Marriage Licenses

Special Notice


We are open for couples to obtain licenses in-person between the hours of 8:30 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. Monday - Friday. As of January 3, 2023, our hours of operation for in-person customers will change. Our new office hours will be 8:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. Monday - Friday. We encourage applicants to submit their information using the online application prior to coming in person to obtain the license. 

License Effective Period

All licenses issued by the office expire in 60 days, starting the day after the license is issued. The license must be obtained at least one day before the marriage ceremony. 

Marriage by a Judge

Couples with a valid license have the option of a judge performing the ceremony in-person or using the Zoom video conferencing program.  A $10 fee applies for ceremonies performed by a judge. Ceremonies are to be scheduled in advance by calling the Circuit Clerk’s Civil Division at 309-672-6984. A marriage license must be obtained at least one day before the Judge performs the ceremony. Visit the 10th Judicial Circuit's webpage to find out more.

Online Application

In order to speed up the application process, you may submit your application online prior to coming to our office. It will need to be completed in our office if not completed online.

License Fees

The fee for a marriage license is $75, which may be paid by cash, check, or debit/credit card (subject to an additional $4 fee). After your marriage, certified copies of your marriage license may be purchased. The first certified copy is $16 and additional copies purchased at the same time are $7 each.

Previous Marriages & Civil Unions

We must know how your previous marriage, civil union or substantially similar legal relationship ended, including the date, county and state in which it ended. If a prior marriage, civil union or substantially similar legal relationship ended within the last six months, the County Clerk’s office must see a certified copy (a photocopy is not sufficient) of the death record, divorce, dissolution or annulment decree.

Age Requirements

All applicants are required to show proof of age. We accept a certified copy of a birth certificate, a valid driver’s license, a draft card, state identification, U.S. Passport or military identification. If you are 16 or 17, you must bring a certified copy of your birth certificate.

Both applicants must be 18 years of age, or applicants 16 or 17 years of age may marry only after both parents of the minor sign a consent form available from our office. The signature of the consenting parents must be notarized. Your parents may complete the form when you obtain your license but they must provide identification for the notary, or if consenting parents complete the form prior to the time of application, the signatures must be notarized. 

Non-Residents

If either person lives in another state, we will issue a license only if the marriage would not be prohibited by that state or Country.

Medical Examination

No medical tests are required.