listed on the certificate
• Immediate family members of individuals listed on records
• Legal representatives
• Government agencies for official use
• Individuals with a court order

Although the general public is restricted from obtaining certified copies, limited information about marriages can be obtained through index or registry searches. However, sensitive details like Social Security numbers are withheld on these searches to protect the privacy of those involved.

How To Look Up Marriage Records in Illinois?

Individuals searching for marriage records in Illinois can access them through various government agencies.

The Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH), Division of Vital Records, is the primary source for marriage verifications from 1962 onwards. Meanwhile, certified marriage records in the state are officially held by Illinois county clerks. The records contained by these offices often date back to the county's inception.

As the responsibility for maintaining marriage records in Illinois is dispersed among different entities, individuals seeking these records should be prepared to navigate diverse procedures. To locate, view, or procure copies of marriage records in Illinois, interested parties can follow the guidelines below:

• Identify the specific records required and ascertain the relevant agency tasked with their maintenance.
• Submit a request for marriage records to the appropriate custodian agency, providing the following information:
  • Full names of both individuals as recorded in the document
  • Birthdates of both parties
  • Date and location of the marriage
• Be prepared to pay the requisite fees to facilitate the processing of the request.

How To Search Marriage Certificates?

Illinois issues two types of marriage certificates: informational copy and certified copy.

A certified copy of a marriage certificate is an official document that bears the seal of the issuing authority. It is legally recognized and can be used for purposes such as legal name changes, immigration, or other official transactions. Only authorized individuals can request this type of marriage certificate.

On the other hand, an informational copy contains the exact details as a certified copy but lacks the official seal. It is accessible to the general public but not valid for legal purposes.

To request Illinois marriage certificates, individuals can take one of the below options:

Online

• Identify the county where the marriage occurred and visit its county clerk's website.
• Navigate the county clerk's website for online ordering options. Most Illinois counties, however, utilize VitalChek.
• Provide the information required in ordering the marriage certificate, which typically includes:
  • Name of both spouses
  • Birth dates of both spouses
  • Date of marriage
  • Place of marriage
  • Reason for the request
• Present a valid identification document if required.
• Pay the required fee to complete the online ordering process using major credit cards. Most county clerks charge $15 for a marriage certificate, with additional fees being applied for processing and shipping.

In Person

• Identify the county where the marriage event occurred and visit its clerk's office in person.
• Request the marriage certificate by completing an application form (if required) or by providing the following information to the clerk:
  • Full names of both spouses
  • Date of the marriage
  • Location of the marriage
  • Reason for requesting the certificate
  • Relationship to the individuals named on the certificate (if necessary)
• Bring a state-issued ID for identity verification. Accepted documents typically include a passport and driver's license.
• Pay the applicable fee and receive the certificate. The fee can vary by county, but it typically costs around $15. Payment methods accepted include cash, check, and major credit or debit cards.

By Mail

• Identify the county where the marriage occurred and visit its county clerk's website.
• Navigate the website for a marriage certificate request form.
• Download and fill out the marriage certificate request form, which usually requires the details below:
  • Full names of both spouses
  • Date of marriage
  • Location of marriage
  • Purpose of the request
  • Requester's relationship to the individuals on record
  • Requester's contact details
• Attach a photocopy of a valid ID.
• Enclose a check or money order for payment and make it payable to the county clerk. The fee can vary per county, but most county clerks charge $15 for marriage certificates.
• Send the entire package to the mailing address of the county clerk, usually found on the county clerk's website.
• Processing times vary but can take several weeks, depending on the county and the volume of requests.

By Phone

Some Illinois county clerks permit individuals to request a certified copy of a marriage certificate by phone. To verify if this service is available, call the county clerk using their contact number, which is usually available on their official website.

How To Search Marriage Licenses?

Illinois marriage licenses are maintained at the county level, particularly by the county clerk's office where the marriage license was issued. Those keen on searching for certified copies of these documents can follow the steps below to streamline their searches:

• Identify the county where the marriage license was issued.
• Contact the relevant county clerk's office and verify their procedures for obtaining a copy of the marriage license.
• Select a retrieval method. Most counties offer in-person and mail requests. However, some county clerks, like the Perry County Clerk, offer an online retrieval platform for marriage licenses.
• Supply fundamental marriage information to the county clerk, such as names of spouses, marriage dates, and marriage location.
• Present a valid government-issued ID and pay the applicable fees, which vary per county clerk.

