How To Get A Marriage License In Illinois

Debra D. Ming-Mendoza Clerk's Office

Obtaining a Marriage License

We have a brochure containing all the information you need to obtain your marriage license.

Download the Marriage License Brochure in PDF format.

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Where to apply:

Office of Debbie Ming-Mendoza, Madison County Clerk, Administration Building, 157 North Main, Suite 109, Edwardsville, IL, 62025

Marriage Licenses are issued between 8:30 A.M. and 4:30 P.M., Monday through Friday except forholidays.

When to apply:

Couplesmust appear at the Office of the County Clerk. The license must be obtained at least 1 day prior to being used. The license is void 60 days after the effective date. The license must be used inMadison County .

FEE:The fee for a marriage license is $35.00 CASH, checks are not accepted.

QUALIFICATIONS:

AGE: In order to be married in Illinois without parental consent, you must be at least 18 years of age. If you are 16 or 17 years of age, both parents must sign a parental consent form in the County Clerk's Office and they must have a valid Driver's License or State ID for identification at the time you apply for your license. If it is not possible for your parents to sign in this office, signature can be witnessed by the County Clerk in your parent's County. If a parent is deceased, a death certificate, proof of guardianship, or court order waiving consent must be presented.

PROOF OF AGE:It is necessary to show proof of age when you apply for a marriage license. A valid Driver's License or State ID is acceptable. If you are under the age of 18, a certified copy of your birth record is necessary.

NON-RESIDENTS:If you get a marriage license in Madison County, the marriage ceremony must occur in Madison County within 60 days. If you live outside Illinois at the time of your marriage and intend to continue living outside Illinois following your marriage, we advise that you speak with an attorney -- prior to getting a marriage license -- about whether your marriage will be valid.

RETURN OF LICENSE:The license must be returned to the County Clerk's Office within 10 days after the date of the marriage. A return envelope is provided.

USE OF MARRIAGE LICENSE:Your marriage license must be obtained in the County where the marriage will take place. They are not transferable to any other county or state. If you are not sure as to what county the particular city of marriage is located, contact this office for assistance.

MARRIAGE BY A JUDGE:

Effective December 21, 2020: The Third Judicial Circuit COVID-19 Resurgence Response discontinues wedding or civil union ceremonies through February 1, 2021 and may be reviewed or Modified as circumstances require. (Administrative Order 2020-M-36) If you wish to be married by a judge, arrangements must be made with the Chief Judge's Office by calling 296-4580. Marriages are performed at the courthouse on Friday. After paying the required $10.00 judges' fee in the Circuit Clerk's Office, Room 118 in the courthouse, you will be directed to the court room where ceremonies are performed.

OBTAINING A CERTIFIED COPY:You can get a certified copy of your marriage license issued in Madison County from the County Clerk's Office.Include both parties' names, previous name(s) if needed, date of marriage, phone number and the fee of $20.00.Additional copies of the same license may be obtained for $8.00 each.

Download the vital records form you will need in PDF format

Submit the form to the following address:

Debbie Ming-Mendoza
Madison County Clerk
PO Box 218
Edwardsville IL 62025
(618) 692-6290

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DELIVERY FEES: Delivery is provided free by USPS or you may upgrade to FEDEX OVERNIGHT for an additional $30.00. Delivery payable by major credit card only American Express®, Discover®, MasterCard® or Visa®.