To get married at Chicago City Hall, you first obtain a $60 marriage license from the Cook County Clerk, wait one day for it to take effect, then bring the license, photo ID, and $10 in cash to the Richard J. Daley Center for a walk-in ceremony Tuesday through Friday. Suburban Cook County courthouses also perform ceremonies by appointment.
Getting the Marriage License First
You cannot be married at the courthouse without a valid Cook County marriage license, and the Circuit Court does not issue it. Both partners have to appear together at one of the Cook County Clerk’s four locations, complete an application, and show valid photo identification with proof of age. The license fee is $60.1Cook County Government. Marriage Licenses
Under the Illinois Marriage and Dissolution of Marriage Act, both applicants must be at least 18. Applicants who are 16 or 17 can marry only with written consent from both parents or a guardian, or with a judge’s approval.2Illinois General Assembly. 750 ILCS 5 – Illinois Marriage and Dissolution of Marriage Act If either of you has been divorced, bring the date the divorce was finalized. If it became final within the last six months, you also need a certified copy of the decree.1Cook County Government. Marriage Licenses
Citizenship status does not affect eligibility. Non-U.S. citizens can legally marry in Illinois; bring whatever government-issued identification you have, such as a passport or consular ID card.
The One-Day Wait
The license is not effective the moment the Clerk hands it over. Illinois law makes a marriage license effective one day after issuance in the county where it was issued.2Illinois General Assembly. 750 ILCS 5 – Illinois Marriage and Dissolution of Marriage Act Pick it up Monday, the earliest possible ceremony is Tuesday. A judge can waive the waiting period by court order, but that is a separate step.
Once effective, your license is valid for 60 days.3Circuit Court of Cook County. Marriage and Civil Union After that it expires, and you would have to apply and pay again. The license is also only meant to be used inside Cook County.
Where and When Ceremonies Happen
Cook County runs marriage ceremonies out of six courthouses. Only the downtown Chicago location takes walk-ins; every other courthouse is by appointment.3Circuit Court of Cook County. Marriage and Civil Union
Downtown Chicago at the Daley Center
The Richard J. Daley Center is the closest thing Chicago has to a City Hall wedding. Walk-in ceremonies run Tuesday through Friday, 9 a.m. to noon and 2 p.m. to 4 p.m., no appointment needed. Saturday ceremonies happen 9 a.m. to noon by appointment only. Mondays are set aside for virtual Zoom ceremonies, scheduled by calling (312) 603-5660.3Circuit Court of Cook County. Marriage and Civil Union
Suburban Cook County Courthouses
All five suburban courthouses take appointments Monday through Friday only, and they will not book you until you already have your license. Each has its own scheduling number:
- Skokie (2nd District): (847) 470-7200. Check in by 2:30 p.m.
- Rolling Meadows (3rd District): (847) 818-2286. Appointments at 3 p.m.; check in by 2:30 p.m. in Room 205L.
- Maywood (4th District): (708) 865-6060.
- Bridgeview (5th District): (708) 974-6290. Check in by 2:30 p.m.
- Markham (6th District): (708) 232-4169. Appointments at 2:30 p.m.
What to Bring on the Day
You need three things: your valid marriage license, the photo ID each of you used to apply, and $10 in cash for the ceremony fee. Credit cards and personal checks are not accepted.3Circuit Court of Cook County. Marriage and Civil Union
Illinois does not require witnesses, so bring guests or come as a couple. The ceremony is short. A judge performs the rites, you exchange vows, the judge signs the license, and you are married. The whole thing usually takes just a few minutes. Court staff send the signed license back to the Cook County Clerk for official recording within a few business days, and you can then order certified copies of your marriage certificate from the Clerk.
Total Cost
- Marriage license: $60, paid to the Cook County Clerk when you apply.1Cook County Government. Marriage Licenses
- Ceremony fee: $10 cash, paid at the courthouse on the day.3Circuit Court of Cook County. Marriage and Civil Union
- Certified copies of the marriage certificate: ordered separately from the Clerk for an additional fee.
Out of pocket, the license and ceremony together come to $70. Plan on ordering several certified copies afterward, since you will likely need them for name changes, insurance, and other paperwork.
Changing Your Name Is a Separate Step
Getting married at the courthouse does not change anyone’s legal name automatically. If either spouse plans to take the other’s surname, you have to update your records with each agency on your own.
The Social Security Administration recommends waiting at least 30 days after your marriage before requesting a replacement card with your new name, so the state has time to update its records first.4Social Security Administration. Just Married? Need to Change Your Name? You will need your marriage certificate and proof of identification. Depending on your state, part or all of it can be done through the SSA’s name change page; otherwise, book an appointment at a local office. The replacement card typically arrives within 5 to 10 business days.5Social Security Administration. Change Name with Social Security
For a U.S. passport, update Social Security first, since the State Department may verify against SSA records. You will need a certified marriage certificate, a current passport photo, and the correct application form for your situation.6U.S. Department of State. Passport Fees Processing takes roughly two to six weeks. If you have travel already booked in your former name, hold off on the passport change until you return, because your ID has to match the ticket.