How To Search Marriage Records Online?

When seeking Illinois marriage records online, individuals can explore various options beyond official providers such as VitalChek and county clerk websites.

The Illinois State Archives and the Illinois State Genealogical Society present a statewide marriage index covering the years 1763 to 1900. This resource aids in genealogical research by offering free access to older marriage records. Apart from that, commercial platforms like RecordsFinder enable individuals to search public records, including marriage documents.

To utilize these resources effectively, individuals must input essential marriage details such as the spouse's name, wedding date, and location. Some third-party providers may also charge fees for each search conducted.

Keep in mind that while these platforms provide information about marriages occurring within the state, they do not issue certified documents. Individuals must still resort to official sources to obtain records that can be utilized in legal matters.

When Can You Access Confidential Marriage Records?

A confidential marriage is a legal union in which the marriage record is not available to the general public. Couples may choose a confidential marriage to preserve privacy, avoid public scrutiny, or maintain confidentiality for personal, legal, or cultural reasons.

Currently, the state does not allow confidential marriages. All wedding events in the state are documented, and eligible parties can obtain their associated records through state or county offices and third-party services.

Couples seeking to keep their marriage private can limit personal information when applying for a marriage license, request a court-ordered seal if possible, and seek guidance from a privacy attorney.

How Do You Apply for a Marriage License?

The requirements to apply for a marriage license in Illinois are outlined in the Illinois Marriage and Dissolution of Marriage Act. The legislation stipulates that couples wishing to apply for this license must meet the following requirements:

• Be at least 18 years old or have parental consent if aged between 16 and 17
• Not blood-related, except for first cousins over the age of 50
• Not currently married
• Non-residents must verify that their marriage will not be unlawful in their home state.

Once eligibility criteria are met, the couple should visit the county clerk's office together. They must complete a marriage license application form, present valid identification, and provide additional documents such as divorce decrees or birth certificates if necessary. A marriage license fee, typically around $60 but subject to variation by county, must also be paid.

Upon fulfilling these requirements, the county clerk will issue the marriage license. Couples must note that this license becomes effective one day after being issued. Also, it is only valid for 60 days, and the marriage event must be conducted within this timeframe for it to be legally recognized.

How Do I Correct a Mistake on My Marriage Certificate?

Errors can occur on a marriage license or certificate in Illinois. Among the most common types of errors that people face include:

• Misspelled names
• Incorrect birth dates
• Wrong place of marriage
• Missing information

If a mistake is discovered on a marriage license or certificate, individuals can correct it. However, the process varies depending on the nature of the error and when it is discovered.

Contact the county clerk immediately if the error is noticed before the wedding. If it is found after the marriage, follow the procedures below to amend the certificate:

• Reach out to the county clerk's office where the marriage license was issued and ask for guidance regarding the situation.
• Gather required documents, such as a sworn statement or affidavit requesting the correction, a copy of the original marriage certificate, and a valid form of identification.
• Fill out any required forms to amend the marriage certificate. This can vary per county clerk.
• Pay the associated fee for the correction.
• Submit all the documents and payments either by mail or in person at the county clerk's office.

Are Marriage Records Under the Illinois Address Confidentiality Program (ACP) Accessible?

The Illinois Address Confidentiality Program (ACP) safeguards individuals affected by domestic violence, sexual assault, human trafficking, and stalking. This program provides a substitute address to participants, which is useful for interactions with government agencies.

Participants of ACP can take advantage of the program to make their marriage confidential by using the substitute address when applying for a marriage license. As a result, their actual address will not be publicly accessible through marriage records, thereby enhancing confidentiality.

Illinois Marriage Statistics and Trends

Marriage trends in the U.S. have significantly shifted in recent years. Per 2018 data, 53% of adults are married, a significant drop from the 58% recorded in 1995. In contrast, cohabitation has become more common in recent years. Data indicated that 7% of adults live together without marriage, which is higher than the recorded 3% from 1995.

It is reported that Asian adults have the highest marriage rate at 63%, followed by white adults at 57%, Hispanic adults at 44%, and black adults at 33%. Education level is another factor influencing marriage patterns. Among individuals with a bachelor's degree, 66% are married, compared to 54% of those with a high school education or less.

In Illinois, marriage statistics or trends are as follows:

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